Many restaurants and bars offer “New Years Eve Specials” but my personal favorite location for celebrating New Years in Puerto Vallarta is on the streets of Old Town. Olas Altos street is closed to vehicular traffic, bands are set up and thousands of people gather to dance in the New Year. Actually, most people hang out on the beach (Los Muertos) for the half hour before midnight to watch the fireworks which come from all parts of the City and the Bay.
On Los Muertos Beach, itself, fireworks displays are everywhere. It almost becomes a war-zone with the explosions and brilliant fireworks which last for quite a while because, so it seems, no one really has an accurate clock to mark the changing of the years. The displays last approximately 10 minutes total, from one end of the bay to the other.
A little farther north on the beach at the Los Arcos Amphitheater/Presidencia Square, the City puts on a fireworks display that is second to none. You can see most of it from anywhere around the bay, but if you want to be in the middle of this excitement, smoke, flame, crowds, nothing matches this location.
[youtube zo7IPMjo8xE&rel=1 :: New Years Fireworks in Vallarta]
Immediately following the fireworks, everyone heads to Olas Altas Street where the music and party begins. This is an all night affair. Bars are open but it’s difficult to get drinks at the peak. There are just too many people in line and in the way, so it’s better to bring your own or to stock up before the midnight bells toll.
Taxis will be almost impossible to find this night, so make plans to bring your own car or walk or just stay up all night until the buses and the die-hard sober taxistas are back on the streets at 6 am in the morning. There are two public parking lots in the area and they will fill up early.