Malta, the sun-kissed Mediterranean gem, transforms into a winter wonderland each December. With its twinkling lights, traditional crib displays, and a calendar packed full of events, Christmas in Malta offers something magical for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of Christmas 2024, from festive feasts to fun-filled activities for children.
1. Valletta Christmas Market Extravaganza
Christmas markets are a festive season highlight, and none are more spectacular than Valletta’s market in Pjazza Tritoni. Set against the stunning backdrop of the capital, this year’s market promises to be bigger and better than ever. Expect rows of stalls offering handmade crafts, local delicacies, and mulled wine.
Don’t miss the Santa’s Village, where kids can meet Santa Claus, have their photo taken, and participate in festive workshops. The market will also feature live music, street performances, and of course, Christmas carols filling the air.
Dates: December 1st – December 24th
Location: Triton Fountain, Valletta
2. The Magical Christmas Parade in Sliema
If you’re looking for a dose of holiday cheer, the Sliema Christmas Parade is the event for you. Expect elaborately decorated floats, marching bands playing Christmas tunes, and performers dressed as elves, reindeer, and gingerbread men. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.
Children will especially love seeing their favourite holiday characters come to life, and with hot chocolate stations dotted along the route, it’s an evening that’ll warm your heart.
Date: December 15th
Location: Tower Road, Sliema
3. Christmas Light Displays in Mosta
Mosta’s famous Rotunda, already a striking architectural marvel, becomes even more enchanting during Christmas. The Mosta Christmas Light Display turns the town into a magical fairyland with streets adorned with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive decorations.
The highlight? The light show projected onto the Rotunda itself, synced to Christmas music for an unforgettable spectacle. Grab a cup of warm spiced cider from one of the local vendors and enjoy the show with the whole family.
Dates: December 1st – January 6th
Location: Mosta Town Square
4. Festive Feasts: Best Christmas Dinners in Malta
After a day filled with Christmas cheer, it’s time to sit down for a holiday feast. Many restaurants across Malta and Gozo pull out all the stops for Christmas, offering special menus packed with seasonal flavours.
- The Phoenix Restaurant at The Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta offers a five-course Christmas Day lunch that features traditional roast turkey, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts like mince pies and Christmas pudding.
- Tarragon in St. Paul’s Bay is perfect for those looking to enjoy a fusion of Mediterranean flavours with their Christmas meal. Their Christmas Eve dinner is a mix of Maltese classics and international cuisine, featuring dishes like slow-roasted pork belly and lobster risotto.
- For something more family-friendly, Marina Club VW in Ta’ Xbiex offers a buffet-style Christmas lunch, complete with a visit from Santa for the little ones!
| Restaurant | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The Phoenix Restaurant | The Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana | Elegant dining with a festive menu offering traditional Christmas dishes with a modern twist. |
| Ta’ Kris | 80 Fawwara Lane, Sliema | A cozy, family-style restaurant known for its Maltese comfort food, perfect for a homely Christmas meal. |
| Palazzo Parisio | 29, Victory Square, Naxxar | Luxurious setting offering an exquisite Christmas Day lunch with a gourmet twist. |
| Zest Restaurant | 25 St. George’s Road, St Julian’s | A unique fusion of Asian and European cuisine, offering an innovative Christmas menu. |
| De Mondion | Xara Palace, Mdina | Michelin-starred restaurant offering a refined, intimate Christmas experience with gourmet dishes. |
| Sciacca Grill | Tower Road, Sliema | Known for top-quality steaks and an indulgent Christmas menu, perfect for meat lovers. |
| Hammett’s Gastro Bar | 33 Tigné Seafront, Sliema | Serving a Mediterranean-inspired Christmas menu with creative twists. |
| Giannini Restaurant | 23 Windmill Street, Valletta | Offers a traditional Mediterranean Christmas menu with breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. |
| Tarragon Restaurant | Church Street, St. Paul’s Bay | Award-winning restaurant offering a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu with fine dining options. |
Pro Tip: Book well in advance as Christmas dinner slots fill up quickly.
6. Christmas Fun for the Little Ones
Christmas is especially magical for children, and Malta ensures plenty for them to enjoy throughout December.
- Santa’s Toy Town at the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra is a must-visit. Kids can explore Santa’s workshop, decorate cookies, and participate in festive arts and crafts sessions. There’s even an underwater Christmas-themed show featuring Santa’s diving helpers!
- Popeye Village in Mellieħa transforms into a Christmas wonderland with snow machines, a festive treasure hunt, and Santa’s Post Office, where children can write letters to the North Pole. The whole village is decked out in Christmas decorations, making it a perfect day trip for families.
- Remember to catch a Christmas pantomime at the Manoel Theatre. This year, the theatre is staging a hilarious take on Sleeping Beauty—a festive tradition with lots of laughs, music, and audience participation guaranteed to keep the kids entertained.
Dates: December 23rd – January 3rd
Location: Manoel Theatre, Valletta
7. Midnight Mass and Festive Church Services
For those looking to embrace the spiritual side of Christmas, Malta’s many beautiful churches host midnight masses and special Christmas services. The most famous is held at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, where the awe-inspiring setting and candlelit ambience create a truly magical experience.
St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina and Ta’ Pinu in Gozo also offer memorable midnight masses, with traditional Maltese Christmas carols filling the halls.
Date: December 24th
Locations: Various churches across Malta and Gozo
8. New Year’s Eve in Malta
Christmas might be winding down, but the fun is far from over! Ring in 2025 with Malta’s fantastic New Year’s Eve celebrations. Valletta’s Waterfront comes alive with fireworks, live performances, and open-air parties. For those looking for something more laid-back, consider a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise, where you can enjoy fine dining and drinks as you sail along Malta’s stunning coastline.
The night ends with an impressive firework display that lights up the Grand Harbour, making it an unforgettable way to start the new year.
Date: December 31st
Location: Valletta Waterfront
9. Christmas Shopping in Malta
Of course, no festive guide would be complete without mentioning Christmas shopping. Head to The Point in Sliema, Malta’s largest shopping mall, for everything from high-street fashion to luxury brands. If you’re looking for more unique, handmade gifts, visit the craft stalls in Valletta’s Christmas Market or the Ta’ Qali Artisan Village, where you can find traditional Maltese gifts like blown glass, filigree jewellery, and hand-painted ceramics.
| Shopping Center | Address |
|---|---|
| The Point Shopping Mall | Tigné Point, Sliema, SLM 3012, Malta |
| Bay Street Shopping Complex | St George’s Bay, St Julian’s, STJ 3311, Malta |
| Plaza Shopping Centre | Bisazza Street, Sliema, SLM 1640, Malta |
| Embassy Shopping Complex | St. Lucy Street, Valletta, VLT 1185, Malta |
| PAVI Shopping Complex | Manuel Dimech Street, Qormi, QRM 9061, Malta |
| PAMA Shopping Village | Valley Road, Mosta, MST 9017, Malta |
| Daniels Shopping Complex | Mdina Road, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, ZBG 9018, Malta |
| The Duke Shopping Mall | Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo, VCT 1110, Malta |
| SmartCity Malta | Ricasoli, Kalkara, SCM 1001, Malta |
| Arkadia Commercial Centre | Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo, VCT 2577, Malta |
Whether you’re looking for festive feasts, magical events for the kids, or simply want to soak up the Christmas spirit, Malta has it all this December. From the magical light displays to the rich traditions, Christmas in Malta 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
So put on your Santa hat, grab some mulled wine, and enjoy everything this Mediterranean island offers!
