Valletta is where Malta does Christmas best. From 25 November to 31 December 2026, the Valletta Cultural Agency runs its month-long “Christmas in the Capital” programme, with new street lights, a Christmas tree, a nativity crib, free concerts and the big New Year’s Eve party. This guide gives you the dates that matter, a simple way to plan an evening, and the practical details that make the visit easier.
The short version: go on a weekday evening, arrive before sunset, walk Republic Street slowly, and pick one or two events instead of trying to see everything.
Christmas in Valletta 2026 at a glance
- 25 November: official opening, with the tree and lights switched on, a performance by VOCA Choir and a new crib unveiled. It runs from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
- 5 December: Father Christmas and his elves give out children’s books.
- 6 and 13 December: Gootopia family workshops.
- 15 December: a live set by singer and pianist Riona.
- 17 December: the traditional Baby Jesus procession.
- 18 and 19 December: Letters to Santa.
- 21 December: Carols in the Capital at St Francis Church, free entry.
- 23 December: Home Alone Movie Experience at the Valletta Design Cluster.
- 24 December: two festive shows with dancers and acrobats.
- 31 December: National New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The agency says the programme includes 25 events and about 300 artists. Programmes can change, so check the Valletta Cultural Agency events page for the latest times before you go.
The lights, the tree and the crib
Where to see the lights
This year the opening switches on a new design of festive lights along Republic Street, South Street and Merchant Street. These are the main walking streets, so you can see most of the decorations in a single stroll. In past years the main tree has stood in Freedom Square, near the entrance to the city, and the crib has stood beside St John’s Co-Cathedral. The 2026 locations of the tree and crib were not confirmed when we checked, so look at the Valletta Cultural Agency page or simply follow the lights.
When to go
Late afternoon is the best time. The limestone turns golden, the crowds are still thin, and the lights come on while you are already in the middle of town. Weekend evenings, and especially the days around the opening and the last week before Christmas, are much busier. If you want photos without people in them, a weekday around 5pm works well.
Traditions you can watch in Valletta
The Baby Jesus procession (17 December)
This is the most Maltese event of the programme. On 17 December the procession starts at 6pm from Our Lady of Victories Church, near the Castille end of the city, and ends at St John’s Co-Cathedral with the Boy’s Sermon (in Maltese, Il-Priedka tat-Tifel), where a child delivers the Christmas message. It is a religious event, so keep your voice low and dress respectfully if you step inside the co-cathedral. Our guide to Maltese Christmas traditions explains the crib and the Midnight Mass customs in more detail.
Carols in the Capital (21 December)
The carol concert at St Francis Church starts at 6pm and is free. The line-up includes tenor Alan Sciberras, vocalist Ritienne, the Amadeus Choir and a 35-piece orchestra. Arrive early if you want a seat, because free events fill up quickly.
Things to do with children
Valletta is a good Christmas outing for families because most of the programme is outdoors and free. The children’s dates to note are 5 December (Father Christmas and the elves with the book giveaway), 6 and 13 December (Gootopia workshops) and 18 and 19 December (Letters to Santa). On 23 December, the Home Alone Movie Experience runs from 6pm to 9pm at the Valletta Design Cluster, with actors and film props. Check the organisers for age suggestions and any booking rules.
The streets are steep, with a lot of steps, so a light pushchair or a baby carrier is easier than a big buggy. For a wet-weather plan, see our list of things to do in Malta when it rains.
Concerts and shows
Besides the carol concert, the programme lists live performances by Ozzy Lino, Klinsmann, Kevin Paul, VOCA Choir, The Wildflowers acoustic duo and the Guggen Band. Cliff Zammit Stevens also plays Christmas by Candlelight concerts at Palazzo de La Salle on selected December dates. Some of these are ticketed, so check each event before you plan an evening around it.
If you like art, the exhibition “Between Two Points” is listed from 5 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, with around 30 mixed-media works. It is a quiet indoor option if the weather turns.
New Year’s Eve in Valletta
The national New Year’s Eve celebration is listed for 31 December in St George’s Square, from 10pm to 2am. The agency promotes a mix of local and international artists and fireworks over the Grand Harbour. The 2026 line-up had not been announced when we checked. Read our full New Year’s Eve in Malta guide for transport and viewing tips.
Markets and other festive extras
Valletta and Floriana also host Christmas markets and rides in December. In the 2025 season, Fairyland Santa’s City ran at the Triton Fountain from 5 December to 4 January, but the 2026 dates were not confirmed when we checked. Our Christmas markets in Malta guide collects the current dates, and you can find more on the Malta events page.
How to get to Valletta at Christmas
By bus
Valletta is the hub of the bus network, and the main terminus is just outside the city gate, so it is easy to arrive by bus and walk in. Our Malta bus and Tallinja card guide explains tickets. Buses run a reduced schedule over the festive period. Last year, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Malta Public Transport suspended service between 12.00 and 15.00 and stopped at 21.00, and its sales offices were closed. Check Malta Public Transport for the 2026 timetable before you travel.
From the airport
If you are arriving for a Christmas break, see our airport to Valletta guide for the bus, taxi and ride-app options.
Public holidays
Tuesday 8 December (Immaculate Conception) and Friday 25 December (Christmas Day) are public holidays, so expect shorter opening hours and a reduced bus service. See the Malta public holidays guide for the full list.
What to wear and bring
Valletta in December is mild, but it can be windy and damp, especially on the open streets near the bastions. Bring a windproof jacket, comfortable shoes with a good grip on the polished stone, and a small umbrella. Our winter packing guide has more ideas, and the Malta This Week page shows the current forecast and sea conditions.
A simple Christmas evening in Valletta
- Arrive around 4.30pm and walk down Republic Street while it is still light.
- Stop at the crib and tree, then see the sights in our Valletta guide.
- Have an early dinner in a side street, and book ahead at weekends.
- Try a honey ring or imqaret from our Maltese food guide.
- Finish with a concert or a slow walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for harbour views.
FAQ: Christmas in Valletta
When do the Valletta Christmas lights come on?
The 2026 programme opens on 25 November, with the lights and tree switched on at an event between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. The programme then runs until 31 December.
Is Christmas in Valletta free?
Most of the street decorations, the crib and many of the concerts, such as Carols in the Capital, are free. Some events, like candlelight concerts, may need a ticket, so check each listing.
Is Valletta open on Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is a public holiday, so most shops and attractions are closed, while some restaurants open by booking. Walking around the decorated streets is still possible. Check opening hours in advance.
How long do I need in Valletta at Christmas?
Two to three hours is enough to see the lights, the crib and the main streets. Allow an evening if you add dinner or a concert.
Summary
Christmas in Valletta is free to enjoy, easy to reach and best done in the late afternoon. Mark 25 November, 17 December and 21 December if you want the opening, the Baby Jesus procession and the carols. Dates, times and bus schedules can change, so check the official Valletta Cultural Agency and Malta Public Transport sites before you go.
Planning further ahead? Read our Malta in December guide or see what is on in Malta in January.