December Holidays in Puerto Vallarta: Tradition, Flavor and Festivities by the Sea

December in Puerto Vallarta feels like nowhere else. While much of the world bundles up in scarves and heavy coats, this Pacific city greets the holidays with warm breezes, crimson sunsets, fireworks over the bay and a cultural vibrancy that fills every street. Here, traditions blend seamlessly with large-scale public celebrations, creating a holiday season that is both deeply rooted and joyfully electric.

From the processions of the Fiestas Guadalupanas to New Year’s Eve festivities that transform the entire waterfront into one of Mexico’s biggest communal parties, Puerto Vallarta offers countless ways to celebrate — whether you’re a resident, seasonal homeowner or traveler experiencing this magic for the first time.

FIESTAS GUADALUPANAS
The season begins with the Fiestas Guadalupanas, held from December 1–12, in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint. This is one of the most meaningful cultural events in the entire region—and a defining tradition for Puerto Vallarta.

For 12 days, the historic downtown transforms into a vibrant corridor of movement, devotion and celebration. More than 400 processions make their way toward the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, its crown-shaped tower standing watch over the city and bay. Families, schools, local associations and businesses participate, often accompanied by folkloric dancers, mariachis and beautifully decorated floats.

The air fills with the aroma of street foods that make this season irresistible: tamales, pozole, churros, buñuelos, roasted corn and more. Fireworks light the sky every night, echoing through the cobblestone streets.

The highlight, La Peregrinación de los Favorecidos, takes place on December 12 and draws up to 20,000 people. Observing it offers travelers a rare, respectful window into Vallarta’s identity — a collective expression of faith, heritage and community pride.

CHRISTMAS IN PUERTO VALLARTA
Although Christmas is celebrated here with strong religious traditions, it is equally marked by social gatherings, seaside dining and a festive atmosphere that stretches from the neighborhoods to the shoreline.

Throughout the week leading up to Christmas Eve, you may hear the sounds of posadas, community processions reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. These are private, neighborhood-based traditions, but if your local community holds one, it’s an unforgettable experience: live music, candles, warm ponche, and piñatas for the children.

Dining out is a central part of Christmas in Puerto Vallarta. Many restaurants create special holiday menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and tables — especially those overlooking the ocean — sell out quickly. On the Malecón or directly on the sand, you can enjoy fresh seafood, seasonal dishes, live music and a festive ambiance made even more charming by the illuminated sculptures and public art installations.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: ONE OF MEXICO’S MOST ELECTRIC CELEBRATIONS
If there is a single night that defines December in Puerto Vallarta, it’s New Year’s Eve: the Malecón becomes the epicenter, drawing thousands who gather for street performers, live bands, dancing and a euphoric countdown to midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, a spectacular fireworks display ignites the sky over Banderas Bay, reflected in the water and mirrored by cheers from every direction.

Meanwhile, Holi Beach offers a more grassroots celebration: families and groups set up tables, grills, coolers, lanterns and speakers, creating a pop-up festival right on the sand. The celebration often lasts until dawn as people dance, swim and welcome the first sunrise of the year.

Across the city, hotels, villas, beach clubs and private boats host their own festivities — from elegant gala dinners to DJ-driven parties in Marina Vallarta, El Centro, the Romantic Zone and the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood.

WHERE TRADITION MEETS CELEBRATION
What makes December in Puerto Vallarta so captivating is the harmony between authentic local traditions and large-scale public celebrations that embrace everyone. In a single trip, you can witness cultural processions, enjoy a Christmas dinner on the beach and ring in the new year alongside thousands of joyful revelers under Pacific fireworks.