Christmas 2017 in Malta

The beginning of December marks the countdown to one of the most awaited events of the year.

The streets are starting to shine at night, carols are playing in stores and the first trees are lit up behind windows. Small stores have replaced swimsuits and summer fun accessories by Santa’s hats and ornaments, toy stores are ready for their busiest season. Advent calendars are patiently waiting to be opened. Grocery stores are offering gourmet products for the holiday season. Kids around the planet close their eyes at night, wondering if reindeers really know how to fly.

The Christmas countdown has officially begun!

Malta has something special about Christmas, the holiday season is amazing on the Rock and the Christmas spirit is high! The holiday is highly celebrated across Malta and Gozo, both because of its religious significance and its social aspect. If this is your first Christmas in Malta, you will be joyed by the love and happiness that the season brings, along with the many events organized for all ages during this month. Restaurants, bars, hotels and clubs will have lots of entertainment as well, giving you lots of options for the holiday season.

Here are a few things not to miss this holiday season:

1. Christmas cheers and celebration at the Valletta waterfront

Starting Sunday December 3rd, the Valletta Waterfront will host a Christmas village with activities, traditional music and food, and Christmas décor (and a 25 feet tree!).

Join for great food, great fun and loads of Christmas spirit in the air! Meet Santa in his workshop and enjoy the occasion to take a picture with the elves. Enjoy drinks and great food with 12 different outlets and get your Christmas shopping done with stalls offering jewellery, books, handmade ceramics, local glass and more.

Typical events include children choirs, Christmas bands, cribs and stalls. The little ones will be thrilled to enjoy free activities as balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with all-time favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles, giant gift Tetris, a light-up Rodolph’s nose challenge and a fun candy cane blowing machine.

When: From December 3rd onward

Where: Valletta Waterfront

Full program of events can be found here.

2. Lola’s Christmas market, Attard

A charming and cosy Christmas and a fun filled weekend, with animation and entertainment for children and adults alike.

Lovely stalls, selling some of Malta's finest.

When: 1 - 3 December 2017

Where: Villa Madama, Triq Sant Antnin, Attard

More details here. 

3. Designer & Artisan Christmas Market vol.3, Sliema

Find some of Malta's coolest and best artisans and designers in a one-stop Christmas shopping experience, at Souvenirs that Don't Suck.

When: December 9th 2017, from 12 to 6pm

Where: 108, Triq Manwel Dimech, Sliema

4. The Nutcracker at St George’s Square, Valletta

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing the famous Tchaikovsky Ballet the Nutcracker on December 15 under the direction of Armenian conductor Sergey Smbatyan. Two hours of delight to listen to an extensive selection of music from this charming and heart-warming ballet, in the heart of Valletta.

When: Friday December 15th, at 8pm

Where: Pjazza San Gorg, Valletta (under a Tent)

Tickets can be bought here.

5. Barbetti at Xmas, Valletta

Enjoy the Christmas spirit in a unique way, listening to Christmas carols while drinking wine in a one-of-a-kind environment!

Il-Barbetti, a male barbershop quartet, will be singing Christmas Carols in barbershop style.

The bar will be open during the performance, and afterwards right up until 11pm.

Dress Code: Smart Casual

When: December 19th at 8:30pm

Where: Casino Maltese, Republic Street, Valletta

6. Visiting cribs and nativity scenes across Malta

You will find cribs and nativity displays all around the island during the next month. From private homes to small chapels, visiting cribs is a popular activity at Christmas time.

There will be over 100 nativity cribs put on display by the Friends of the Crib, a society dedicated to keeping this tradition alive and well, and many Maltese people spend time going around to see the ‘presepju' displays. You will be surprise by the work they represent, sometimes especially elaborate, the result of many hours of work by artistic and talented craftsmen.

When: December 2017

Where: All around Malta and Gozo

7. Pinocchio Christmas Pantomime in Valletta

Combining fun for kids and sarcastic humour for adults, the Christmas pantomime is a well-known tradition in Malta.

This year, the Manoel Theatre will be showing Pinocchio, a classic story for all. Join for art, tradition, and humour united in a way that people of all ages will enjoy.

When: From December 23rd to January 4th

Where: Manoel Theatre, Valletta

Tickets can be purchased here.

8. Christmas at Pjazza Tigné, Sliema

A great Christmas market right by the School will be open all December.

Mulled wine, pulled pork, gifts stalls and more will invade the square in front of the Tigné mall for a month. There will also be carol singing and other entertainment for children on Sundays from 11.00hrs till 13.00hrs.

When: From December 1st to December 31st

Where: Pjazza Tigné, Sliema