Malta Christmas Markets 2024

Malta Christmas Markets 2024

Malta offers a unique blend of cultures and traditions, making it an ideal destination for exploring Christmas markets. Come soak up the festive cheer.

• Are you visiting Malta for Christmas? Stay close to the busiest markets in Valletta at The Embassy Hotel, rated “Wonderful” by guests with a stunning rooftop pool, modern gym, stylish rooms and perfect location.

Christmas in Malta

• Despite the warm winter weather (Average highs of 17 degrees in the daytime), the festive season starts early in Malta, kicking off at the beginning of December.
• Highlights include the stunning Christmas lights in Valletta, including the Triton Fountain, the international Christmas Carol Concert at St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Santa’s Toy Town at the Popeye Village.
• Other unique events include Ice Skating in St Julians at the Bay Street Shopping Centre and the live nativity in Gozo.

Valletta Christmas Market & Activities

• November 25th – December 24th, 2024 – Christmas in the Capital.
• The most popular Christmas Markets are in the heart of Malta’s capital city, Valletta.
• Stroll through the historic streets adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
• Enjoy a delicious Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, a traditional Maltese hot chocolate made from roasted chestnuts, cocoa, cloves, citrus zest, and various spices.
• It’s a warming and aromatic drink enjoyed during the Christmas season.
• Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Freedom Square and take in the Christmas Lights in Republic Street and Merchansts Street.
• Visit the Nativity Crib next to St John’s Cathedral or take in the Nativity scene at the Man Guard in St George’s Square.
• From early December, you can also enjoy stunning light projections in St Geroge’s Square.
• Christmas events in the old town are organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency.
• Stay close to the city’s popular gay-friendly bars and top attractions at the “Superb” rated La Falconeria, one of the best-located hotels in the city, featuring stylish rooms and offering guests delicious breakfasts.

Christmas Village Valletta Waterfront

• Sunday 1st December to Monday 6th of January 2025 – Valletta Waterfront hosts a unique market open daily in December, complete with a 35-foot Christmas Tree.
• You’ll find numerous stalls offering a variety of local crafts, handmade gifts, traditional food, and sweets.
• Visit Santa’s Workshop and visit the life-size Nutcracker Soldier.
• Sample some traditional sweets and confections, including nougat (Qubbajt in Maltese), honey rings (Galletti), almond pastries (market), and honey rings with sesame seeds (ħelwa tat-Tork).
• After a day of shopping, enjoy a cocktail or dine out along the waterfront.
• Upgrade your Maltese Christmas with a stay at the Iniala Harbour House, rated “Fabulous” by guests with breathtaking harbour views and superb in-room amenities.

Fairyland

• Sunday 8th December 2024 – Tuesday 7th January, 2025 – Fairyland is on Pjazza Tritoni, right outside Valletta’s City Gate.
• The market features live music, entertainment, and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Take a ride on Rudolph’s Wheel for a bird’s eye view of the capital.

Nice Things Market

• Typically the second weekend in December – Nice Things is an annual Christmas Market and Malta’s biggest creative market celebrating all things local.
• The market features more than 80 different stalls at the Is-Suq tal-Belt in Valletta.
• Nice Things is the perfect place to pick up unique gifts, local delicacies and handmade items.

Christmas Beyond The Capital

• Maltese towns and villages are beautifully illuminated during the Christmas season.
• Elaborate light displays, including Christmas trees, street decorations, and illuminated cribs, add a magical touch to the festive atmosphere.
• The tradition of setting up a Christmas crib, known as a “Presepju,” is deeply rooted in Maltese culture.
• These cribs are beautifully crafted, often featuring miniature figurines representing the nativity scene.
• It’s common to find cribs in homes, churches, and even public places throughout the country.

Sliema Markets

• Sliema is a renowned shopping destination with a wide range of retail outlets, designer boutiques, and shopping malls.
• It has regular bus and ferry services to Valletta, Malta’s capital.
• Sliema market hosts plenty of Christmas-themed activities, carolling, and street performances on show at Pjazza Tigne.
• Tigné Point, located in Sliema, is a popular waterfront area in Malta with shopping outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Enjoy Christmas-themed stalls, food vendors and a festive atmosphere.
• Sliema is a 15-minute ferry ride from the capital, Valletta.
• Stay at AX The Palace, rated “Fabulous” by guests featuring stylish rooms, sweeping bay views, a stunning rooftop pool and terrace and exceptional service.

Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem

• If you’re looking for an immersive Christmas experience, Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem is a unique event worth attending.
• It’s an interactive nativity village in Għajnsielem on the island of Gozo,  spread over 20,0000 square meters of formerly abandoned fields.
• The entire village is transformed into a living recreation of Bethlehem, complete with stalls selling local delicacies, artisan crafts, and live reenactments of the nativity scene.
• A Christmas landscape is magically complemented by over 150 actors who take visitors back to Judea two millennia ago.
• This event offers a fantastic opportunity to step back in time and experience the magic of Christmas.
• Gozo is a 45-minute ferry ride from Valletta.

Mdina Medieval Christmas Market

• The ancient walled city of Mdina hosts a charming medieval-themed Christmas market.
• Perched on a hilltop, Mdina offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Mdina was also the filming location for several Game Of Thrones episodes.
• As you wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of the “Silent City,” you’ll find stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, local products, and traditional Maltese treats.
• The market is adorned with medieval-themed decorations, and various activities like live music, performances, and workshops are organized to entertain visitors of all ages.
• Mdina is a 30-minute taxi ride from Valletta.
• Stay at the “Exceptional” rated Palazzo Bifora, a boutique hotel with superb facilities, a la carte breakfasts and stunning location.

Marsaxlokk Christmas Market

• Marsaxlokk, a picturesque fishing village, hosts a cosy Christmas market by the sea.
• Stroll along the promenade and explore the stalls offering local crafts, homemade goods, and delicious food.
• You can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Maltese pastries, mulled wine, and other festive treats while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.
• Don’t forget to visit the famous Marsaxlokk fish market nearby, known for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh catches.
• Marsaxlokk is a 20-minute drive from Valletta.

Bugibba Christmas Market

• Bugibba, a popular tourist destination, sets up a lively Christmas market during the holiday season.
• You’ll find an array of stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, toys, and seasonal decorations.
• The market offers a mix of local and international flavours, with food stalls serving traditional Maltese dishes and international cuisine.
• Live entertainment, including music and dance performances, adds to the festive ambience.
• Bugibba is a half-hour drive from Valletta and has a charming promenade, bustling restaurants, and lively nightlife.
• It is also home to several historical landmarks, including St. Paul’s Island and the Bugibba Temple, providing a glimpse into Malta’s rich history and culture.

Recommended Hotels in Malta

The following hotels are close to the Christmas markets in Valletta.

Hilton Malta,    InterContinental,    Hugo’s Boutique,    Holiday Inn