Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Christmas tree is decorated, the lights are up, and the mistletoe hung with care. The holidays are definitly upon us.

Detailed Christmas lists are being created by children everywhere while parents are running from one mega store to the next doing their best to get every item their little angels want - within reason.

This Holiday season, Chef Miriam Flores has something in mind for Christmas shoppers other than the mad scrambling to find the latest iPod, iPad or iPhone.

Inspired by a Christmas market she visited in Munich, Germany, Chef Miriam is hosting a local Artisan Christmas Market at La Luna Restaurant on Sunday, December 16th, and Monday, December 17th.

The market will feature items that you can't find at big retail stores. These items don't require apps, upgrades, or operating systems. The things you will find at the La Luna Christmas Market are hand-made and locally produced. These items hark back to a simpler time where a gift was given in the spirit of giving, generosity, and thought.

Too often we look to the big retail stores and their one-stop-shop convenience to get all of our Christmas shopping done. If you have been paying attention to the news, these chain stores generally lay the burden of their thrifty convenience on their employees. La Luna's Christmas market is about supporting small, independent retailers and artisans. These businesses are what make our world go round and supporting them is putting food on their tables, gas in their tanks, and smiles on their faces.

In the spirit of Christmas, the market will also feature Holiday-oriented cuisine and beverages. Favorites like mulled wine, pumpkin pie, and Christmas ham will be available at the Luna kitchen. Vendors will be set up in La Luna's courtyard, selling crafts and traditional Mexican food items such as tamales and atole. This is a family-oriented market and La Luna encourages you to bring the whole gang.

Like all of their special Holiday events, La Luna's Christmas market is benefiting local charities such as Families at the Dump, Investours, and Children's shelters, with a toy drive and donations.

The Market will open at 5 pm and close promptly at 10 pm both nights. There is no charge for admission.

La Luna is located at 466 Venustiano Carranza in the Old Town Vallarta Romantic Zone on the south side of town. Telephone is (322) 223-5612 or cell is 044-322-194-7142. Email is lalunapv(at)gmail.com.