+1 (800) 895-3000

Christmas Shopping in the Mexican Caribbean

The end of the year is near and the holiday season is coming ever closer. Consequently, Christmas shopping is on the way, of course! If you’re among the lucky ones going on holidays to Cancun or Riviera Maya in the pre-Christmas season, you’ll not only enjoy a wonderful climate, but also the opportunity to do your Christmas shopping differently. Forget all about stress and last-minute purchases. Simply revel in the charming and interesting shopping opportunities you’ll have in Mexico‘s Caribbean!

Woman on the beach wearing a Santa hat in Cancun

Where to Go Christmas Shopping in Cancun?

First of all, know that Cancun not only has a variety of things to do but also offers endless Christmas shopping options. If you’re staying in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, why not take advantage of being in a place full of colors, traditions, and culture? All of this is beautifully reflected in the original Mexican craft shops and markets.

You’ll find everything in small stalls on the streets and in big establishments full of select, wonderful, and colorful handicrafts. Even more, you can visit the Cancun downtown area and shop for trinkets at the tourist-friendly Market 28.

While Christmas shopping in Rivera Maya, you can buy jewelry

Moreover, you can acquire items from international, renowned brands at very affordable prices, compared to those in other countries. Cancun is famous for its large, modern shopping malls. So if you wish for international luxury brands, go to La Isla Shopping Village and the Luxury Avenue at Plaza Kukulkan in the Hotel Zone.

Woman with pre-Christmas shopping in Cancun
Luxury Avenue is a great place for shopping in Cancun’s Hotel Zone (Photo from LuxuryAvenue.com).

Downtown, the great Malecon Las Americas is worth visiting. There, you’ll also find several upscale shops, from L’Occitane to Massimo Dutti to Tous and even an Apple iStore. Liverpool, a prestigious department store chain with multiple upscale brands, also has branches in both Malecon Las Americas and La Isla Shopping Village. If you’d like personalized advice or transportation options, contact us now or chat with your Amstar representative at your hotel. We’ll all be happy to assist you!

Couple shopping in Cancun
Shopping around Playa del Carmen’s entertainment district on Fifth Avenue.

Christmas Shopping in Riviera Maya and Chichen Itza – What Do These Places Offer?

Furthermore, if you’re looking for jewelry and diamonds, Cancun is a great choice. But Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are also the right places to find them! Small shops with handmade pieces of jewelry or internationally famous stores with fashionable designs — it’s all at the world-famous Fifth Avenue entertainment district. Even if you’re staying at a Cancun hotel, there’s a great Christmas shopping tour that takes you to the heart of Playa del Carmen. The only difficult part of this excursion is choosing whether the gifts will be for your loved ones — or for yourself!

Additionally, another great place for Christmas shopping is Chichen Itza. This, of course, is a must-visit during your vacation in the Mexican Caribbean. Experience the magical Chichen with transportation from your Cancun resort. Likewise, you can visit this New 7th Wonder of the World with pick-up from your Riviera Maya accommodation. Learn more details about the bus tour to Chichen Itza.

Once you’re at this archaeological complex, experience the magic of the Mayan people through its temples — and through its handicrafts and souvenirs. The locals create them mostly by hand, and they’ll be happy to bargain with you for a better price. As a result, you’ll enjoy a different Christmas shopping experience while you’re there!

Make sure to visit Chichen Itza and shop for souvenirs, like these beautifully handcrafted sarapes from local Mayan artists.

Enjoy the Gift of Christmas Vacation in Cancun and Riviera Maya!

Finally, let’s not forget that you can give away experiences and make a Christmas gift out of the awesome tours available during your Mexican Caribbean vacation! If you’ve got a friend vacationing with you this Christmas, why not give them a refreshing trip to the area’s freshwater cenotes (sinkholes). Also, you can give them that fun catamaran sailing tour to Isla Mujeres they’ve been dreaming of! Especially relevant, you can be a pal and arrange hassle-free, quality transportation to Cancun Airport once your vacation ends.

Above all, we wish you and your loved ones a happy Christmas shopping season, and a revitalizing vacation in the Mexican Caribbean during the holidays!

—This is an update of the original November 2013 post.