What to Expect in Puerto Vallarta for Christmas & New Year’s (Especially if You’re Gay)
Decorations set up on Basilio Badillo (December 3rd, 2025)
Okay, let’s face it you’re probably freezinggggg your az off in the United States or Canada and ready to get WARMED up in Puerto Vallarta but wanna have somewhat of an idea of what to expect for your holiday here.
Well, lucky for you — I’ve got you covered.
I have spent 4 holiday seasons here so far and pretty much have an idea of what to expect here… and if you’ve ever wondered what tropical Christmas magic looks like — and what the gay community in Puerto Vallarta gets into for New Year’s — baby, let me tell you something…
December in PV is PRIME TIME. It’s also my birthday month! Yes, I’m a Sagittarius. Can you tell?
On the Malecon in 2024, as the decorations started to get placed
Anyway, back to PV… We’re talking absolutely perfect weather, insane sunsets, full gay nightlife, beach clubs popping TF off every day, and a full calendar of holiday events. It’s truly the one time of year where you can sip a margarita on the beach while listening to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” without feeling delusional or maybe that is delusion? lol…
So, if you’re planning a trip for Christmas or New Year’s (or both), here’s exactly what to expect — from where to stay, where to party, where to eat, and where the gays will be posted up all month long.
Christmastime in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Vibe of December in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta in December feels a bit strange I have to admit. Being in a warm climate for this time of year always weirds me out… but I get to sit and enjoy it vs. dying in New York City — where I used to live. So I love it… and let me set the vibe for you.
Here’s what you can expect:
Warm, beautiful weather — around 75–80°F all day
Dry season — meaning no rain, perfect beach days
Sunsets are UNREAL (the sunset are the best during this time)
Zona Romántica is full and festive with decorations
Gay travelers from all over the world pull up to show us what they got
It’s the busiest month of the year, so the energy is HIGH!
Christmas here is more relaxed and beachy. New Year’s? Full-throttle gay chaos (in the best way).
Christmas in PV: Chill, Cute, and Very Gay
Met this lovely lady and her father last year at the gay bars and they took me in, lol, I was solo dolo. Don’t ever be afraid to spark up a convo with folks!
While Christmas in the United States can be stress, family drama, and buying last-minute gifts at stores that support Trump… PV gives you a whole different experience:
What to Expect Christmas Week
The streets take on a different look and feel during the holidays babes! It’s CUTE AF.
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is the big deal in Mexico. Locals are with family, but the gay bars are open and buzzing. Literally everyone is lit AF in the streets having family get togethers and just a good ‘ol time. The bars and restaurants are open, too.
Baby, I love posing… lolz.
Christmas Day is surprisingly lively:
Beach clubs are full
Drag brunches still run
Restaurants offer special menus
Gay bars pop OFF around 8 pm
Everyone is day-drunk by 2 pm
This is the perfect time for:
Beach hopping
Sunset cocktails
Low-key nightlife
Eating everything (the FOOD in December? Amazing.) Here are my favorite restaurants.
It’s festive without the pressure. No one cares what you’re wearing, how much you spent on gifts, or if your family group chat is acting messy. Literally. NO ONE CARES. Just have fun. Leave the family drama with them in the states or wherever they are and forget about it!
New Year’s in PV: The Gay Olympics
Just some of the fireworks you’ll see from Los Muertos Pier during that week.
Let’s just say this clearly: New Year’s in Puerto Vallarta is one of the GAYEST weeks of the entire year. Thousands of gay travelers fly in specifically for this week. I seriously have never had so much fun before till I experienced New Years here. It’s also A LOT of fireworks! I was shocked to see them so close on the beach… like literally footsteps away from my face. LOL! Crazy but an experience to witness, for sure!
The Big Event: Mantamar New Year’s Festival
This is the vibe on the beach during this time of year…
This is the party series everyone talks about. DJ sets, shirtless men everywhere, champagne fountains, beach parties, and pool parties that go from: Dec 29 → Jan 3
Expect:
Daily themed pool parties
International DJs
Drag queens
Fireworks
Night events at The Top Sky Bar
A massive NYE blowout that goes until 3–4 am
A very suggestive after-party culture 👀 (Get the tea on clothing optional spots here)
If you want to party like a gay superhero, this is your moment.
The Best Gay Bars to Visit
I always say PV has a gay bar for EVERY personality. Here are the standouts for holiday season:
Paco’s Ranch: High-energy dancing + iconic drag shows. This is where the girls go to SWEAT.
Mr. Flamingo: The hot pink outdoor bar where you will absolutely end up dancing on the street at 2 am. Zero judgment.
Reinas Bar: Campy, hilarious, drag-friendly, and a PV classic. Think wigs, tiaras, and cheap drinks.
CC Slaughters: Late-night dance club. If you’re still out at 4 am, this is where you’ll be.
The Top Sky Bar (Almar Resort): Chic rooftop, beautiful crowd, gorgeous sunset views — more elevated and perfect for holiday evenings.
Where to Stay (Gay Hotels That Make Sense)
These are my personal go-to favs — and you can link readers to your full guide: For a full list, check out my Best Gay Hotels in Puerto Vallarta guide.
Almar Resort & Mantamar Beach Club: The epicenter of gay holiday life. Steps from the gay beach. If you want to be around parties 24/7 — this is your spot.
Casa Cupula: Boutique, chic, gay-owned, stunning. Perfect for travelers who want luxury without chaos.
Blue Chairs Resort: PV classic. Beachfront, affordable, and super gay. Not fancy, but you are smack in the middle of the gay beach.
Piñata PV: Adults-only, gay-owned, stylish boutique hotel with a private vibe but near everything.
Tryst: PV’s most modern LGBTQ hotel, the perfect place to see the gays and be seen!
Events Happening in December & January
Depending on the exact year, these often include:
Mantamar NYE Festival (Dec 29–Jan 3)
NYE Dinner + Show at The Top Sky Bar
Drag shows at The Palm Cabaret (my favorite is the Beyonce show!)
Weekly drag brunches at Casa Cupula and Tryst on weekends
Special Christmas dinners at local restaurants
Street parties along Olas Altas during New Year’s week
Fireworks on Los Muertos Pier
The Christmas tree display on the Malecon
And honestly… PV doesn’t need an excuse to party. Everyone is outside anyway! Its warm, the weather is PERFECT… so why not?
What to Eat & Drink
December is a great time to try:
Tamales
Pozole
Rosca de Reyes (early January)
Local seafood (always hits)
Margaritas, palomas & micheladas
Mezcal EVERYTHING
Holiday prix-fixe menus around Zona Romántica
Get my favorite restaurants here. Also, consider taking a food tour with my OFFICIAL partner, Vallarta Eats (using my code NICK10 for a discount on me!)
Travel Tips (Things You Should Know)
Book early: Hotels, flights, and Mantamar tickets sell out FAST.
Get a lil cute outfit for NYE: Sequins, mesh, gold, silver — you’re in a gay beach town. Give a little sparkle. Its hard to find those kinda things here. At least things I like. So just an FYI to probably bring it with you vs. going shopping!
Cash for taxis + tips: MOST spots still prefer CASH aka Pesos not USD.
Weather is perfect: Sunscreen is a MUST. Sun may not be as strong but its definitely pumping out UV.
Zona Romántica = super walkable: You can be drunk and still get home safely in 5–10 minutes.
It’s extremely gay-friendly and safe, read more about that here: But yes, still be respectful.
Are you looking for more information on the great city of Puerto Vallarta? I have poured ALL my knowledge into 50-pages in my guide to help you have the best time here, safely. Please consider grabbing it if you’re traveling solo and basically want a local guide to tell you what’s best… or if you’re traveling here for the first time. I hope you enjoy this place as much as I do!!! :) Grab it here.
FAQ — Everything Visitors Ask
Q: Is PV safe for LGBTQ+ travelers during the holidays? Absolutely. Zona Romántica is one of the safest, gay-friendliest neighborhoods in Mexico.
Q: Is Christmas “busy”? Yes — but in a cute way. It’s lively but not overwhelming. NYE is the wild week.
Q: What’s the dress code for Mantamar NYE? Think: mesh, harness, glitter, short shorts. Don’t overthink it — just be festive.
Q: Should I reserve for Christmas dinner? YES. Restaurants get packed.
Q: How expensive is PV during the holidays? It’s the priciest week of the year, especially hotels — but still cheaper than NYC/LA/Miami.
Q: Can I do PV solo during Christmas or NYE? 100%. You’ll make friends instantly — especially at the gay beach. Just bring the vibes and the men will flock to you!
Q: What’s the weather like? Sunny, warm, breezy. Not humid. Perfect beach weather.
The Final Tea
If you want a holiday season full of sunshine, community, good food, partying, healing, and maybe even a little romance… Puerto Vallarta is definitely the move.
Whether you come for:
the beaches,
the gay nightlife,
the drag shows,
or just to escape winter depression…
PV will give you exactly what you need.
And baby —New Year’s at Mantamar? You’ll never forget it. (Or maybe you will, depending on how much tequila you drink.)
Let me know if you’d like to book your stay with me directly via this form and I’ll give you the best experience!
Book your trip today through the map below:
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