As the Christmas holiday festivities return in full bloom to Malta, and its sister island of Gozo, visitors can celebrate the end of the year and ring in the new one by enjoying the mild Mediterranean climate and 8,000 years of Maltese history.
Malta
The Magical Illuminated Trail 2024
December 4, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Experience the wonder of the Magical Illuminated Trail, returning for its 5th edition with even more breathtaking lanterns and interactive attractions! Immerse yourself in this enchanting Christmas after-dark adventure at the stunning Verdala Palace Gardens. Gather your friends and loved ones for a festival of lights that promises to leave you spellbound. Don’t miss this magical highlight of the festive season!
The Malta International Christmas Choir Festival
December 6 – 8, 2024
The Malta International Christmas Choir Festival is an annual celebration of choral music, featuring choirs from around the world. Set in beautiful Mdina Malta, the festival showcases a diverse array of Christmas music, from traditional carols to contemporary pieces. This vibrant event promotes cultural exchange and community spirit, offering uplifting performances that capture the essence of the holiday season, making it a cherished experience for both locals and visitors.
Christmas 2024 – Popeye Village Malta
December 7 – 8, 13 – 15, 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
During Christmas at Popeye Village, guests can enjoy a festive array of Popeye and Christmas-themed entertainment such as animation shows, a lively Village Christmas parade, family games, as well as meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and various other Christmas mascots. Guests will also have access to Popeye’s Comic Museum, a cinema screening of a 15-minute documentary about the film set, and a wooden games area. Additionally, every paying child will receive a photo and goodie bag, while adults will get a postcard and a cup of mulled wine, plus popcorn for everyone.
Miġra l-Ferha Christmas Zipline
December 15, 2024 (3:00am – 6:00am)
Experience the thrill of Christmas from a new perspective at Malta’s festive zipline! Soar through the crisp winter air capturing breathtaking views of the island’s holiday magic below. An exhilarating adventure awaits!
Joseph Calleja Christmas Special with Il Volo
December 20, 2024 (2:30pm – 5:30pm)
Joseph Calleja, a world famous Maltese Tenor, is known for his annual Christmas Concert. This year it is featuring the sensational Il Volo and the Malt Philharmonic Orchestra on December 20th Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre! This unique collaboration between Joseph Calleja and Il Volo promises to be the highlight of the Xmas season!
New Year’s Countdown at Valletta Waterfront
December 31,2024 – January 1, 2025
Ring in 2025 with an unforgettable night at Valletta Waterfront! Enjoy live entertainment, a spectacular fireworks display, and dance into the early hours with a lively DJ set. Dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants and bars for the perfect start to your New Year’s celebration.
Gozo, Malta’s sister Island
Villa Rundle Illuminated Gardens
December 1, 2024
Villa Rundle’s Illuminated Gardens presents a spectacular celebration for guests this festive season! They will experience the magic as the historic gardens transform into a breathtaking wonderland of shimmering lights, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that delights visitors of all ages. While strolling through the twinkling pathways and basking in the stunning scenery, guests will be fully immersed in a captivating world of holiday enchantment.
Bethlehem F’Għajnsielem 2024
December 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The 15th edition of Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem continues to strengthen the reproduction of the greatest story ever told – The Story of Nativity – through several attractions spread across 20,000sqm of land guests will be immersed in the classic story of the conception and birth of Jesus Christ, offering a unique experience where the Maltese Folklore and traditions and intertwined with the Maltese Crib.
December 1 – 22, 2024
Discover festive delights at Villa Rundle’s Christmas Market, open Dec 1st – 22nd. Enjoy a Christmas craft market, where stalls will be brimming with a variety of handcrafted treasures, perfect for unique Christmas gifts and festive decorations.
December 21, 2024
Gozo is hosting a dazzling Christmas parade that will feature vibrant floats adorned in sparkling lights and gleaming ornaments, celebrating the festive season. Joyful music will echo through the streets as lively participants wave to the excited crowds and characters in festive costumes dance with enthusiasm, spreading contagious cheer with every step. It will be a heartwarming event, brimming with holiday magic and glowing with the promise of a joyful season ahead.
December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
An unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration in the heart of Victoria, Gozo! Experience the international sensation Sonique, alongside the local talents of The Travellers, Ryan Spiteri, and Jolene Samhan. The charming host for the evening will be Clint Bajada. Enjoy a night full of music, dancing, and an incredible way to welcome the New Year!
About Malta
The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere. Valletta, built by the proud Knights of St. John, is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 8,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.
For more information on Malta, please visit www.VisitMalta.com.
About Gozo
Gozo’s colors and flavors are brought out by the radiant skies above it and the blue sea which surrounds its spectacular coast, which is simply waiting to be discovered. Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s Isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. Gozo’s rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration with some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites. Gozo is also home to one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ä gantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For more information on Gozo, please visit www.VisitGozo.com.