Between Christmas and New Year’s, Malta is very colourful and busy. People are buying gifts, the streets are bright, and the busy squares are full of music.

But in the centre of all the commotion and excitement, there is a real feeling of joy.  This time of year is full of life, happiness, and Maltese culture. Read on to find out how to experience the Christmas enchantment in Malta. 

This highly anticipated Religious event draws visitors from around the world and to make the most out of it, you should consider taking up accommodation at the Be.Hotel, which is considered to be one of the best hotels in St Julian’s, Malta.

A Maltese Christmas: Warm Traditions & Local Spirit

One of the most common Christmas customs in Malta is making and exhibiting off the nativity crib, or presepju. There are a lot of them in homes, churches, and other public places in Malta and Gozo. A lot of families still make their own, which keeps a long-standing custom alive.  Some places even have fairs where people can show off the cribs they made themselves.

Families start making ġulbiena a few weeks before Christmas. These are small white shoots that grow when you put canary seeds on wet cotton and keep them in the dark.  When the plants are ready, they are put near the crib or statue of Baby Jesus.  They are like living decorations that stand for hope and new life.

Other cherished Maltese Christmas traditions include:

• Children’s processions on Christmas Eve: Young participants carry Baby Jesus statues through village streets, singing carols and spreading festive joy.
• The child’s sermon (il-priedka tat-tifel): During Midnight Mass, a child aged around seven to ten retells the Nativity story to the congregation.
• Carol singing and school pageants: Local parishes and schools hold plays and music events, with children dressed as angels, shepherds, or Mary and Joseph.
• Post-Midnight Mass breakfast: Families often head to cafés for a warm drink and a light meal together, a peaceful way to welcome Christmas Day.

 These customs all make Malta’s Christmas season more cheerful and connected. All of them demonstrate what makes Christmas in Malta unique.  

Christmas Villages and Enchanted Markets

The Christmas markets in Malta are full of colour, creativity, and seasonal fun.  The best part is that it usually isn’t too cold. This means you don’t have to worry about the weather when you go outside.

 These are some of the top sites to visit:

• Valletta Christmas Market (Fairyland): The Triton Fountain’s surrounding area turns into a holiday wonderland, with crafts, local treats, and live performances.
• Rabat Christmas Village (Natalis Nobilis): A cosy market filled with artisan stalls, children’s games, and festive decorations.
• Verdala Palace (Magical Illuminated Trail): The palace gardens light up with lanterns, themed areas, and small train rides.
• Popeye Village: A family favourite with festive shows, parades, and Santa visits.
• Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem (Gozo): A life-sized nativity village with actors, animals, and traditional crafts.

Glittering Lights & Holiday Sights

Valletta is beautifully lit up around Christmas. The big Christmas tree in front of Parliament Square is an excellent site to take pictures, and the golden lights on Republic Street and St. George’s Square are beautiful.

But the Christmas lights in Malta are not just at Valletta and Sliema. There are several other displays in different cities and villages on the islands that are worth seeing:

• Paola: In the south of Malta, Paola decorates its streets and main square with colourful lights, showing how communities all over the island join in the celebrations.
• Siġġiewi: The main square shines brightly with strings of lights outlining the church and nearby buildings. The large Christmas tree in the middle adds to the cheerful scene, making the square feel welcoming and full of holiday spirit.
• Floriana: Just outside Valletta, the main road Triq Sant’ Anna is lined with arches of light that guide the way into the city. It’s one of the most photogenic light displays in Malta.
• Buġibba and St. Paul’s Bay: Along the coast, the lights reflect beautifully across the sea, making the promenade an ideal spot for a relaxed evening stroll.
• Victoria, Gozo: The capital of Gozo glows beautifully at night, especially around Villa Rundle Gardens and Independence Square. It’s a calm yet lively place to enjoy the island’s smaller-scale Christmas charm.
• Santa Luċija, Gozo: A quiet village that feels like stepping back in time. Its church square and narrow streets shine softly with lights, creating a peaceful and nostalgic festive scene.

The holiday season is remarkable since each community has its own distinctive things.  Malta and Gozo turn into a bunch of bright, joyful places that feel like Christmas.

Holiday Meals and Seasonal Treats

Christmas is a big deal for food in Malta.  People from all over the world come together at the table to eat long meals that mix local customs with Mediterranean cuisine. The main dish is usually roast turkey, which is served with herbs and fresh vegetables from the area.  There are also a lot of sides to share.

 The sweet treats are another nice part about the season. A lot of them are made at home and smell like honey, spices, and warm pastries.

• Honey rings (qagħaq tal-għasel): round pastries filled with a mix of honey, spices, and citrus zest
• Christmas pudding (pudina tal-Milied): a rich Christmas pudding made with dried fruits and warm spices
• Date fritters (imqaret): crispy fried pastries stuffed with sweet dates, usually served hot at markets
• Hot chestnut-based drink (imbuljuta): a creamy drink made with chestnuts, cocoa, and spices, perfect for cool December evenings

To get ready for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, restaurants and hotels all around the islands make special menus.  Buffets, afternoon teas, and multi-course meals with both Maltese and foreign favourites are all available for guests to choose from.

Most places fill up quickly in early December, though, so it’s a good idea to book a table ahead of time to be sure your holiday meal will be ready when you get there.

Celebrate the Season at be.hotel

Christmas in Malta is the best time to be alive. People come together to eat great cuisine, laugh, and listen to music. The islands have their own rhythm during the holidays. Things move more slowly, it’s warmer, and there are dozens of minor traditions that make each moment feel special.  Stay at be.hotel if you wish to be close to Malta’s Christmas celebrations. It’s at St. Julian’s, which is only a short walk from stores, light displays, and views of the water. Have fun dinners and warm rooms.  At be.hotel, you may have a stylish Christmas and New Year and make it your home for a wonderful vacation in Malta.