Date Last Updated: 21st November 2020
Activities in Malta December gives you exciting events that are held during the month of December and Christmas time.
With the current ongoing situation, and strict restrictions, many of the activities below which enable large crowds are cancelled or still to be confirmed such as parties and gatherings for new years.
Christmas in Malta is very a fun and jolly time! The Maltese love Christmas! Here too Christmas in Malta is one of the most important events of the year.
If you visit Malta during this month you will find an abundance of Christmas activities. During this month all the Maltese houses, shops and streets will be decorated with Christmas trees, decorations and lights.
You will find many Maltese people already buying their Christmas presents and preparing for the many feasts with family and friends.
What will I find in Malta during Christmas time?
All churches in Malta and Gozo celebrate the midnight mass starting on the 24th December around 23:00 with a pageant, carol singing and the traditional talk by a young child about the birth of Christ. Afterwards a mass is held. If you intend to go you must be there early since the churches will be packed with the locals.
One of the main and most important activities during this month is the L-Istrina. This is a fund raising activity organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund in aid of helping people in need of urgent medical care. It is usually held on the 26th December on all local Maltese television stations running for 12 hours which succeeds to collect €7,134,036 (2018).
Around Malta and Gozo there are various crib exhbitions. The two most popular ones are the Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem Gozo and Presepju Haj in Lija. Both are live animated cribs with many locals dressed in costumes which takes you back in time to the Judea time around 2000 years ago.
Prepare to embrace the spirit of Christmas in Malta by walking around Valletta which will be fully decorated and full of Maltese people having a lovely time.
As the last day of the year approaches, Malta celebrates with parties, fireworks, get togethers and a live stage at Valletta with the countdown to the new year.
What's on - A quick Link for December Specials
Malta Public Holidays:
Malta Village Feasts in December:
Is it possible to see Valletta in a short time? The answer is yes as it is a very small capital. Together with a guide you will visit the main sights and also discover hidden gems. The capital being over 450 years old you will walk by and admire baroque architecture and a few of the finest palaces in Europe. Your tour guide will take you to the cities narrow streets to experience its rich history from the Knights of St. John. Last but not least you will see the magnificent facade of St. John's Co-Cathedral.
If you are travelling with children then this tour is perfect. Learn about the animals that live at these places. A very affordable tour which includes pick up and drop off and entrance tickets to these two locations. If you are an animal lover or a family than you will love these places. See animals that live both in water and on land.
Discover one of Malta's oldest burial ground. Thousands of people visit every year. Hypogeum Malta is known to be one of the best preserved prehistoric sites in the world. An tour not to be missed. Tickets should be booked from weeks before. Make sure you get yours now!
Although Valletta will not have usual celebrations, there will be different events on several days. All necessary safety measures are taken.
Christmas is highly celebrated in Malta and Gozo.
This festival will be held in Valletta and other locations. Participating international bands, majorettes folk groups and others.
Collection of funds to help Philanthropic institutions and many individuals with different medical needs.
A good number of volunteers every year over a snap of a few months put up the timeless story of the Nativity which comes to life at Bethlehen F’Ghajnsielem, Gozo. Spread over an area of 20,000 square metres taking visitors back 2000 years. It is just located 10 minutes walk from the Gozo ferry at Mgarr. It draws thousands of people every year located at the Għajnsielem main square and the open countryside between the village and main road.
It is a life-size crib with 150 volunteers from young to old from this village and others around the island where they create an exceptional atmosphere with shepherds tending their flock, carpenters, horses turn mills and surely the Nativity scene with Mary Joseph and Baby Jesus. It is an excellent opportunity to come along with your family and be part of this incredible activity.
Organizers: An action committee between the Ministry of
Gozo and various Parish organizations of Ghajnsielem
Entrance: Free and no bookings are required
Free parking: Around the streets of Ghajnsielem
*animated by the Ghajnsielem Primary school children
**Adoration of the Magi & Closing Cermony
A very popular event and so successful that it draws the crowds with more than 80,000 visitors. This is enough to encourage you to participate in the next Natalis Notabilis held in the village of Rabat historical core. It is the biggest Christmas village you will find on the islands spread over 5 days turning this location into a Christmas wonderland.
Numerous stalls with a variety of local and foreign foods to stalls selling all sorts, a nativity trail, crib exhibition, choral concerts and outdoor performances. You will surely find something to nibble and buy not least meeting someone whom you know due to the numerous visitors.
Folk groups, bands, majorettes and more
There are an abundance of parties held around the island.
All the information below is of last year. We will update as they are available.
All the information below is of last year. We will update as they are available.
It is a great time being in Gozo for the New Year’s Eve festivities at the capital Victoria in the main square watching the spectacle of bands and singers animating the crowd. There is always a great atmosphere with so many people of all ages including families and young ones where entrance is free for all.
Many Maltese do go to Gozo on these days especially if it is close to a weekend although there are many shutdowns. If you intend eating close to the celebrations or nearby restaurants you have to book many days before. Locals tend to dine out both for the days around Christmas and new year.
This Christmas market will include entertainment, music, workshops, etc.
This Christmas market will include entertainment, music, workshops, etc.
Food Stalls | Tastings | Mulled Wine | Kids Activities | Live Singing & Entertainment
Where: Various places around Nadur (click the link below for exact locations)
When: TBA
Time: Monday to Sunday at 17:00
Where: Triq Robert Mifsud Bonnici, Hal Lija
When: TBA
Time: 09:30 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 19:00
Entrance: Free
A re-enactment of the Military parade in historical costumes.
Location: Fort St. Elmo, Valletta
When: Sunday 13th and 20th December 2020
Time: 11:00 - 11:45
Enjoy our Activities in Malta December list!
New! Comments
Have you enjoyed what you read! Leave a comment in the box below.