Christmas in Yucatán is truly magical.
A ride past the holiday lights on the Paseo Montejo in the evening or on Avenida Libano toward San Ramón Norte will put you in the spirit. So I went in search of shops in Mérida that just plain put out the holiday vibe.
Galerías el Triunfo
The beautifully decorated window displays beckon at Galerías el Triunfo. I am a snowman fan and could definitely liberate the entire stock of them at this fabulous shop. Triunfo has every size, shape, and color of just about every type of Christmas kitsch. Their holiday glass serving trays are set up on shelves in the back of the store, along with Christmas cocktail glasses. If you need to give an unusual gift, get a lamp with feather plumes, decorative vases, comfy kid chairs, and all types of ceramic animals. They also have a section of leisurewear for the holidays or everyday wear — if, again, you like feathers.
Calle 30 #309, San Ramón Norte, or Paseo de Montejo 474 Centro; open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Home & Decor
The big store window is what caught my eye. What a pretty, fun window display of a mailbox for sending letters to Santa. Inside they carry artificial trees, tree ropes, garlands, artificial flowers, some giant Christmas balls, big snowflakes, ferns and poinsettias, dried eucalyptus, and lots of small-gift ideas. A Christmas decoration as a gift is a lasting memory. Just for ideas on how to decorate your home to look festive but tastefully elegant during the holidays it is worth the visit. Home & Decor was quite busy with people searching eagerly for the right purchase.
#253 Plaza Mónaco, Avenida Andrés García Lavín at Calle 57, San Ramón Norte; Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Walmart’s parking garage
Listing Walmart may seem a bit crazy, but the toy store down in the parking garage has captured the spirit. A store that appears as a giant Barbie house is part of the appeal for those tiny shoppers. Then upon entering the store is a combination Barbie dream shop and toy store. If you are gift buying for a younger group, it is a fun stop along the way. I found Play-Doh sets, stuffed animals of every kind, Matchbox racer tracks, life-size dolls, Twister, and so much more. It was like a tour of both new toys and Christmas memories.
Paseo de Montejo and Avenida Pérez Ponce No. 379, Centro, open daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; 999-926-1978
God’s Blessing
Christmas Trees, poinsettias, and decorations add a Christmas touch to any household. Hoping for one-stop shopping, I went to the popup store God’s Blessing, and, yes, they had everything I needed. Traditional and variegated poinsettias, fresh trees big and small, Rudolph made from pine, giant stars with lights, and many other plant-related decorations. They also have a nice variety of cacti and flowers. This is located on Calle 60 beside my favorite flower pot and clay pot stand.
Calle 60 between 35 and 37, 222-534-4827
Piñatas Originales, Doña Mechita
When living in the Yucatán, why not join in the fun and snack around a piñata? While driving near Chuburna market, we spotted a turkey piñata hanging in the doorway of a private home. It seemed inevitable that I would purchase one for Christmas. The turkey in the Santa suit just made sense somehow and was only 250 pesos. The selection was big and so much fun to browse. The largest piñata was 350 pesos. They had them in the shape of stars, Santas, Christmas trees, snowmen, and donkeys. The piñatas are made there in the home and sold out of the front room. Doña Mechita is obviously proud of her products.
Calle 21 No. 656, Col. Chuburna, Mérida; 999-746-2677, hours vary
