Malta is a top Christmas destination and we're not the only ones who say so! Find out why you'll love Malta during Christmas time and into the New Year.
Malta’s a great place to visit in December. Visiting Malta during off season definitely has its advantages over the peak summer months. For example, it’s less crowded with tourists so it’s cheaper to stay, and you can enjoy the things you do better and more calmly. The weather is not too hot, still sweeter than most other places in Europe and there’s still lots to do if it rains. And a big plus is that Malta is greener, prettier and more lush in many ways.
Christmas time in Malta also comes with its unique Maltese Christmas traditions and seasonal attractions, and they are unique and wonderful. For example, Malta goes all out on decorations, including the family heirloom Baby Jesus in a manger with home-grown vetches and the nativity crib. Christmas eve comes with Midnight Mass featuring the sermon of the child and then a children’s procession, while neighbours greet each other on the church parvis as the parish priest serves imqaret (Maltese date sweets) and mulled wine to his community.
Apart from the traditions, the island is buzzing with activity and party vibes. Most village streets are decorated with Christmas lights and some even blare out cheesy Christmas tunes on loud speakers through the main roads. Everyone’s busy shopping for Christmas gifts and shops stay open till late (and open on Sundays!) Everyone is generally in the party spirit and there’s a lot happening at restaurants, bars, wine bars and clubs due to get-togethers for festive celebrations.
And here are 7 seasonal things to do in Malta during Christmas & New Year...
1. Visit Christmas Crib exhibitions. From shoe-box sized to live cribs, Malta takes this tradition very seriously. Don’t miss Gozo’s very own 20,000 square metre Christmas village: Bethlehem F'Ghajnsielem.
2. Relish Christmas street lights and decorations at their best in Valletta. Witness the peaceful majesty of the blown glass bauble Christmas tree while shoppers frantically run around loaded with shopping bags full of gifts to the sound of seasonal tunes echoing through the city’s streets.
3. Go to a Christmas market - there are loads of them! We particularly like the ones that sell handmade products by local artisans - they make very special and unique gifts. Of special note are the Malta Artisans Markets, Christmas Crafts Fair by Thrivers Malta, the Farmers and Crafters Christmas Market, Patches Christmas Fair and the Jollywood Fair & Christmas Market.
4. See the 7-storey-high Christmas Tree in Birzebbuga, which set the record for Malta’s largest Christmas Tree in 2016. But the tiny village of Ghasri in Gozo decided it’s also up for the competition. There's a pretty cool blown glass bauble tree in Valletta too. See them for yourself and decide which is the most awesome.
5. Visit Santa’s Toy Town. Set within one of Malta’s most popular attractions, Popeye’s Village, check out the place where Santa’s elves are at work making and preparing the toys to be distributed to the Mediterranean section of his rounds for good children.
6. Witness the Midnight Mass with the sermon of the child on Christmas Eve, and the children’s procession as they sing in unison with angelic voices first thing on Christmas morning. Even if you’re not a Catholic, the event is memorable as a cultural event.
7. Spend New Years Eve in the European Capital of Culture 2018: Valletta. St George’s Square will be the grand place to be in Malta’s capital as the clock strikes midnight. Part of the V18 events, the celebrations will include a concert with Ira Losco, Xarulu and other great local artists.
Are you ready to have a great time in Malta during Christmas and New Year? We certainly are!