Christmas with Kids in Malta
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Things to Do in Malta with Kids in December
Malta may not have the snowy backdrop of a traditional winter holiday, but December brings its own kind of Christmas magic. Streets and squares light up, festive markets appear around the islands and Valletta takes on an especially lively atmosphere.
For families, there is plenty to fill the school holidays. One day might involve Christmas rides and a visit to Santa, while the next could be spent discovering marine life, experimenting with science or exploring a colourful film set.
And because winter in Malta is generally mild, you can still make the most of being outdoors. If you are planning Malta with kids in December, here are some of the experiences to look out for.
What are the best things to do in Malta with kids in December?
Valletta is always worth exploring as a family, but Christmas gives you another reason to visit.
Fairyland, held around Pjazza Tritoni at the entrance to Valletta, is one of Malta’s best-known festive attractions. Previous editions have brought together fairground rides, a Ferris wheel, carousel, ice-skating, games, food stalls, live entertainment and Santa’s Grotto.
Once you have enjoyed the attractions, continue into Valletta itself. Wander through the decorated streets, stop for something sweet or simply enjoy the atmosphere as the Christmas lights come on.
The Valletta Waterfront also gets into the festive spirit, with seasonal decorations and family entertainment forming part of its Christmas programme.
Discover the Malta National Aquarium
For a change from Christmas lights and markets, head to the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra.
Children can discover marine life, reptiles and different underwater habitats as they make their way around the aquarium. There is also an outdoor play area nearby for younger visitors who still have energy to spare.
It is particularly convenient for families staying at AX ODYCY, with both the hotel and aquarium located in Qawra.
Malta National Aquarium, Qawra.
Christmas at Popeye’s Village Malta.Get hands-on at Esplora
Esplora Interactive Science Centre is a useful option when you want to spend some time indoors without the children losing interest.
Rather than simply looking at exhibits, children can experiment and discover how things work for themselves. Esplora also holds Christmas-themed activities during the festive period, bringing a seasonal touch to its usual hands-on approach to science.
Spend the day at Popeye Village
The original Popeye film set at Anchor Bay becomes even more colourful during the Christmas season.
Festive programmes have included parades, dancing, puppet shows and appearances from Santa alongside Popeye, Olive Oyl and other familiar characters.
There is plenty beyond the Christmas programme too, so families can explore the film set and regular attractions while they are there.
See Malta light up after dark
Save one evening for Malta’s festive lights.
The Magical Illuminated Trail has become a popular family Christmas outing, with large-scale light installations and themed displays creating a completely different experience after dark.
The displays change between editions, which means there is usually something new to discover each Christmas.
What Christmas activities for kids can you do in Malta?
Visit a Christmas market
Christmas markets appear in towns and villages across Malta and Gozo throughout December, ranging from larger organised events to smaller village celebrations.
Previous Christmas programmes have included markets in San Ġwann, Mġarr, Kirkop and Senglea, with stalls, seasonal food, live entertainment, workshops and activities for children.
You do not need to fit several into the same trip. Choose one that works with your plans and enjoy the atmosphere at a slower pace.
Meet Santa
Meeting Santa is naturally high on the Christmas list for younger visitors.
Santa experiences are usually part of several festive events around the island, including larger Christmas attractions and local markets. Some family attractions also introduce their own seasonal programmes, giving children more than one opportunity to meet him during December.
Make time for a festive family meal
After Christmas markets and sightseeing, a relaxed family meal can be just as welcome.
On the Qawra seafront, Trattoria Riccardo offers Mediterranean flavours and sea views, while the Little Italy play area gives younger guests somewhere of their own to enjoy.
Restaurants can get particularly busy over the festive season, so this is one part of your holiday that is worth planning ahead.
Where to stay when visiting Malta with kids in winter
A convenient base makes Christmas outings much easier when travelling with children.
AX ODYCY in Qawra puts families close to the Malta National Aquarium and within easy reach of northern Malta. In Sliema, AX The Palace gives you shopping, restaurants and good connections towards Valletta.
Families who want to stay right in the capital can choose Rosselli AX Privilege, with Valletta’s streets, Christmas atmosphere and seasonal entertainment outside the door.
Whichever area you choose, avoid filling every hour of the holiday. Some of the nicest moments during Christmas in Malta can be the simplest ones: a walk by the sea, an afternoon exploring Valletta or a long family meal after a busy morning.
FAQs about Things to Do in Malta with Kids in December
Yes. Malta’s winter weather still leaves room for days outdoors, while attractions such as the Malta National Aquarium and Esplora are handy when you would rather be inside. December also brings plenty of Christmas events into the mix.
Fairyland in Valletta is one of the big ones to look out for, along with Christmas markets, illuminated attractions and festive programmes at family venues around Malta. The line-up changes each year, so there is usually something different happening across the island.
Santa usually makes appearances at several Christmas attractions and markets around Malta. Fairyland and other family events have included Santa experiences in their festive programmes, so children normally have plenty of opportunities to meet him.
Christmas markets take place in towns and villages across Malta, and many include much more than shopping. Look out for markets with children’s workshops, entertainment and festive food so there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Yes, plenty. Valletta is a good place to start, but you will find festive attractions across the island, from Christmas markets and light displays to special seasonal activities at established family attractions.
The Malta National Aquarium and Esplora Interactive Science Centre are two good choices. The aquarium brings children face to face with marine life, while Esplora is more hands-on, with interactive exhibits they can experiment with.
Valletta is worth visiting for its festive atmosphere, while Qawra has the Malta National Aquarium. Popeye Village and Esplora are also fun family stops, and it is worth seeing which towns and villages are hosting Christmas markets during your stay.
The weather is milder than in many European destinations, so you do not have to spend the whole holiday indoors. There is also a good mix of attractions, historic places and Christmas events, with relatively short distances between many of them.
It is the mix that makes it different. Children still get the Christmas lights, Santa visits and festive markets they look forward to, but here they come with historic streets, village squares and the Mediterranean as the backdrop.
AX ODYCY - 4-star hotel in Qawra