Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Here in Puerto Vallarta, the holiday season is a nonstop ride of families, fiestas, and fun. From live music and theater to cultural celebrations and charity events, there's something fun for everyone to enjoy! Here's a look at some upcoming happenings that you won't want to miss.

2016 Christmas Bird Count Scheduled for December 17th

Would you like to make birding history in Puerto Vallarta and the Banderas Bay? The Vallarta Botanical Garden is just one of dozens of amazing local birding hotspots within the count circle of the annual Puerto Vallarta / Bahía de Banderas Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This project, organized by the Audubon Society, is the longest running and most important citizen science project in the world. Now is not too early to schedule your participation for the 2016 Christmas Bird Count scheduled for December 17th. Just beforehand, on December 10th, the VBG will hold their Crash Course on Birding in Tropical Western Mexico for participants to prepare for their adventures in scouting and observations the following week. Over 200 species have been counted within the Puerto Vallarta CBC in past events, but over 100 additional species are documented to occur at this time within our region. That means participants are so far only documenting about two-thirds of the avian diversity that abounds during the day of the count. Additional prepared participants and a better coordination of efforts could result in placing Puerto Vallarta as a top contender for the number one CBC circle in North America. These efforts will not only boost the ecotourism appeal of Puerto Vallarta, but also serve to better document and protect our rich natural biodiversity. Interested? Please write to birdingadventures(at)mac.com, or educadorambiental(at)vbgardens.org.

Winter Solstice Concert of Fiery Latin Music at Terra Noble

On Wednesday, December 21 from 7-11 pm, CK Productions will proudly present Fire On The Mountain, a "Winter Solstice Concert of Fiery Latin Music," featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Diego Mondragon and maestro guitarist and singer, Eduardo Leon, at Terra Noble Spa. Diego and Eduardo will perform with a growing ensemble of the finest musicians and maestros from the Banderas Bay Area. The very special opening act will be the most amazing Flamenco Guitarist, Esau Galvan Saltos, who will be joined on stage by the magical, mystical Kristian Pentagali on percussion. Kristian will conclude the first act with a short blessing of the Winter Solstice and the beautiful wondrous music of the evening's performance. Tickets cost $800 pesos and include Hors d'ouevres, Parking, Seating, and Beverage Table Service with Premium Rum, Vodka, Gin, Whiskey & Tequila offered at 2 x $100, Corona/Pacifico $30, Modelo $40, or a Cup of Cabernet, Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc for $60 pesos. Terra Noble Spa is located near the highest point of Puerto Vallarta's center, surrounded by an ecological reserve called "Agua Azul" in the exuberant jungle of the Sierra Madre, yet just a short cab ride away from El Centro. For more information or to buy your tickets, visit the Facebook event page.

San Pancho's 11th Sinergiarte Festival Set for December 28-30

The San Pancho Collective (CSP, by its acronym in Spanish), an open group of people interested in artistic and cultural expression as well as the rescue and fair appreciation of traditions, education, the community and the environment is celebrating its 11 years of existence and its 2016 Sinergiarte Festival. The Plaza del Sol, or the square, as it's traditionally known, will be the focal point for this festival of lights, colors, aromas, tastes, magic, music and community from sunset on December 28 until the evening of the 30th of December. The attendees will be able to enjoy excellent international-quality shows and all the welcoming family friendly-atmosphere and local flavor for free. Music, theater, circus, magic, clowns, painting, photography, sculpture, installations, video, martial arts, equestrian arts with dancing horses, indigenous art, arts and crafts, gastronomy, expos of work done by local organizations, workshops and tournaments featuring the top local sports, including the traditional torch and a spectacular inaugural parade will all bring this celebration of the unity of diversity to life. Learn more at rivieranayarit.com.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe Continues

• Toys for Tots Golf Scramble and Gala Dinner Dance

• 8 Shows to Choose from This Weekend at Act II STAGES