Old-town Puerto Vallarta lit up in December

Posadas, Nochebuena & a quiet Christmas Day

Christmas & the posadas

Mexican Christmas builds for nine nights of posadas and peaks on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. For visitors that means one big dinner to book early, and then one of the calmest, loveliest beach days of the year.

Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0

WhenDec 16–25 In 33 days
WhereCitywide
CostFree
Facts checked2026-11-13 · Sources

The season at a glance

  1. Nov 12–22 Festival Gourmet Internationalon now
  2. Thu Nov 26 US Thanksgivingin 13 days
  3. Dec 1–12 Virgin of Guadalupe pilgrimagesin 18 days
  4. Dec – Mar Humpback whale seasonin 25 days
  5. Dec 16–25 Christmas & the posadasin 33 days
  6. Dec 31 New Year's Evein 48 days

Dec 16–25

What happens

  • December 16–24: Las Posadas, a nine-night tradition that remembers Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, with candlelit processions, songs and piñatas for the children (Western Union guide to Mexican Christmas).
  • In Puerto Vallarta, Villa del Palmar describes posada gatherings with a reenactment of the search for lodging, games, piñatas, gift exchanges, singing and dancing.
  • December 24, Nochebuena, is the centerpiece of the season: in many Mexican households it is the main celebration, and families gather on the 24th rather than the 25th.
  • December 25 is an official rest day in Mexico under Article 74 of the Federal Labor Law, reserved for rest and family visits. Visit Puerto Vallarta notes restaurants offer special holiday menus.

Local tips

  • Book your Nochebuena dinner early and ask each restaurant for the menu, price and seating time. Our guide to holiday dinners lists what is confirmed so far.
  • If you are invited to a posada, ask the host what to bring. Gifts, games and a piñata are part of many gatherings.
  • Check what is open on December 24 and 25 before you plan: it is an official rest day, and hours vary by place.

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FAQ

Common questions

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in Puerto Vallarta?

Many are, but the big night in Mexico is Christmas Eve (Nochebuena, December 24), when lots of restaurants serve set holiday menus and book up early. December 25 is a quiet, relaxed day; some places close or open late, so check hours before you go.

Next up · Dec 31

New Year's Eve

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