Few places welcome the new year like a beach town in Mexico. Warm nights, music on every corner and fireworks over the bay make New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta one of the most popular nights of the year. Here is our local guide for December 31, 2026: Mexican traditions to try, where to celebrate and how to plan your New Year’s Eve dinner.
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Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta
Downtown is the heart of the party. In recent years the city has welcomed the new year on the Malecón with music, crowds and fireworks over the bay, and even a drone show. Restaurants, bars and hotels along the bay and the Zona Romántica host their own dinners and parties, so most people start with dinner and then join the celebration around midnight.
Mexican New Year’s Eve Traditions
- The 12 grapes: at midnight you eat one grape with each chime of the clock and make a wish for every month of the year.
- A toast with family and friends right after the countdown.
- Lucky colors: some people wear red for love or yellow for money and good luck.
- The suitcase walk: walk around the block with an empty suitcase if you want to travel in the new year.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Oscar’s
On Thursday, December 31, 2026 we celebrate by the river on Isla Río Cuale, 5 minutes from the Malecón. Choose from three seatings, at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 pm, and enjoy a 4-course dinner, a glass of sparkling wine for the midnight toast, the 12 grapes, fireworks and a live DJ. The price is $2,800 MXN per adult and $800 MXN per child.
- Welcome: white gazpacho with Marcona almonds, wine-marinated grapes and bread crisps.
- Starter: mini squash blossom tamal with ranch cheese and Oaxaca cheese on pink mole.
- Choice of main: braised short rib with tamarind and ancho chile glaze, or catch of the day with champagne sauce and salmon roe.
- Dessert: dark chocolate mousse with port-roasted grapes, cacao crumble and champagne foam.
🔍 Click on the menu to enlarge it
Other drinks and gratuity are not included. Vegetarian, vegan and kids menus are available upon request, and the à la carte menu is not available on December 31. Reservations only. See all the details on our New Year’s Eve dinner in Puerto Vallarta page.
Tips for New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta
- Book early. December 31 is the busiest night of the year in Puerto Vallarta and dinners sell out.
- Pick the right seating: the 9:30 pm seating takes you straight to the countdown; 5:30 pm is easier with kids.
- Walk, don’t drive. Downtown gets very busy and getting a taxi around midnight can take a while.
- Groups of more than 8 book through WhatsApp at 322 227 2929.
Before the new year, join us for Christmas dinner on December 24 and 25, and see every event in our Holiday Calendar.
Whether you are here for a week or for the whole season, a New Year’s Eve dinner by the river is a simple way to feel at home in Puerto Vallarta. Our team has been welcoming guests on Isla Río Cuale since 1997, and this is one of our favorite nights of the year. Reserve early, bring your appetite and leave room for dessert.
New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta: FAQ
Are there fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Fireworks at midnight are part of the celebration downtown and around the bay. At Oscar’s we also have fireworks over the river.
Where can I have New Year’s Eve dinner in Puerto Vallarta?
At Oscar’s on Isla Río Cuale we serve a 4-course New Year’s Eve dinner on December 31, 2026, with seatings at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 pm.
How much is New Year’s Eve dinner at Oscar’s?
$2,800 MXN per adult and $800 MXN per child. It includes the 4-course dinner, a sparkling toast at midnight, the 12 grapes, fireworks and live DJ.
What is the 12 grapes tradition?
At midnight you eat one grape with each of the 12 chimes and make a wish for each month of the new year.
