YUCATAN AT CHRISTMAS: WHAT TO EXPECT.
Every year, we love getting away at Christmas. Ideally to visit somewhere hot, exotic and totally different to home.
We spent Christmas in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula — and it was, in the best possible way, unlike any Christmas we’d known before.
There’s something quite magical about being in a tropical location at Christmas — palm trees instead of pines, sunshine instead of snow. But I also wanted to feel that little spark of festivity: the lights, the music, the slightly over-the-top decorations. And the Yucatan delivered all of that.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about spending Christmas in the Yucatan — what to expect, what’s open, and the best places to celebrate.
Is Christmas Celebrated in the Yucatan?
Yes, absolutely. Mexico is a deeply Catholic country, and Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year.
You’ll see a wonderful mix of tradition, religious celebration and family joy. If you’re expecting a quiet, sleepy holiday, think again — the energy is joyful and noisy.
What You Can Expect to See at Christmas
Based on our experience spending the month of December in this area of Mexico, here’s what you can expect to see.
1. Plenty of Decorations
As soon as we landed in Cancun, we were smacked around the face by Christmas decorations. I’ll admit — it was jarring at first. It’s hard to get into a “festive” mood when it’s 30°C.
But the locals go all out. Giant Christmas trees sprout in the middle of public squares, fairy lights wrap around palm trunks, and there’s no shortage of colourful (and sometimes garish) displays.
You’ll see inflatable Santas beside coconut stalls and snowflake lights glittering against colonial facades. It’s gloriously over the top.
2. Christmas Shopping Frenzy
Just like at home, the weeks leading up to Christmas mean that all the “high streets” are buzzing. Local markets and shopping streets were filled with shoppers dashing about to get all their last minute gifts and decorations.
But, it doesn’t’ quite feel as hectic as being on Oxford Street – it just means there’s a buzz in the air.
3. Family Time
Christmas in the Yucatan is, above all, about family. On Christmas Eve, most people head home to celebrate together — it’s La Noche Buena, the main event.
We spent Christmas Day in Progreso and half expected the beach to be empty, thinking that locals would be home for the day. But it was absolutely packed — families gathered on the sand, kids running in and out of the sea, adults toasting with cold beers.
The atmosphere was genuinely electric. It became a Christmas Day we will remember forever.
4. People Eating Out on Christmas Day
If you’re staying in a touristy area, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to eat on Christmas Day. Most restaurants and cafes along the coast stay open, though the best spots get busy fast.
We queued for ages to get a table at a low-key fish restaurant in Progreso — it ended up being one of our best meals. Blue margaritas and delicious fried fish. But there was a moment when I thought we might not get a table.
If you want a special Christmas lunch or dinner, I’d definitely recommend booking in advance.
5. The Sun
And of course — the biggest difference of all. The sun.
Christmas in the Yucatan means blue skies, palm trees, and beach days. No matter how many times I do it, it always feel completely surreal (and completely wonderful) to spend Christmas in a bikini.
6. Christmas traditions
From the 16th of December, towns and villages across the Yucatán celebrate Las Posadas — a series of processions that reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
We didn’t manage to catch a full procession, but we did stumble across a piñata celebration outside a church one night. It was such a joyful scene — children taking enthusiastic swings while the crowd sang “Dale, dale, dale!” and laughed together.
Great places to spend Christmas in the Yucatan
Based on our experience, here are four places in the Yucatan that we think would be ideal to hunker down over Christmas.
1/ Valladolid
Valladolid is one of our favourite towns in the Yucatán — small enough to feel intimate, but lively enough to keep you entertained. The pastel-coloured streets look beautiful under the Christmas lights, and the main square fills with families each evening for food, music, and people-watching.
If you’d like a more relaxed Christmas away from the coastal crowds, Valladolid is perfect. You can spend the day exploring nearby cenotes, visiting the Convent of San Bernardino, or just lingering over coffee in the square.
You can visit nearby attractions like Ek Balam and Chichen Itza in the run up to Christmas too.
In the city itself, there’s a real sense of calm here — a good place to slow down and soak up the season quietly.
Find our detailed guide to Valladolid here.
2/ Merida
Merida is a really atmospheric city, full of history. It’s also well known for the exciting food scene. If you want to spend Christmas Day with a spot of fine dining – Merida may be perfect for you.
Many of the larger restaurants, like Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca will be open on the day. Others, like Huniik may be closed on the 25th December, but reopen for boxing day.
Find our detailed guide to Merida here.
3/ Progreso
We spent Christmas in Progreso and it was a wonderful experience for us. We booked into a charming apartment – I spent the morning doing some yoga on our terrace and we cooked up a special Christmas breakfast (including frozen margaritas).
By afternoon, we headed to the beach to join crowds of families. Topping the day off with friend fish and yet more margaritas.
It was laid-back, sunny, and full of life — exactly what we wanted from a Christmas by the sea.
Find our detailed guide to Progreso here.
4/ Holbox
If you want your Christmas to feel completely unplugged, Holbox is the spot. This little island off the north coast of the Yucatan is slow-paced, and ridiculously beautiful.
Christmas here would be about spending as much time barefoot as possible, eating fresh seafood and relaxing at beach bars.
Find our detailed guide to Holbox here.
5/ Campeche
For something a little different, head west to Campeche. It’s a UNESCO-listed city with colourful colonial streets, sea views, and far fewer tourists than the east coast.
Campeche has a quiet elegance about it — you can stroll along the malecón at sunset, dine on excellent seafood, and still feel the festive buzz without the chaos. The main square is beautifully decorated at Christmas with a market.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to experience a more local, authentic side of the Yucatan at Christmas — charming, walkable, and full of atmosphere.
Find our detailed guide to Campeche here.
Is Transport Available at Christmas?
Transport runs as usual in the days leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, things begin to slow down in the evening as people travel home for celebrations, and on Christmas Day itself, there can be fewer buses or taxis in smaller towns.
That said, if you’re in a tourist area like Cancún, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen, you’ll barely notice the difference — services continue, and it’s easy to get around. Even if you wanted to take a long-distance bus from one city to another, you can.
Just book ahead if you’re travelling longer distances.
Are Restaurants & Shops Open on Christmas Day?
In tourist areas, yes. Many restaurants, cafes, and beach bars stay open, and some even host special menus.
In smaller towns, local family-run places may close so that everyone can celebrate together, but you’ll still find options, especially in main squares or near the coast.
Supermarkets and convenience stores often reopen by late afternoon on Christmas Day. We were able to pick up some seltzer and snacks for our Christmas Day treats on the beach.
How busy is this area during Christmas?
In short — it’s busy.
December is high season in the Yucatan, especially along the Riviera Maya. Expect full hotels, lively restaurants, and beaches.
Merida and inland towns are calmer, with more of a local feel — but coastal areas like Playa del Carmen and Tulum can be buzzing. If you like atmosphere, you’ll love it. If you prefer peace, aim for smaller towns or plan your beach time early in the morning before the crowds appear.
Book accommodation, car hire, and popular tours in advance — it’s one of the busiest times of the year.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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