Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – As the year draws to a close, Puerto Vallarta is preparing to welcome 2026 with a full calendar of free, open-air celebrations designed to bring residents and visitors together. With New Year’s Eve just days away, the city is once again positioning itself as one of Mexico’s most exciting destinations to ring in the New Year.
Each year, thousands of people from across Mexico and around the world gather in Puerto Vallarta to celebrate December 31 along the Malecón. As the sun sets, crowds begin to fill the downtown waterfront, where a large stage near El Faro, the iconic lighthouse, becomes the centerpiece for live music and entertainment leading into midnight.
According to Rosalba Alejandra Cornejo Cornejo, Director of Municipal Tourism and Economic Development, this year’s celebration expands beyond the Malecón. Activities, food stalls, and performances will also take place at Los Muertos Pier, Lázaro Cárdenas Park in the Romantic Zone, and Hidalgo Park, where the Christmas Village will feature live music, including a special performance aimed at younger audiences.
A major highlight of the evening will be a free, world-class electronic music concert on the Malecón. Headlining the New Year’s Eve celebration is the internationally acclaimed French duo The Blaze, known for blending electronic music with cinematic visual storytelling. Formed by cousins Guillaume and Jonathan Alric, the group rose to global attention with their 2016 release Virile and later albums Dancehall (2018) and Jungle (2023), which reflect their evolving sound shaped by worldwide tours.
The Blaze will take the stage on December 31 at 7:30 pm, offering an open-air concert that combines music, culture, and international flair. Admission is completely free, allowing everyone to enjoy a top-tier performance in one of the city’s most celebrated settings. Additional performances throughout the celebration will include Mariachi Internacional CHG and Sonora Song Cumbia, ensuring a diverse musical lineup that reflects both international and traditional sounds. At midnight, a fireworks display will light up the sky over Banderas Bay, marking the arrival of the New Year in spectacular fashion.
The celebrations will continue into the New Year on January 1 with the First Sunset at Palmares Beach, an event inviting attendees to enjoy the year’s first sunset in a natural coastal setting. Musical activities are also planned throughout the city on New Year’s Day, extending the festive spirit and offering more opportunities for residents and visitors to celebrate together.
With multiple venues, free concerts, and a mix of global and local talent, Puerto Vallarta’s New Year’s festivities promise a memorable and welcoming start to 2026.
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