Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the high season for Puerto Vallarta gay getaways. Located between the stunning Bay of Banderas and the lush Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta has it all for the LGBTQ traveler: crisp air, sunny weather all winter long, modern amenities and Mexican charm. And let's not forget the boys are hot and the nightlife is wild.

The winter holidays from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve are the most popular time of year for gay men to visit Puerto Vallarta. Nothing can beat guaranteed sunshine, fantastic food and some of the most anticipated events of the season.

The fun starts on Thanksgiving weekend with the return of Jeffrey Sanker's White Party at Mantamar Beach Club. Dance on the beach, and experience sun, sand, music, and boys, at our Sunset T Dance pool party with superstar DJ, direct from Athens, Greece: DJ GSP!

During the day, experience the fun and magic of White Party in the sunshine, and special surprises all weekend long! As the sun sets, the heat continues on the dance floor with thundering beats, thrilling lights and stunning visuals - all against the backdrop of the ocean.

When you're ready to dig into your holiday meal, Casa Cupula is cooking up a Thanksgiving feast where for around $35 you can enjoy a delicious buffet with American classics like turkey and pecan pie.

Puerto Vallarta is home to a ton of gay bars and dance clubs, gay-owned hotels, restaurants, stores and services in the city's southern end, known as the Zona Romantica or Old Town. Here you'll find everything you need to have a spectacular gaycation.

The nightlife options are endless, and the best part is that they're all walking distance from each other in the Zona Romantica. But as in most of Latin America, the scene doesn't really take off until about 11 pm., usually running 'til 4 or 6 am.

La Noche Bar is the ultimate gay lounge: nice cocktails, entertaining drag shows, hot go-go boys, several levels and a beautiful rooftop garden. Make it your first stop after dinner.

Continue the party at Paco's Ranch and CC Slaughters, two of the most popular Puerto Vallarta gay dance clubs. For beers and Mexican appeal, stop by Los Amigos Bar. If you're looking for a more peaceful evening, enjoy a cocktail and show tunes at Garbo Bar.

On Sundays, go to Hotel Mercurio's 'Beers, Boys & Burgers' pool party. A mere 150 pesos will get you unlimited beer and hamburger sliders.

The Puerto Vallarta gay zone is well lit and rather safe overall, so you shouldn't have any problems walking around at night.

La Navidad, or Christmas, is widely celebrated throughout Mexico. In Puerto Vallarta, the first twelve days of December are celebrated in joyful anticipation of the special day with Las Posadas, or processions, throughout the streets to symbolize Mary's and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. People of all ages gather in El Centro on Christmas Eve at Our Lady of Guadalupe church. They come with piñatas and colorful clothing to listen to music and partake in the exciting festivities that carry on into the night.

On Dec. 28, Steve Grand makes his Puerto Vallarta debut at Act II Stages. Located in the heart of the Zona Romantica, this entertainment complex boasts a 180-seat theater where original productions and musical performances are presented.

Another act not to be missed: Emmy Award winner Chi Chi Rones and New York Times-acclaimed impressionist JoAnna as the Dueling Drag Divas. They're back in the city for their fifth season, and their all-new show opens December 31. It's an all-live singing and comedy cabaret show that is guaranteed to make you laugh.

On Saturday, Dec. 30, dance the night away at Mantamar for Nights Over Egypt, featuring New York DJ Tony Moran. The party features performances throughout the night and bronzed go-go boys.

On New Year's Eve, Puerto Vallarta gathers on the Malecón, the city's preferred spot to watch the fireworks display. That same night, the Carnaval comes to Oscar's Restaurant for the Will Gorges NYE PVR 2018 party. Expect stunning carnival strippers, shows and fireworks. Miami DJ Kidd Madonny will be on the decks.

Most of the gay bars and clubs in Puerto Vallarta host special events for New Year's Eve, so make sure to check local listings.

This city offers a party-driven gay getaway, but local businesses and the resident Puerto Vallarta gay community have put a lot of effort into making PV a great place to work and live. It's to their credit that Puerto Vallarta is always a friendly and exciting destination for those who visit - at any time of the year!

To learn more about PV winter gaycations, read: 9 Reasons Why Puerto Vallarta is Our Favorite Gay Getaway During the Winter Holidays on hornetapp.com.