Christmas with Kids in Malta

Malta may not have the snowy backdrop of a traditional winter wonderland, but our sunny island transforms into a magical Christmas destination every December. With a packed calendar of festive activities and events in Malta, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with your children.

If you’re staying at one of our family-friendly hotels in Malta—whether in Qawra, Sliema, or Valletta—you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy a variety of festive fun. From bustling Christmas markets and enchanting concerts to exciting Santa themed events, there’s something for kids (and kids at heart!) to enjoy around every corner.

So, grab your calendars and get ready to plan some holiday magic. Here are our top Christmas activities for kids in Malta this year:

Hop on over to Valletta Waterfront for a dose of holiday magic, taking place from the 30th November until the 24th December. Discover a towering 35-foot Christmas tree, a giant nutcracker, and a jumbo gingerbread man, surrounded by interactive games and festive cheer. There’ll also be choirs, marching bands, and a Baby Jesus procession, plus the kids will love meeting Father Christmas and Mrs Clause. With plenty of activities and photo opportunities, this is a Christmas destination your kids will love.

A fun activity for all the family to enjoy at any time of year, the Malta National Aquarium makes for an especially great outing over the Christmas holidays. With the venue decked out in festive decorations, you’ll get to explore a wide variety of fish, reptiles and marine life, making it both an educational and entertaining activity! Plus, the colourful play area right outside the aquarium will provide the little ones with even more opportunities to burn some energy and have a blast.

What’s Christmas without delicious, tummy-satisfying food? Treat your family to a festive meal on the Qawra seafront at exceptional restaurants like Luzzu and Trattoria Riccardo, known for their Mediterranean flavours, breathtaking sea views, and great value! The Little Italy play area, ensures the little ones can explore a safe and colourful zone featuring everything from fun slides to a jungle gym and ball pit, all designed to keep kids entertained while the parents enjoy a relaxed meal. Due to high demand in December, it’s always best to book ahead!

Step into Santa’s STEM Factory at Esplora Interactive Science Centre from the 21st to 31st December and uncover the science of Christmas! Through hands-on workshops and interactive shows, discover how food science, robotics, and innovation create holiday magic. Fun, festive, and educational, this event is perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Fairyland is an eagerly awaited annual spectacle throughout December in Malta. Taking over Pjazza Tritoni just outside Valletta, this festive extravaganza promises something for everyone. From timeless fair rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel to the joy of gliding on the ice-skating rink, interactive games, and more, there’s an abundance of festive fun. Enjoy seasonal treats and hot food from the food kiosks while being entertained by live performances on the vibrant stage. Plus, there’s also an enchanting artisan market complete with Santa’s Grotto, where you and the family can shop for artisan items and take photos with Santa. This year it will be open from the 6th of December until the 5th of January 2024.

Take your kids on a galactic holiday adventure with Santa’s Little Astronauts! Inside the Mercury Christmas Dome in St Julian’s, they’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree visuals, interactive space-themed activities, and crafts. Highlights include challenges like a galaxy obstacle course, a mega UV ball pit, and writing star-shaped letters to Santa to post inside a rocket. And don’t miss Santa himself—dressed as an astronaut for a photo op that’s out of this world!

Visit Popeye’s Village this Christmas season and watch the original 1980s film set transform into a holiday wonderland! Kids can meet Popeye, Olive, and Captain Bluto as they roam the village spreading festive cheer. Highlights this year include festive parades, Christmas dancing, puppet shows, and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and other Christmas mascots. Your visit also includes access to the usual Popeye theme park features including the film set, comic museum, and play areas. With complimentary treats like mulled wine, popcorn, and goodies for the kids, this nostalgic holiday destination is great for all ages.

Light up your Christmas evenings with a trip to the Magical Illuminated Trail. This popular annual attraction features enchanting light installations set up around the gardens of the majestic Verdala Palace in Siġġiewi. This year, the trail will feature all new lantern structures. Explore the Mythical Tree, step into Flower Land, and wander through the Fantasy Garden. There’s even a cosmic adventure waiting in the Space Explorer World. What’s more, this latest edition of the trail will also include Malta’s first-ever life-size Illuminated Crib. The Magical Illuminated Trail will run from December 4th to January 4th and this year will feature a special Minions light display!

Every year, more and more Christmas markets continue to pop up around Malta and Gozo’s towns and villages. So, you’re positively spoilt for choice with where to go with the kids for Christmas on any given weekend. Here are a few highlights to look out for.
For a festive fun, head to Frosty Meadows in San Ġwann, a magical market filled with dazzling lights, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all while supporting the great cause of Puttinu Cares.

Over in Mgarr, Vincent’s Christmas Market offers an enchanting experience with over 70 stalls featuring handmade crafts and treats, plus activities like horse riding, bouncy castles, and workshops for families. The GIGANTIC Christmas Market in Kirkop lives up to its name with charming village streets brimming with seasonal delights and fun for all ages. Finally, wrap up your market visits at the Cottonera Christmas Fair, a heartwarming celebration in Senglea’s main square featuring live music, puppet shows, roaming entertainers, and a magical tree lighting ceremony led by the Malta National Children’s Choir. Each market offers its own unique charm, promising plenty of Christmas activities to look forward to throughout the holidays in Malta.

Christmas can get so hectic that quality time with your loved ones can sometimes take a backseat. So, why not change that this year with a special family-friendly hotel getaway in Malta? At AX Hotels, we make it easy to spend the holidays together in style. Stay at AX ODYCY on the Qawra coast for a splendid seaside retreat, enjoy the convenience of AX The Palace in Sliema, just steps away from fabulous shopping and dining, or opt for luxury at Rosselli AX Privilege in Valletta, a stunning base to soak up the capital’s festive charm. With top-notch service, festive dinners, lunches, and afternoon teas, your family getaway will feel like stepping into Christmas heaven. Explore our hotels and book your perfect holiday stay today!