Christmas in Malta: Why You’ll Love It & What To Do
From sparkling Christmas lights lining narrow cobblestone streets of Valletta to local choirs performing holiday carols in ancient churches. Christmas in Malta delivers an utterly unique and magical experience!
With pleasant Mediterranean weather, festive markets brimming with handmade crafts and artisanal food items, and a charming mix of homegrown traditions and British influences, the island country makes for an unforgettable holiday getaway. And the best part is you’ll just need a Malta Visa from UK to get started.
Without any further ado, let’s look at what makes Malta the perfect place for your Christmas celebrations!
A Quick Malta Christmas Weather Guide for You
One of the best reasons to visit Malta for Christmas is the island’s mild climate. From late November through December, expect daytime high temperatures between 15°C and 20°C, perfect jacket and sweater weather.
Comfortable Evenings with Pleasant Temperatures
Balmy low temps around 12°C mean most evenings stay comfortable and pleasant. These are perfect for enjoying those twinkly light displays and festive performances without needing heavy coats or gloves. Crisp but never too cold!
Attractions are Just a Stroll Away!
The lack of snow and ice means getting around by foot or public transport stays easy throughout Christmas season. Most Christmas markets, churches, restaurants and hotels are just a short stroll apart in places like Valletta and Sliema. And taking in all those holiday sights proves a total breeze!
So, why wait? Book your Malta Visa appointment today to kickstart your Christmas trip to Malta!
Why Visit Malta during Christmas?
Beyond the ideal weather conditions, Malta bursts with a festive Christmas spirit unmatched anywhere else. Locals adorn homes with bright lights and nativity scenes or large statues of baby Jesus in front yards. Shops brim with attractive Christmas products and holiday tunes play everywhere.
The season also brings an abundance of Christmas markets with arts, crafts and foods. You also get to enjoy a packed calendar of holiday concerts and events.
Visitors can even partake in beloved traditions like Christmas pantomimes and crackers. Oh yes, don’t forget to soak up the island’s unique localized seasonal customs. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind Mediterranean Christmas wonderland!
Things to Do in Christmas in Malta – A Quick Guide
From spending an evening exploring the magnificent Christmas lights displays, especially in the capital Valletta, to catching a performance of the classic ballet The Nutcracker set against the majestic backdrop of the Grandmaster’s Palace, Malta brims with incredible holiday happenings.
Other Top Christmas Activities You Can Enjoy
- Browsing bustling festive markets for handmade crafts, art, decor and food/drink.
- Sampling festive baked goods like the traditional Maltese qagħaq tal-għasel sweet honey rings.
- Joining local families for Christmas Eve midnight mass marked by beautiful choral music.
- Savouring a lavish Christmas lunch or dinner filled with local delicacies and fresh seafood.
- Hunting for unique handmade artisan gifts and ornaments at galleries and boutique shops.
- Revelling in Christmas concerts, cabarets, pantomime shows and more.
Want to enjoy all these fairy tale experiences? Then simply apply for Malta Visa. It’s hassle-free, quick and convenient!
Christmas Markets in Malta You Should Know About
As Christmas nears, plazas, squares and streets across Malta transform into magical outdoor markets. At these colourful Christmas markets, visitors can soak up local Maltese holiday wares, foods and entertainment.
Top Christmas Markets You Must Visit
1. Mdina Christmas Market
Wandering this medieval walled city with over 50 artisan stalls lining the narrow candle-lit streets proves simply magical.
2. Valletta International Christmas Market
Taking over St George’s Square with food, gifts and even a Santa’s Grotto and reindeer rides for kids.
3. Gozo Crafts Village Christmas Market
Located in Xewkija with Gozitan artisans showcasing unique handicrafts and delicacies.
These Christmas markets offer a ton of goodies and experiences that are unparalleled. Explore these dreamy markets by getting a Maltese visa. Apply now!
Traditional Maltese Christmas Foods to Savour!
Food plays a central role in Maltese Christmas celebrations. Must-try local holiday dishes include Qagħaq tal-Għasel (honey rings), buttery figolli biscuits and warming winter soups.
Mouth-Watering Foods of Christmas in Malta to Try
- Hearty bragioli beef olives simmered in a tomato & herb broth
- Aljotta – a rich fish broth filled with tomatoes, garlic and wedges of Maltese bread
- Timpana – a baked macaroni pie packed with cheese, meat sauce, eggs and mushrooms
- Classic Christmas puddings, cakes and other British baked goods
Be sure to try Malta’s bakeries for the finest traditional Christmas sweets. Pair them with local wine, craft beer or even mulled wine commonly found at the island’s Christmas markets. All you need is a Malta Schengen Visa to get started!
Malta Christmas Eve Traditions – Unique Experiences
Christmas Eve marks the pinnacle of Maltese seasonal celebrations!
A Day of Fasting & Beautiful Midnight Mass
Locals observe a day of fasting until the big Christmas Eve feast. At sunset, families march to church for Christmas vigil midnight mass. It’s a beautiful ceremony filled with carols, communion and blessings that marks the official start of Christmas.
Writing Letters to Baby Jesus
Kids write letters addressed to Il-Bambin (Baby Jesus) stuffed in papier-mâché statues and nailed to wooden crosses. These create makeshift nativity scenes set up in yards that are beautiful to watch.
Lavish Feasts and Parties
After mass, revellers flock to bars and restaurants to indulge in lavish feasts until late while continuing the party at trendy nightclubs.
Malta Christmas traditions are a fantastic blend of true Christmas traditions and modern trends. Experience all these amazing attractions by booking your Malta Visa appointment. A memorable Malta Christmas awaits you!
Malta Christmas Nightlife – Don’t Miss the Excitement!
The days leading up to Christmas overflow with concerts and pantomimes while bars and clubs host wild costume parties. Hotspots like St Julian’s and Paceville provide perfect backdrops for celebrating late into the night.
Must-visit spots include:
- City Limits Comedy Club – Showcasing side-splitting standup comedy shows
- Edinburgh Grand Pantomime – Offering fun fairy tale performances with family audience interaction
Enjoy a wonderful nightlife in Malta with your best buddies or family. Apply for an Online Malta Visa to get started on your Christmas trip to Malta!
Unique Christmas Experiences in Malta
Beyond the stunning lights, festive feasts and lively events, Malta serves up a few unexpected and wonderfully unique holiday happenings for Christmas visitors.
Top unique experiences include:
- Submarine Tours – See dazzling displays while onboard a high-tech sub
- Malta National Aquarium – Visit this amazing place boasting 26 display tanks, 175 different species and more.
- Malta 5D – Step into Malta’s history and heritage with mind-boggling 5D experiences.
With pleasant weather, festive Christmas markets and decorations everywhere, plus its own breed of cherished and wonderfully unique holiday traditions, Christmas in Malta promises visitors an utterly joyous winter escape filled with lasting memories.
FAQs
Q1. What is the weather like in Malta during Christmas?
Ans 1. The weather in Malta during Christmas is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures around 15°C.
Q2. Are there any special foods I should try in Malta during Christmas?
Ans 2. Definitely! Don’t miss out on traditional treats like ‘Imbuljuta Tal-Qastan’ and ‘Qagħaq tal-Għasel’.
Q3. What are some must-visit Christmas markets in Malta?
Ans 3. The Christmas markets in Valletta and Mdina are highly recommended for their festive atmosphere and unique offerings.
Q4. Are there any unique Christmas traditions in Malta?
Ans 4. Yes, the ‘Priedka tat-Tifel’ during the midnight mass on Christmas Eve is a unique Maltese tradition.
Q5. Can I enjoy nightlife in Malta during Christmas?
Ans 5. Absolutely, Malta offers a diverse nightlife scene during Christmas, from clubs to quiet wine bars.
