Activities In Malta December 2019

Loads of exciting things to do during
Christmas celebrations in Malta

Date Last Updated: 8th June 2020

Activities in Malta December gives you exciting events that are held during the month of December and Christmas time.

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?

- Christmas Pantos
- Crib Exhibitions
- Christmas Concerts
- Christmas Markets
- Fund Raising Activities
- Live Crib Exhibitions

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.

Malta Public Holidays:

- 8th - Immaculate Conception
- 13th - Republic Day

Malta Village Feasts in December:

- 8th - Immaculate Conception, Bormla (Cospicua) | Immaculate Conception, Qala & Rabat Gozo
- 9th - Santa Lucija, Santa Lucija, Gozo
- 13th - St. Lucy, Mtarfa
- 16th - Santa Lucia, Kercem, Gozo

Top Tours To Do In Malta

Activities in Malta December

3 Hour Walking Tour Around Valletta

Bird Park + National Aquarium Tour

Book In Advance Hal Saflieni Hypogeum In Malta

Top Activities For Christmas

Activities in Malta December

1. Christmas & New Year's

Christmas is highly celebrated in Malta and Gozo.

• Location: Malta & Gozo
• When: Tuesday 1st December 2020 to Wednesday 6th January 2021

2. The Malta International Christmas Festival

This festival will be held in Valletta and other locations. Participating international bands, majorettes folk groups and others.

• Organiser: Euroart production
• Venue: Valletta & other venues
• When: Friday 27th to Monday 30th December 2019

3. L-Istrina

Collection of funds to help Philanthropic institutions and many individuals with different medical needs.

• Organiser: Malta Community Chest Fund
• When: Saturday 26th December 2020
• Time: 12:00 - 24:00

4. Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2019-20

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.

Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem details

Organizers: An action committee between the Ministry of Gozo and various Parish organizations of Ghajnsielem

• Where: Ta'Passi, Mgarr Road, Ghajnsielem
• When: Friday 13th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020

For December 2019:

• Friday 13th – 15:00 to 20:00
• Saturday 14th – 16:30 to 20:00
• Sunday 15th - 14:30 to 19:30
• Wednesday 18th – 09:30 to 12:30*
• Saturday 21st – 16:30 to 20:00
• Sunday 22nd – 14:30 to 19:30
• Wednesday 25th – 15:30 to 20:30
• Thursday 26th - 16:30 to 19:30
  
• Saturday 28th - 16:30 to 20:00
• Sunday 29th - 14:30 to 19:30

For January 2020:

• Wednesday 1st - 15:30 to 20:00
• Sunday 5th - 14:00 to 20:00**

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

5. Presepju Haj 2019

• Where: Triq Robert Mifsud Bonnici, Hal Lija
• When: Friday 13th to Sunday 29th December 2019

For December 2019:

• Friday 13th – 15:30 to 20:30
• Saturday 14th – 18:00 to 20:30
• Sunday 15th - 15:30 to 20:30
• Saturday 21st – 18:00 to 20:30
• Sunday 22nd – 15:30 to 20:30
• Wednesday 25th – 15:30 to 20:30
• Saturday 28th – 18:00 to 20:30
• Sunday 29th - 15:30 to 20:30

6. The Malta International Christmas Choir Festival

• Location: Various localities around the Maltese islands
• When: Thursday 3rd to Monday 7th December 2020
• Website: www.facebook.com/maltachoirfestival/

7. Natalis Notabilis 2020

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.

Natalis Notabilis details

• Venue: Rabat
• When: Event is cancelled for 2020

8. Milied Melliehi 2019

Folk groups, bands, majorettes and more

• Organiser: Mellieha Local Council
• Location: Mellieha
• When: Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd December 2019
• Time: 19:00 to 23:00
• Phone: +356 2152 3230

9. Christmas at Pjazza Tigne

• Location: Tigne Point, Sliema
• When: Sunday 1st to Tuesday 31st December 2019

10. New Year's Eve Parties in Malta

There are an abundance of parties held around the island.

Click here to see the list!

11. Valletta New Year's Eve Celebration

Organiser: G7 Events
Venue: Valletta
When: Tuesday 31st December 2019
Time: 20:00 - 02:00
Contact Details: +356 7976 7630
Email: [email protected]

Special Guests: The Travellers

Hosted By Nate, Frank & Rossi

Featuring: Kevin Paul, Gaia & Kurt Calleja, Ozzy Lino & The Candy Moths & D-Rey

12. New Year's Eve In Gozo 2020

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.

details about NYE in gozo

Venue: Independence Square & St. Georges Square, Victoria, Gozo
When: Tuesday 31st December 2019
Time: 21:30 onwards
Entrance: Free

Featuring: DCapitals | Michela & Friends | JJoy | Mae | IVY WALLS | BennyGee

Also Featuring: International Artist

Malta Christmas Markets

Fairyland Santa's City Malta

Organiser: Fairyland Malta  and Visit Malta Events
Location: Triton Fountain, Valletta
When: Thursday 12th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020
Time: Monday to Thursday and Sunday - 10:00 to 22:00 | Friday & Saturday - 10:00 to 23:30

A selection of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Attraction Prices;

Rudolph’s Big Wheel - Adult: €6 | Child: €3
Santa’s Magical Carousel - 1 ride: €2.50 | 2 rides: €4
Elf’s Train - 1 ride: €2.50 | 2 rides: €4
Penguin’s Ice Rink - Adult 50 minutes: €15 | Child 50 minutes: €10
Santa’s Grotto - 1 Photo & 1 Present: €12 | 2 Photo & 2 Present: €22
Virtual Polar Saber - 1 Game Song: €2.50

Be part of the story and join Santa in Fairyland!

Christmas Village 2019

Venue: San Gorg Preca College Guardian Angel, Hamrun
When: Saturday 30th November to Sunday 1st December 2019

Christmas Village at Valletta Waterfront

Organiser: Valletta Cruise Port
Venue: Valletta Waterfront
When: Sunday 1st & Friday 27th December 2019
Entrance: Free

Christmas Market

Venue: Villa Rundle, Victoria, Gozo
When: Sunday 1st to Sunday 22nd December 2019

For December 2019:

• Sunday 1st - 10:00 to 18:00
• Friday 6th - 16:00 to 20:00
• Saturday 7th - 10:00 to 20:00
• Sunday 8th - 10:00 to 18:00
• Friday 13th – 10:00 to 20:00
• Saturday 14th – 10:00 to 20:00
• Sunday 15th - 10:00 to 18:00
• Friday 20th - 16:00 to 20:00
• Saturday 21st – 10:00 to 18:00
• Sunday 22nd – 10:00 to 22:00

St. Julian's Christmas Market

This Christmas market will include entertainment, music, workshops, etc.

Venue: St Julians Parish Church Parvis and Spinola Bridge.
When: Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December 2019
Time:
6th: 15:00 - 22:00
7th: 10:00 - 22:00
8th: 10:00 - 20:00
Entrance: Free

The Magro Christmas Family Fest

This Christmas market will include entertainment, music, workshops, etc.

Venue: Savina Centre, L-Ghassara Street, Xewkija, Gozo
When: Friday 6th to Tuesday 24th December 2019
Time:
Friday 6th: 15:00 - 17:30
Saturday 7th: 10:30 - 17:30
Sunday 8th: 09:30 - 18:00
Thursday 12th: 15:00 - 17:30
Friday 13th: 10:30 - 17:30
Saturday 14th: 10:30 - 17:30
Sunday 15th: 10:30 - 17:30
Friday 20th: 14:00 - 17:30
Saturday 21st: 10:30 - 17:30
Sunday 22nd: 10:30 - 17:30
Monday 23rd: 10:30 - 17:30
Tuesday 24th: 10:30 - 13:00
Entrance: Free

San Andrea School Christmas Market

Venue: San Andrea School, Mgarr
When: Sunday 8th December 2019
Entrance: Free

Christmas Village

Venue: Gozitano Agriculture Village, Xewkija, Gozo
When: Friday 13th to Sunday 15th December 2019

Food Stalls | Tastings | Mulled Wine | Kids Activities | Live Singing & Entertainment

Christmas Cribs

Cribs in Nadur

Where: Various places around Nadur (click the link below for exact locations)
When: Saturday 14th December 2019 to Monday 6th January 2020
Time: Monday to Sunday at 17:00

Click here for details about Locations of Cribs

Zejtun Mechanical Crib

Where: Triq Robert Mifsud Bonnici, Hal Lija
When: Sunday 15th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020
Time: 09:30 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 19:00
Entrance: Free

In Guardia Parade

Location: Fort St. Elmo, Valletta
When: Sunday 1st, 8th and 15th December 2019
Time: 11:00 - 11:45

A series of activities organised at Palazzo Parisio Naxxar

- Friday 6th December 2019: Lighting of the Tree
- Saturday 7th to Tuesday 31st December 2019: Afternoon Tea
- Saturday 7th to Sunday 8th December 2019: Malta Artisian Market and Festive Brunch
- Wednesday 25th December 2019: Christmas Day Lunch
- Tuesday 31st December 2019: NYE Gala Dinner & NYE In The Cellars
- Wednesday 1st January 2020: New Year's Day Lunch

Click here for further details

Location: City Theatre, Old Bakery Street, Valletta, Malta
When: Friday 13th and Saturday 14th December 2019
Time: 13th - 16:00 | 14th - 19:30

Click here for tickets

Enjoy our Activities in Malta December list!