Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The start of winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season; traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe; free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown; culinary treats all around town; the International Pro Am golf tournament; the release of baby sea turtles; perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80's; and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega "12 Days Of Winter" (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.

To participate, register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1st to 12th. Following are the prizes to be awarded:

Dec. 1: Huichol Art from a Local Artist
The Huichol people, a local indigenous group native to the state of Jalisco, are known for their colorful and intricate yarn paintings and bead works. Courtesy of Peyote People.

Dec 2: Three Bottles of Artisan Tequilas
Warm up from the winter’s chill with a smooth tasting Tequila from the state of Jalisco, the birthplace of the world famous Mexican spirit. Puerto Vallarta boasts several Tequila distilleries and haciendas offering guided tours of the agave plantations and distillery process as well as tastings. Many hotels in Puerto Vallarta also offer Tequila tasting with an expert Tequila sommelier. Courtesy of Hacienda Doña Engracia, Friendly Vallarta Beach Resort & Spa and Hotel Catedral.

Dec 3: Two Bottles of Artisan Raicilla
Not for the faint of heart, Raicilla, known as "the grandfather of tequila," is a stronger and more concentrated version of the popular spirit originating in Puerto Vallarta. This pre-Hispanic drink is made from the wild agave plant unlike Tequila, which is obtained from the blue agave. Courtesy: Balam Raicilla & River Café.

Dec 4: Local Art Piece
Puerto Vallarta is home to many contemporary artists born and raised in the area as well as from other parts of Mexico and around the world who migrated to the Pacific beach resort. Their creations can be seen along the Malecon and on display in the many galleries around town. Several of the artists have reached international fame. Courtesy of Colectika art gallery.

Dec 5: Three-Night Culinary Getaway to Puerto Vallarta
Three-day stay for two in Puerto Vallarta for two including cooking classes, a taco tour and 3-nights at Villa Mercedes, a petit hotel for adults only, located in the heart of Zona Romantica steps from Los Muertos Beach. Courtesy of Hotel Villa Mercedes, River Café, and Vallarta Food Tours.

Dec 6: Three-Night Private Beach Front Getaway to Puerto Vallarta
Three days/nights for two at the Sapphire Beach Club to soak up the Vallarta sun and enjoy a slew of outdoor activities, top notch cuisine and exciting nightlife. Courtesy Sapphire Beach Club.

Dec 7: Three-Night Getaway at The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
A three-day/night getaway for two at the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta which features several pools, a fitness studio, spa, world class dining, a tequila bar and juicery. Courtesy of the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta.

Dec 8: Three-Night Vip Getaway at the Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa
Enjoy VIP treatment and travel like a celebrity at the Villa Premiere, a favorite hotel among fashionistas and famous entertainers such as Zendaya. The beachfront Villa Premiere offers ocean-facing suites, swimming pools, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, a spa and hair salon, and a myriad of activities and services such as daily yoga classes on the beach. Courtesy of Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa.

Dec 9: Three-Night Getaway at the Costa Sur Resort
Getaway for two at the Costa Sur Resort, known for its romantic setting, including 3 relaxing days and nights along Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore. Courtesy Costa Sur Resort.

Dec 10: Three-Night Getaway at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort
Three days/nights for two at the ultra-modern all inclusive Hilton Resort, recipient of the 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award. Courtesy of Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort.

Dec 11: Three-Night Family Getaway at Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa
Fun filled mini vacation for a family of four with three nights/days at the Playa los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa featuring swimming pools, volleyball court, nightly entertainment and five restaurants and bars. Courtesy of Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort.

Dec 12 - Grand Prize: Twelve-Night Vacation in Puerto Vallarta
Twelve fabulous days and nights in Puerto Vallarta for two with stays at three hotels located in different parts of the city offering distinctive service, atmosphere, activities and attractions making for an outstanding vacation experience. Courtesy of Casa Iguana All Suites Hotel Mismaloya, Hotel Catedral and Hotel Casa Velas.

Winners of the getaway prizes to be awarded between December 5th through 12th will also receive a choice of 2 activities in Puerto Vallarta courtesy of Vallarta Adventures, Dolphin Discovery, and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.