Christmas in Malta is warm, traditional and easy to enjoy. Expect mild weather, Valletta’s lights, nativity cribs in almost every church, a child preaching at Midnight Mass and sweet honey rings on the table. Here is how the season works for visitors, what to see and how to plan around holiday closures.
When does Christmas start in Malta?
The festive season begins in late November. The Valletta Cultural Agency lists its “Christmas in the Capital” programme from 25 November to 31 December 2026, with street decorations, a nativity crib, the Christmas tree, live performances, street animation and family activities. Programmes change from year to year, so check the official Valletta pages for the daily schedule.
Christmas Day is on Friday 25 December 2026, which is a public holiday and makes a three-day weekend. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday 8 December is also a public holiday. See our Malta public holidays guide for the full list.
Christmas weather in Malta
Winters are mild, but December is usually one of the wetter months. Sources put December temperatures at about 16 to 20°C, and the damp air and wind can make evenings feel colder. Bring layers, a windproof jacket and an umbrella. Check the live forecast and sea conditions on our Malta This Week page before planning a day out.
Valletta at Christmas
Valletta is the heart of the season. In 2025, the city switched on its lights and a large Christmas tree in Freedom Square on 25 November, and the same kind of opening is likely again this year, though the exact 2026 ceremony details were not confirmed when we checked. Main streets and squares are decorated, and the programme usually includes concerts, roaming performers, children’s activities and a procession with Baby Jesus.
Walk the streets in the late afternoon, when the stone turns golden and the lights come on, then have dinner in one of the side streets. Our Valletta guide lists the main sights, food and practical tips. Expect crowds in the evenings and on weekends, so allow extra time.
Maltese Christmas traditions
The crib (presepju)
The nativity crib is the symbol of Maltese Christmas. The tradition is said to have arrived from Naples and Sicily in the early 17th century. Maltese cribs often place the Nativity in a local landscape, with rocky hills, caves and flour windmills. The small clay figures are called pasturi. Most churches have a crib, and some exhibitions and museums show larger ones. Dates for crib exhibitions change, so check the organisers before you go.
Baby Jesus processions
Many parishes hold a Christmas Eve procession carrying a figure of the Baby Jesus through the streets. The custom is traced to Ħamrun in 1921 and then spread to other towns. Times and routes are set by each parish, so ask locally.
Midnight Mass and the child’s sermon
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is widely attended, even by families who do not go to church often. In many churches, a child gives the sermon, a custom known in Maltese as Il-Priedka tat-Tifel. St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta and St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina are well known for their services. If you want to attend as a visitor, arrive early, dress respectfully and be quiet during the service. Check the church or archdiocese for the 2026 times.
Christmas food in Malta
Look for these seasonal treats:
- Qagħaq tal-għasel: honey rings, a sweet pastry ring with a treacle-style filling.
- Imbuljuta tal-qastan: a warm chestnut and cocoa drink, often served after Midnight Mass.
- Imqaret: fried date pastries.
- Christmas lunch: roast turkey is now common, a habit linked to British influence.
Our Maltese food guide explains more local dishes. Some restaurants do not open for Christmas lunch and others offer a fixed menu, so book ahead.
Christmas events outside Valletta
- Ħal Kirkop: named a European Christmas Village for 2026. The village event dates were not announced when we checked, so see our Kirkop Christmas Village page.
- Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem, Gozo: a recurring live nativity village. We could not confirm the 2026 dates or tickets, so check the Għajnsielem council or Visit Gozo before you plan around it. Our Gozo guide has more ideas for the day.
- Mdina: the old city is quiet and atmospheric in winter. Read our Mdina guide and wear a jacket for the wind.
For other dates, see our Malta events page.
What is open at Christmas?
Opening hours change every year, so confirm before you travel. In general, expect shops and supermarkets to close early on Christmas Eve afternoon and most shops to close on Christmas Day. Museums and many attractions may close on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January. Public transport usually runs a reduced service on public holidays, and taxis and ride apps are often the easier choice late at night. Check Heritage Malta for site hours using our Heritage Malta guide.
A simple Christmas plan for visitors
- Before Christmas: see Valletta’s lights, visit a crib, and try a honey ring.
- Christmas Eve: enjoy a quiet day, then a procession or Midnight Mass if you wish.
- Christmas Day: a long lunch, or a coastal or countryside walk if the weather is dry.
- Boxing Day: shops in busy areas often reopen, and the sights are less crowded.
FAQ: Christmas in Malta
Is Malta good at Christmas?
Yes, if you like lights, traditions and mild winter weather. It is not a beach holiday, but it is atmospheric and often cheaper than summer outside the Christmas week.
Does it snow in Malta?
No. Snow is not normal in Malta. Some Christmas villages use artificial snow for fun.
Is Malta busy at Christmas?
Valletta is busy in the evenings and at weekends, and hotels often raise prices in the Christmas and New Year week. Book early if you plan to travel then.
Are shops open on Christmas Day in Malta?
Most shops are closed on 25 December, and some restaurants are open by booking only. Plan your meals and supplies ahead.
Summary
Christmas in Malta is about cribs, church traditions, family meals and lights, with mild weather and a gentle pace. Book dinners early, check closures and keep an umbrella handy. Dates, hours and programmes change, so check the official sites before you go.
Planning further ahead? Read our Malta in November guide or browse things to do in Malta this weekend.