Christmas in Malta is one of the most popular events of the year and offers an incredibly fun and jolly atmosphere. Already in November, various streets, houses and shops are decorated with illuminated Christmas decorations. Many Maltese participate actively in the various events that are organised throughout the season, from carol singing to crib exhibitions, live nativity scenes and much more.
December sees a number of crib exhibitions popping up all over the capital, all with their own twist. There are the life-sized ones, the match-stick varieties, the pain-stakingly detailed models… Just take a stroll around some of the main streets, with a couple of detours to the less well-trodden path, and you will be spoilt for choice.
Just steps away from The Embassy Valletta Hotel, which will welcome its first guests in 2020, you will find the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral where you can enjoy some candlelit carol singing. Other Baroque parish churches in Valletta are just as awe-inspiring during Christmastime. Their interiors are specially decorated for the festive season while some churches have a calendar of events including the procession with Baby Jesus on Christmas eve and carol singing in Valletta’s street by different groups of children.
A Christmas highlight, which is popular for children and adults alike, is the annual pantomime held at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta. It’s a happy mix of good slapstick humour for children and satire for adults.
And if you feel responsible enough and you want to finish off the day with some adult fun, bring on the ditzy cocktails, the sophisticated whiskies and gins! Check out who has the best happy hour and kick off your bar hopping in Strait Street, which is where the hip’n’happening crowd hangs out. If geekdom is more your thing, head out to Archbishop Street for a pint where actor Oliver Reed enjoyed his last drink before passing on to a better life. Or maybe you prefer the alternative scene, downtown Republic Street.
Visiting Valletta during December means that you will be experiencing the magical Christmas atmosphere that this wonderful city has to offer. The abundance of Christmas activities in Valletta, all steps away from The Embassy Valletta Hotel, will definitely make your holiday one to remember.
Photo: viewingmalta.com/Bernice Yeomans
- Valletta