Spending the Holidays in Puerto Vallarta

Image: The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta. (photo by Codie Liermann)
Image: The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta. (photo by Codie Liermann)
by Puerto Vallarta Blog
Last updated:: 10:00 PM ET, Wed September 27, 2023

The Festive season is an exciting and vibrant time to travel to Puerto Vallarta. The city comes alive with celebrations. 

In December, processions take place that honor the Virgin of Guadalupe throughout Mexico, and in Puerto Vallarta, the event takes place from December 1-12 and follows a traditional route through the downtown to the The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Another traditional celebration is Posadas. This event is also celebrated around Mexico and honors the journey of Mary and Joseph and their search for shelter. From December 16-24, neighborhoods hold processions and travel to designated homes and sing, asking for lodging, and a party begins when the hosts open their doors. 

Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone.

Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone. (photo via Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board) (Photo Credit: (photo via Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board))



Travelers to Puerto Vallarta will want to set aside time on Christmas Eve, which is the day most residents hold their holiday feasts, eating turkey and a host of other traditional dishes, including sweet and savory tamales. Pinatas also play a role in the festivities, taking turns hitting the stars until sweets fall to the ground. 

Puerto Vallarta

Fireworks over the bay in Puerto Vallarta. (photo via Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board) (Photo Credit: (photo via Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board))



New Year's is another vibrant celebration in the city and includes an extravagant fireworks display. There are also a few New Year's traditions to partake in, including the local ritual where residents eat one grape for each time the bell tolls at midnight and making a wish for every month in the coming year. 

Street parties take place throughout the city with late night food stalls and impromptu dance parties in neighborhoods and fireworks can be seen throughout the city. The best views for the fireworks however would be along the Malecon or anywhere on Banderas Bay. 


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

Featured: Podcast

Get To Know Us Better

Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me
Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me