Activities In Malta December 2026

Enjoy Malta's Christmas Celebrations With A Wide Range Of Exciting Activities!

Last Updated: 25th September 2026

There is no better month than December, a fun and jolly time! This month is full of exciting events from Fairyland Santa's City in Valletta, Christmas Crib exhibitions, Pantomimes, Christmas markets and New Year's Celebrations.

This guide explores the best activities, attractions, and events in December, providing valuable insights, tips, and answers to FAQs.

Immerse yourself in the magical ambience, festive traditions, and the joyous spirit that make December a delightful time to be in Malta!

What To Do Whilst Here In Malta In December

• Events in Malta for December
• A Summary About The Weather In Malta In December
• What To Do In Malta On Your Holiday In December
• Tourist Attractions To Visit
• Top Malta UNESCO Sites
• Where To Stay In Malta For December
• Frequently Asked Questions For December

december Events In Malta

Experience December in Malta with a variety of annual events to suit every schedule. Explore our events in Malta calendar to find monthly activities that create lasting memories.

1. Christmas In The Capital 2026

Valletta is at its most festive throughout December, with Christmas in the Capital bringing lights, decorations, live entertainment, family activities and seasonal displays to the city. It is one of the easiest ways for visitors to experience Malta’s Christmas atmosphere while exploring the capital.

details about The Christmas in Valletta

• Organiser: Valletta Cultural Agency
• Location: Around Valletta
• When: Wednesday 25th November to Thursday 31st December 2026
• Time: 08:00 to 00:00
• Entrance: Free

Fairyland Santa's City 2026/2027

Fairyland transforms the area around Pjazza Tritoni at the entrance to Valletta with Christmas stalls, food, rides and festive attractions. We have visited it ourselves and particularly like its central location and lively Christmas atmosphere. It is more than a traditional Christmas market, making it especially popular with families.

• Location: Triton Fountain & The Granaries, Valletta / Floriana
• Organiser: Malta Tourism Authority
• When: 2026/27 dates to be announced
• Times: To be announced
• Entrance: Free; rides and attractions are charged separately
• Official details: existing Fairyland/MTA link

See the full event details

3. Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2026/27

Each year, a good number of volunteers put up the timeless story of the Nativity, which comes to life at Bethlehem F’Għajnsielem, Gozo. Spread over 20,000 square metres, it takes visitors back 2,000 years. It is just a 10-minute walk from the Gozo ferry at Mgarr. It draws thousands of people every year and is located in the Għajnsielem main square and the open countryside between the village and the main road.

It is a lively event with 150 volunteers, from young to old, from this village and others around the island, who create an exceptional atmosphere with shepherds tending their flock, carpenters, horses turning the 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

• Organisers: An action committee between the Ministry of Gozo and various Parish organizations of Ghajnsielem
• Where: Ta'Passi, Mgarr Road, Ghajnsielem

December 2025 (Dates for 2026 and 2027 TBA)

• Sunday, 14th December 2.30 pm - 7.00 pm;
• Wednesday, 17th December 9.30 am - 12.00 pm; (School students edition)
• Saturday, 20th December 4.00 pm - 7.30 pm;
• Sunday, 21st December 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm;
• Thursday, 25th December 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm;
• Friday, 26th December 2.30 pm - 7.00 pm;
• Saturday, 27th December 4.00 pm - 7.30 pm;
• Sunday, 28th December 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm;

January 2026

• Thursday, 1st January 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm;
• Friday, 2nd January 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm;
• Sunday, 4th January 2.00 pm - 7.00 pm (Adoration of the Magi)

4. Natalis Notabilis 2026

Natalis Notabilis fills Rabat's historic streets with Christmas stalls, food, crafts, cribs, and entertainment. We have visited many times, and for us the old streets are a big part of what makes it special. It is one of Malta's most popular Christmas events, attracting large crowds and plenty of stalls, and it is often where we unexpectedly meet friends and people we know.

• Location: Historic centre of Rabat, Malta
• When: Friday 4th to Sunday 13th December 2026
• Times: To be announced
• Entrance: To be confirmed
• Park & Ride: 2026 arrangements to be announced

Click here for details about Locations and Times

5. Villa Rundle Illuminated Gardens

A magical atmosphere greets you at Villa Rundle Gardens, with twinkling trails, lit trees, festive displays, music, stalls, and a cosy setting for beautiful moments with family and friends.

• Organiser: Cultural Heritage Directorate
• Location: Villa Rundle, Gardens, Victoria, Gozo
• When: Saturday 29th November 2025 to Tuesday 6th January 2026. Dates for the 2026/7 edition TBA.
• Time: 07:00 to 22:30
• Entrance: Free

See the full event details

6. The Malta International Christmas Choir Festival 

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

• Organiser: EuroArt Production
• When: Friday 4th to Sunday 6th December 2026
• Time: Evening concerts; exact times to be confirmed in the final programme
• Location: Various baroque churches in Malta; final venues to be confirmed

Click here for more details

7. Woodland Christmas Market

Set among the trees at Ta’ Qali National Park, the Woodland Christmas Market combines festive shopping with an outdoor family atmosphere. Visitors can browse eco-friendly gifts and locally made products at one of Malta's Christmas markets, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, listen to live music and take part in free games and craft activities for children.

• Organiser: Eco Market Malta
• Location: Oak Tree Circle, Ta’ Qali National Park
• When: Friday 4th to Sunday 13th December 2026
• Times: Daily opening times vary; check the official programme before visiting
• Entrance: Free
• Children’s activities: Free
• What to expect: Eco-friendly gifts, artisan stalls, food and drinks, live music, children’s games and craft workshops

8. The Magical Illuminated Trail & Christmas Market

Verdala Palace Gardens becomes a glowing wonderland with immersive displays and interactive installations, including the Coral Kingdom (Nemo), Alice's Wonderland, and the Interactive Magical Forest.

You'll find giant sweets in Candy Land, meet Enchanted Creatures, and beware the Grinch. Presented by the Malta Tourism Authority and supported by the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, this event sparkles with festive wonder and family memories.

details about The Magical Illuminated Trail

• Organiser: Supported by the Malta Tourism Authority in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation
• Venue: Verdala Palace, Buskett
  
• When: Friday 5th December 2025 to Saturday 3rd January 2026. Dates for the 2026 / 2027 edition TBA.
• Tickets: Use the link below to pre-book your spot and ensure availability on your selected date.

Click here for details and tickets

9. Christmas Pantomimes

Malta hosts several pantomimes during the Christmas season in both English and Maltese. These family-friendly performances take place in December and January. They are full of laughter, Christmas spirit, and kid-friendly content. Check out our list of pantomimes.

10. Christmas Cribs

Around Malta and Gozo, various Christmas crib exhibitions range from traditional static displays to larger live events. One of the most popular is Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem in Gozo, a large live nativity village where locals dress in period costumes and recreate scenes inspired by Judea around 2,000 years ago.

11. Christmas Eve Church services

On Christmas Eve in Malta and Gozo, churches fill up early; communities come together for music, prayers, and traditions, leading up to the solemn Midnight Mass.

• Earlier Vigil options: Many parishes add earlier evening Vigil Masses (19:00–21:00) for families/elderly.
• Before Midnight Mass, usually around 23:00–23:30: Many churches begin their Christmas Eve celebrations with carol singing, prayers or a short pageant. A particularly Maltese tradition is the Priedka tat-Tifel, where a boy or girl delivers a Christmas sermon recounting the Nativity. Exact times vary by parish, so check the local church programme before attending.
• Mass 12:00 am: Most parishes hold a solemn Midnight Mass, while others may have different Christmas Eve schedules.

Details: Check the parish website, Facebook page, or call the parish office or friends who live there for specific details.

12. L-Istrina

Fundraising to support philanthropic institutions and individuals with different medical needs.

One of this month's main activities is the L-Istrina. Organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund, this fundraising activity helps people in need of urgent medical care. It is usually held on 26th December on all local Maltese television stations and runs for 12 hours, collecting just over €5.7 million in 2025.

• Organiser: Malta Community Chest Fund
• When: Friday 26th December 2026.  Date still to be officially announced.
• Time: 12:00 - 24:00

This is a televised event on all main Maltese TV stations.

Click here for more details

13. The National New Year's Eve Celebrations 2026

Valletta’s national New Year’s Eve celebration is listed for 31 December 2026 at St George’s Square. The full programme and performer line-up are yet to be announced.

• Organiser: Valletta Cultural Agency
• Location: St George’s Square, Valletta
• When: Thursday, 31 December 2026
• Time: 22:00–02:00, as currently listed by the organiser
• Entrance: Awaiting confirmation
• Transport: Special New Year’s Eve bus and ferry arrangements will be added once announced.

Official Event Poster

14. Gozo New Year's Eve 2026

Details of Gozo’s public New Year’s Eve celebration for 31 December 2026, welcoming 2027, are awaiting an official announcement. We will add the venue, entertainment, times, and entrance details once confirmed.

13. Malta village feasts in December

Come experience the vibrant, beloved tradition of Maltese village feasts, where religious and cultural traditions coexist. These yearly festivities have a long tradition on the island, stemming from the various parish churches' devotion to their patron saints. Every town and village, with its own distinct personality, spends days preparing to welcome locals and guests alike.

Check out the December Malta Village Feasts calendar.

Weather In Malta In december

Malta's weather is getting colder as December approaches, so both locals and visitors should dress in layers of warmer clothing. It is noticeable that the air has become crisper, which gives the atmosphere a decidedly chilly feel. The winter season has arrived, and people are dressing warmly.

The warmth and charm of holiday decorations add a touch of warmth to the island, and December is the time for celebrations. The cooler temperatures and picturesque scenery of Malta make December in Malta quite appealing, even in the midst of winter charm.

See our full summary of the weather in Malta during December.

What To Do In Malta On Your Holiday In december

Discover all the fun things to do in Valletta, Gozo, and Malta during May break. Discover a world of adventures around every corner, from the tranquil landscapes of Gozo to the historical beauty of Malta. Experience Valletta's dynamic culture first-hand for a trip you won't soon forget.

Things To Do In Malta In december

• You will enjoy roaming around Birgu's charming, cobblestone lanes, which are adorned with historic buildings and rich in cultural heritage.
• There are plenty of bars, clubs, and other entertainment places in Paceville for a great nightlife experience.
• St. Paul's Cathedral and Mdina's ancient narrow streets may be explored while taking in the beautiful views from the bastion walls.
  
• The Blue Grotto natural caves, whose emerald blue hues show brilliantly throughout the cave, may be seen while taking a boat ride.
  
• Experience the Mosta Dome's magnificent architecture and learn more about its intriguing history.
  

Things To Do In Gozo In december

• Walk around the Citadella, take in the expansive views of Victoria, and learn about the history of Gozo.
  
• Discover Dahlet Qorrot Bay's charm; it's a hidden gem full of adventure and relaxation.
• The Mediterranean is breathtakingly visible from the Sanap Cliffs. Proceed to Ta' Cenc, which is near the town of Sannat.
• Discover the charm of Marsalforn, a charming community encircled by picturesque scenery and stunning seaside views.
• Embark on a jeep safari and discover hidden gems tucked away in the stunning Gozitan countryside.

Things To Do In Valletta In december

• Guided museum tours and plays are offered at Manoel Theatre, a 1732 masterpiece of Grand Master Vilhena
• Discover Malta's history, its fortifications, and its defenders at the Fortifications Interpretation Centre. An unforgettable educational experience awaits you there.
  
• At Casa Rocca Piccola discover the history and riches of a Maltese noble home, built during the 16th century by a Knight of Malta.
  
• Admire Valletta's Grand Harbour from Lower Barakka Gardens, which provides expansive views of surrounding cities, villages, and fortifications.
  
• Explore the Grandmaster's Palace's luxurious State Rooms, which highlight Malta's rich historical legacy.

suggested tours in malta

top tourist attractions in malta to visit

Join us as your guide as we take you on an exciting tour of the stunning archipelago, making sure you take in the beauty of the little islands with well-chosen must-see sites.

uNESCO world heritage sites

Explore Malta's Neolithic past at the Megalithic Temples, remains of a nation known for its vast architectural and cultural diversity. Check out all other UNESCO sites in Malta.

Where To Stay In Malta during december

Beautiful hotels with stunning views of the blue sea provide for a magnificent setting in which to spend time. Choose instead for cozy boutique guesthouses hidden inside historic villages; they all provide a special fusion of old world charm and modern amenities. With a wide variety of lodging options to match the rich tapestry of experiences just waiting to be discovered, the islands of Malta and Gozo invite you to go off on an adventure of leisure and exploration.

Make an informed accommodation choice by exploring Booking.com's variety of hotel options.

Here are some suggestions for December events and activities in Malta. The purpose of this page is to provide you with useful information that will enhance your experience. As a result of this guide, we hope you have gained valuable insight into the atmosphere of Malta during January. Dive into the offerings of Malta this month and plan your travels accordingly. Additionally, you can enjoy a diverse range of activities during November and January in case you change your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions For Activities In Malta december

more upcoming events in malta

Apart from the events mentioned on this page, you can find more activities from the following links.

• Find events on ShowsHappening.com
• Find events on Ticketline.com.mt
• Find events on Teatrumanoel.com.mt

If you would like to add an event to our page, kindly contact us.