Christmas Activities in Malta

Christmas has a strong sense of tradition in Malta. Churches prepare for one of the most important dates in the Catholic calendar, nativity cribs appear in homes and public spaces and village streets take on a festive glow.

But that is only part of the season.

December also brings Christmas markets, concerts, family attractions, theatre and festive events across the islands. Valletta becomes particularly atmospheric in the evenings, while Rabat, Gozo and smaller towns each add their own character to the celebrations.

For anyone planning Christmas breaks in Malta, the best approach is not to fill every day with organised events. Leave time for a walk through the decorated streets, a long lunch or an evening discovering how locals celebrate.

A Maltese Christmas brings together faith, family and a lively calendar of seasonal events.

Nativity cribs, known locally as presepji, are one of the most recognisable traditions. Many are handmade with considerable care, using figurines known as pasturi alongside lights, plants and sometimes moving or water features. Crib exhibitions are held around the islands, while some families also open their own displays to visitors.

Religious celebrations remain important too. Midnight Mass is held in parish churches across Malta and Gozo, often accompanied by carols and the traditional Christmas sermon delivered by a child.

Afterwards, families and friends may continue the night over breakfast before returning home for Christmas Day celebrations.

For visitors experiencing Malta at Christmas, these traditions offer a very different side of the islands from the usual summer image.

Christmas markets appear across Malta and Gozo throughout the festive season.

Natalis Notabilis in Rabat is one of the best known, transforming the historic streets with food stalls, crafts, nativity displays, concerts and seasonal entertainment.

Guests staying at Verdala Wellness Hotel are particularly well placed to experience the festivities in Rabat, with the historic centre and neighbouring Mdina close by. It makes it easy to spend an evening enjoying the Christmas atmosphere before returning to the quieter surroundings of Tal Virtù.

Programmes and dates change each year, so check the latest festive calendar or speak with the AX Hotels concierge team during your stay.

Valletta is one of the best places to feel the festive atmosphere.

Fairyland around Pjazza Tritoni has become a familiar part of Christmas in Valletta, with previous editions featuring fairground rides, a Ferris wheel, food stalls, games, performances and Santa experiences.

Once inside the city, continue through the decorated streets, stop for a drink or dinner and enjoy the capital after dark. Guests staying at Rosselli or AX The Saint John Boutique Hotel are especially well placed to experience Valletta’s festive atmosphere on foot, with many of the city’s seasonal attractions, restaurants and cultural venues close by.

The annual panto at Teatru Manoel is another much loved Christmas tradition, bringing colourful costumes, songs and plenty of humour to one of Valletta’s most historic theatres.

The Magical Illuminated Trail has become a popular evening attraction, filling its setting with large scale lanterns, themed installations and colourful light displays.

Each edition changes, so families and couples returning to Malta can expect something different from year to year.

For current timings and ticket information, check the latest event programme before visiting.

Music forms a big part of the festive season.

The Malta International Christmas Choir Festival brings together Maltese and international choirs, with performances often held in some of the islands’ beautiful churches.

Festive concerts by leading local performers are also part of the December calendar, creating plenty of choice for visitors who prefer an evening of music to a market or fairground.

Gozo adds one of Malta’s most distinctive Christmas experiences.

Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem recreates a living nativity village with actors, animals and traditional scenes inspired by the story of Bethlehem. Visitors can walk through the setting and watch everyday scenes unfold around them.

It is well worth considering if your festive itinerary already includes a day in Gozo.

Christmas in Malta is also about sitting around the table.

AX Hotels offers festive lunches, dinners and seasonal dining experiences across its properties, giving guests plenty of ways to enjoy the celebrations without having to travel far.

Festive menus vary each year, so speak with the concierge team for the latest dining programme and reservation advice.

If your stay extends beyond Christmas, Valletta is also a lively place to welcome the New Year.

The capital usually hosts public celebrations, live entertainment and a midnight countdown, drawing locals and visitors into the city centre for the final evening of the year.

For guests staying at Rosselli or AX The Saint John Boutique Hotel, being based in the capital makes it easy to enjoy the celebrations and return to the hotel on foot afterwards.

A little planning goes a long way in December.

Popular Christmas events in Malta, restaurants and performances can fill quickly, particularly closer to Christmas Day and New Year. Families often plan several weeks ahead, so it is worth reserving anything that matters most to your trip.

At the same time, keep part of the itinerary flexible. One of the pleasures of Christmas in Malta is simply being out among decorated streets, village squares and church façades without needing a ticket or fixed schedule.

Guests staying at AX Hotels can speak with the concierge team for updated information on Christmas activities in Malta, seasonal events, dining and programmes taking place during their stay.