Last Updated: 29th October 2026
November in Malta is much quieter than other months, but it's gearing up for the Christmas season ahead! Events include the Three Palaces Festival, Black Friday, and the Malta Book Festival.
This guide highlights the best activities, attractions, and events in November, with valuable insights, tips, and FAQ answers.
Immerse yourself in Malta's tranquillity, cultural heritage, and unique charm this November!
Birgu Malta - Activities in Malta November✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice from living in and exploring the Maltese Islands.
Join Malta's colourful November celebrations, which offer a variety of annual events to enjoy. Browse the events in Malta calendar for a vibrant, organised list of events.
SiGMA is not taking place in Malta in November 2026. The Malta event has moved out of its traditional November window, while SiGMA's larger World Summit will be held in Rome.
SiGMA Europe will return to Malta from 3 to 5 May 2027, at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta' Qali. Around 12,000 delegates are expected.
We will include full details in our Malta events in May 2027 guide.
The Three Palaces Festival has established itself by pairing great music with the beauty of each performance's setting. This approach aligns with Malta’s heritage and culture, especially given the Knights of St. John's four-century presence on the islands, which left behind many historically important, magnificent buildings.
This week-long festival successfully blends classical and contemporary musical performances to appeal to a diverse audience while also acknowledging Malta’s cultural calendar.
👉 Check out our Three Palaces Festival Guide
The Malta Book Festival is a leading event on Malta’s national cultural calendar and the country’s largest celebration of books and literature. The 2025 edition attracted around 40,000 visitors, while the 2026 festival will feature over 40 exhibitors and more than 100 activities, including book presentations, workshops, author talks, and family events.
For 2026, the Festival’s international special guests include Ian Rankin, the bestselling Scottish crime writer best known for his Inspector Rebus novels, and Spanish author Esther GarcĂa Llovet, whose work is known for its distinctive cinematic style and contemporary Spanish settings.
The Malta International Darts Open, organised by the Malta Darts Association, brings together Maltese players and international competitors for one of the country's main darts events.
The tournament dates back to the 1970s and has grown as darts has become more established across the Maltese Islands. Today, the International Open is considered one of the Malta Darts Association's biggest annual competitions and attracts players from Malta and overseas.
The Żurrieq Half Marathon & 10K is a popular running event in Malta that usually starts and finishes near Żurrieq Parish Church. The event includes a half-marathon, 10K race, 10K walk, and children’s races, making it suitable for runners, walkers, families, and fitness enthusiasts.
It is a great way to enjoy a local sporting event, experience Żurrieq’s village atmosphere, and take part in one of Malta’s organised road races.
Activities in Malta November - Christmas lighting in VallettaEach year, Valletta officially switches on its Christmas lights to mark the start of the festive season. The main streets, including Republic Street and Merchants Street, are decorated with Christmas lights, while festive displays and a large Christmas tree enhance Valletta's festive atmosphere.
The decorations attract plenty of visitors for Christmas shopping, dining, and evening walks through the city, and remain illuminated throughout the festive period.
There will be a lot of sales at many shops in Malta and Gozo. Shoppers line up early to buy cheap items.
While Black Friday is traditionally the day of sales, shops often start early in the week and run sales through Cyber Monday.
Department stores and well-known stores display special deals on their websites. You can also buy items on their websites, where they offer sales.
Winter Wonderland returns to Gozo for its 10th edition, bringing together local artists and craftspeople for a festive weekend of Christmas shopping. Visitors can browse art, handmade crafts, Christmas gifts and homemade delicacies from 15 participants, while this year's event also supports the charity Smiling with Jerome. The Vocal Gems will add to the festive atmosphere with a cappella performances on Friday and Sunday.
The Malta Community Chest Fund organises the annual President’s Solidarity Fun Run to raise funds for people who need medical care, especially those with chronic illnesses such as cancer, and for those who need treatment abroad, providing financial support to help them achieve this aim.
Thousands of participants pay a nominal fee, and it is open to people of all ages. The fun run starts with four routes. This is done on purpose to support participants' health, so they can choose the route that suits them best.
At the end of each route, participants meet at the main entrance of Valletta, then proceed to St. George’s Square in front of the President’s Palace.
Malta's capital will host the upcoming Valletta Early Opera Festival, curated by Festivals Malta. It takes place at Europe's oldest working theatre, Teatru Manoel. The festival celebrates early opera's drama and elegance. It offers the chance to experience rarely performed works in an intimate, historically rich setting, drawing classical music lovers from Malta and abroad.
It is a must-see festival for culture seekers visiting Valletta in November, when the city's charm meets world-class performances.
Many pantomimes are being performed in Malta this Christmas season, both in English and Maltese. To learn more about these pantomime productions, check out our list here. They're always full of laughs, Christmas spirit, and child-friendly content.
Immerse yourself in the heart of Maltese culture at annual village feasts, vivid tapestries woven from custom, faith, and togetherness. Rooted in deeply held beliefs, these celebrations have evolved into elaborate performances that highlight the island's rich history.
Check out the November Malta Village Feasts calendar.
As November draws to a close, Malta and Gozo begin preparing for the festive season, with Christmas markets and traditional nativity displays starting to appear across the islands.
Explore our guide to Christmas Markets in Malta for festive shopping, seasonal food and family activities. You can also discover Malta's traditional nativity displays in our Christmas Crib guide.
Event opening dates vary each year, so check the individual guides when planning your visit.
Malta Traveller App offers more than 300 exclusive discounts designed specifically for Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Enjoy discounts at many eateries, pubs, shops, tourist attractions, and activities while you are here. Discover cutting-edge fashion, thrilling excursions, and a variety of activities for less. This app offers a plethora of savings to enhance your vacation experience.
In November, Malta's weather gets crisper, so locals and visitors should bring warm clothing. As the air gets fresher, the slightly lower temperatures can be appealing. During this time of year, people dress warmly and wear layers to welcome the cooler weather. November's lower temperatures still allow outdoor exploration and outings, letting you enjoy Malta's beautiful green landscape.
See our full summary of the weather in Malta during November.
The Grand Harbour and the Fortifications of VallettaSet out on a November voyage of discovery through Valletta, Gozo, and Malta. Discover a range of experiences, from Gozo's tranquil scenery to Malta's fascinating history. Take in all that Valletta has to offer in November, and you'll have a memorable and distinctively autumnal experience.
Allow us to be your tour guide as we reveal this island's splendour. You can be sure that you won't miss any important locations because our carefully selected destinations offer both a pleasurable and thorough experience.
A fantastical movie set turned attraction, Popeye Village in Malta takes visitors on a nostalgic trip. The hillside is dotted with vibrant wooden buildings that offer a pleasant experience to guests of all ages.
Engage with a dedicated private guide to gain a deeper understanding of the Maltese islands. During your tour, visit Valletta, Europe's smallest capital, and Mdina, Malta's former capital. Explore Gozo's charms and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Dingli Cliffs on a private multi-day trip.
On the tour, you will see:
Discover the lasting impact of Malta's Neolithic past by touring the striking Megalithic Temple remains, which are a masterpiece of architecture. Check out all the other UNESCO sites in Malta.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malta, is home to an impressive Neolithic burial structure dating back to 4000 BC. It is among the most impressive burial structures in the world.
Explore Malta's Ħaġar Qim, a Neolithic temple boasting megalithic structures and alignments, unveiling profound insights into the sophisticated rituals of prehistoric civilizations and their cultural intricacies.
Malta and Gozo combine Mediterranean beauty with ancient charm. You can choose from numerous options, from quiet retreats on Gozo to coastal hideaways in St. Julian's to lively metropolitan experiences in Valletta. From opulent hotels overlooking the blue sea to little boutique guesthouses nestled in ancient towns, the islands offer an ideal combination of leisure and discovery.
Check out Booking.com's affordable costs and extensive hotel alternatives to make an informed decision.
To provide you with information about November events in Malta, our team has compiled a list of activities and events. It is our goal to provide you with knowledge that will improve your overall experience. Alternatively, if your travel schedule changes, you will be able to take advantage of other experiences in October or December based on what's available. We hope you find this information useful when planning a vacation to Malta.
Is November in Malta a good time to visit?
Malta is a fantastic destination in November, but there are some things to keep in mind. As opposed to the summer, the weather starts to cool off and rain is more likely, but sunbathing is still permitted for a few hours each day. Beach activities may not be ideal at this time, but there is a more relaxed, genuine atmosphere. History, culture, and local life can be enjoyed without the crowds. It may be worthwhile to visit Malta in November if you enjoy a more sedate atmosphere, but you should prepare for cooler nights and possible rain.
What traditions do locals observe during these festivals, and how welcoming are village feast festivities for tourists?
Guests are welcome to partake in village feasts. The locals welcome visitors to participate in and enjoy these cultural and religious feasts by decorating the streets with vibrant decorations, religious services, processions, traditional food, band marches, and fireworks.
How much does Malta cost in November?
With fewer visitors, November provides cheaper accommodation and flights. Even though the sea is colder, the weather turns wintry and is still excellent for sunbathing. While costs for meals, transportation, and attractions remain constant, early preparation ensures better rates.
How packed is Malta in November?
Malta is busy in November but provides a more sedate atmosphere with fewer visitors than in the summer. There are fewer tourists, but the weather is still nice, there are many things to do, and there are cultural events. It's the perfect time of year for exploring and sightseeing outside at a slower pace for less money.
Apart from the events mentioned on this page, you can find more activities from the following links.
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