A Tropical Celebration With Heart in Puerto Vallarta
On Sunday, December 14, Puerto Vallarta will gather at Biblioteca Los Mangos for an evening that celebrates more than just the holidays. The Tropical Christmas Garden Party brings music, community, and tropical holiday fun together to support the Vallarta School for Girls, a program changing the future for young women in the city.
From 5 to 8 p.m., guests will be welcomed into a warm, open-air celebration surrounded by the lush greenery of the library grounds. The evening promises holiday cocktails, delicious food, a joyful silent auction, and a vibrant program of musical performances curated by Musical Director Derek Carkner. The lineup includes some of the city’s best-loved performers—Delilah Beaucoup, Kim Kuzma, Mau Jimenez, Stolie, and Kevin Anthony—each bringing their talents to a cause they care deeply about.
But what truly sets this event apart is its fusion of holiday magic with Puerto Vallarta’s tropical appeal. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best “tropical holiday” outfits, and this year, there’s even a contest for the most creative look. Glittering Santa hats may be paired with breezy linens, poinsettia-print caftans, beachy accessories, or anything that captures festive flair in a warm-weather paradise. It’s whimsical, it’s local, and it’s uniquely Puerto Vallarta.
For Francie Nguyen, Founder and President of the Board for the Vallarta School for Girls, the event’s charm is matched only by its purpose.
“The Tropical Christmas Garden Party is one of the larger events at the start of high season, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for people to reconnect in a relaxed outdoor setting at the Los Mangos Library,” Nguyen says. “Another highlight is that it’s an event where the girls from the school can participate and easily interact with guests.”
In previous years, the students have performed, served food, greeted guests, and even sold handmade crafts. Their presence gives attendees a firsthand look at the young people whose lives are directly impacted by their generosity.
“Guests really enjoy meeting the girls who are directly benefiting from their donations,” Nguyen adds.
In Puerto Vallarta, where holiday traditions run deep even without snow, this tropical take on seasonal celebration feels right at home. “You don’t need snow and cold to celebrate the season,” Nguyen says with a smile. “We’re really looking forward to seeing what our guests come up with for the Tropical Holiday Outfit contest this year.”
Empowering Girls, Strengthening the Community
The Vallarta School for Girls stands out as a beacon of hope, offering academic instruction, mentorship, meals, transportation, computers, uniforms, books, and supplies—all at no cost to families. The school addresses realities that often force girls out of the education system: poverty, safety concerns, early marriage, and societal norms that prioritize boys’ schooling. By removing these barriers, the school provides a pathway to independence, confidence, and leadership.
“The school is entirely funded by donations and funds raised from events like the Tropical Christmas Garden Party,” Nguyen explains. “Education is absolutely critical in helping young people create a path for their future.”
Earlier this year, the school celebrated a milestone: its very first graduating class. Each student received a scholarship to continue her education, whether in technology, the arts, science, or another field of interest.
“We’re confident these young women will use their education to make a positive impact in their communities, and events like this help make that possible,” Nguyen says.
Her words reflect the powerful truth at the heart of the school’s mission: when girls receive education and support, they not only transform their own futures—they uplift entire communities.
A Celebration Where Community and Artistry Come Together
One of the most treasured aspects of the Tropical Christmas Garden Party is the way local performers rally behind the cause. Among them is singer and entertainer Kevin Anthony, who is returning for his third year on the event’s stage. His enthusiasm is heartfelt and unmistakable.
“Christmas is the time of giving,” he says. “The holiday is all about giving of yourself—putting others before you. Supporting the school for girls means helping these young ladies build their futures. It only takes one life being changed to make a difference.”
For Anthony, performing at the event is far more than entertainment. It’s a chance to contribute to something lasting and meaningful.
The atmosphere, he says, is what makes the night unforgettable.
“It’s a celebration—it’s a big party,” he says, laughing. “We all get together and see people we don’t always get to see throughout the year. With the tropical twist, the great food, the drinks, and the incredible music from local talent, it becomes something truly special. We’re all in the same space with the same purpose: to change someone’s life for the better.”
Anthony’s reflections echo a sentiment shared widely among the performers: that community, creativity, and compassion have a transformative power when brought together.
Why the Event Matters Now More Than Ever
As the school continues to grow, so does the need for community support. The costs of meals, transportation, expanded programming, and additional students add up quickly. Yet, year after year, Puerto Vallarta steps up.
“Our needs increase every year,” Nguyen says. “And I’m always impressed and deeply grateful to the Puerto Vallarta community—including our many performers—who step up year after year to help us achieve our goals.”
For her, this unwavering support reflects not only love for the city itself but also belief in its future. “The city’s future is represented by these young women and the education they’re receiving,” she says. “Our talented performers, who generously donate their time, also make sure that everyone has a wonderful evening while supporting a meaningful cause.”
If You Can’t Attend: How to Support the Vallarta School for Girls
For those unable to join the festivities in person, the school offers a simple way to contribute from anywhere in the world. A dedicated donation page allows supporters to give once or set up recurring monthly contributions—both of which directly fund meals, supplies, scholarships, and operational needs.
Even small contributions make an outsized difference, helping ensure that every girl receives the education, safety, and support she deserves.
A Night of Joy With a Purpose
As lights twinkle in the garden, music fills the air, and festive tropical outfits sway to the rhythm of the evening, guests at the Tropical Christmas Garden Party will be part of something beautiful. They’ll celebrate the season not just with cocktails and music, but with generosity, hope, and shared commitment to changing young lives.
In Puerto Vallarta, holiday magic doesn’t fall from the sky—it grows from community roots. And on December 14, those roots will flourish once again, turning a tropical evening into a celebration with the power to shape the future.
