Malta. 5 places worth visiting to feel the magic of Christmas

The temperature is around 15-20 degrees Celsius, and there are no crowds, which makes visiting many places much more pleasant. And by the way, there is no shortage of Christmas atmosphere here. Sparkling streets with colorful lights, Christmas nativity scenes, as well as festive delicacies and many events are enough reasons to visit Malta in December.

Malta. 5 places worth visiting to feel the magic of Christmas

1. Valletta. The capital of Malta is not listed first in this list solely because of its rank. This city – an open-air museum – abounds or will abound in a large number of attractions around Christmas. The first one waits before you enter Valletta. As every year, on the popular Pjazza Tritoni square, a St. Nicholas amusement park was organized: Fairyland – Santa City. Guests have the opportunity to see a spectacular view of Valletta from the Rudolf Circle or go skating on the ice rink at the Florian Granaries. In addition, there is a craft market where you can buy souvenirs. After completing Fairyland, it is worth heading towards the main entrance. A huge 7-story Christmas tree awaits guests at the city gate. But this is no ordinary Christmas tree. It was decorated with traditional Maltese decorations such as gallija (Maltese balconies), lanterns, and colorful shutters. Of course, there were Christmas lights and baubles. When entering Valletta, it is worth going to the area of ​​Handlowa, Południowa and Republika streets. This is where the light decorations are prepared, giving Valletta a special, festive character. In turn, in St. Square John, you can see Christ’s manger. Moreover, during the Christmas period, you will be able to come across performances of musical choirs, local singers and bands on the streets of the capital of Malta. If we are talking about culture in a Christmas edition, you cannot miss the opportunity to go to MICAS. This newly established contemporary art center in Malta is offering free entry for families on December 7-8.
2. Siggiewi It’s also worth going outside Valletta for a Christmas experience. Like every year, the gardens of the summer residence of the President of Malta – the Verdala Palace – are transformed into The Magical Illuminated Trail – a magical trail illuminated by lanterns specially constructed for this occasion. For the fifth time, hundreds of them will create as many as 14 thematic areas. There is also an adjacent Christmas stall where you can eat seasonal delicacies, handmade decorations and toys for children.
3. Rabat. Just as every small town in Malta has its own festa, Christmas towns are no different. An example of this is the Natalis Notabilis in Rabat (the one in Malta – not Gozo). This year’s 6th edition will go down in history before it even begins. This is due to the huge interest from exhibitors. As many as 90 stands will make up this year’s Natalis Notabilis. New Christmas lights, new winter huts, new attractions – all this will make this Christmas town in Rabat unique. Of course, you will be able to buy a variety of handicraft products, traditional Christmas dishes and sweets. Additionally, there will be music concerts. It is worth visiting Rabat between December 6-15.
4. Mtfara. This town is worth remembering because of one date – December 13. On this day, the last festa in Malta this year will take place. Festa is a traditional, religious celebration organized by individual parishes. They are always accompanied by a solemn, colorful and cheerful atmosphere, which includes fireworks shows, concerts and a procession – a march with a local saint. In this case it will be Saint Lucy. It’s worth seeing because it’s one festa that takes place during the Christmas season.
5. Gozo. The festive atmosphere is felt not only on the “main” island of Malta, but also on its sister island, Gozo. It is worth taking a ferry there to visit the Bethlehem village in the town of Għajnsielem. In 2007, on an area of ​​20 thousand m2, a village was built there, modeled on Bethlehem from the time of Jesus. The nativity scene in Għajnsielem is unique because it is a living nativity scene. Every year, in the weeks preceding the holidays, 150 residents and volunteers from Gozo and Malta dress up in 2,000-year-old costumes and act out scenes from the Gospel. The nativity scene will be available to the public from December 15.

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