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Malta in December.

Lights, markets, mild weather, and Malta at its most atmospheric. The Mediterranean's most underrated Christmas.

December is Malta at its warmest Christmas. Lights are up in every village by the first week, Valletta becomes a glowing city centre, and nativity scenes (presepji, a deep Maltese tradition) are displayed in churches and homes across the islands. The weather is mild by European standards, closer to English September than English December on most days, but genuinely cold at night. It is a wonderful alternative to a darker, colder Christmas in northern Europe.

Weather at a glance

Air
18° / 12°C
high / low
Sea
17 to 17°C
typical range
Rainfall
~108mm
over ~16 days
Wind
Often northerly or northeasterly (Gregale). Can blow hard for days during Mediterranean storms; calmer settled spells also common.

Year to year: Mild by European standards but genuine storms do happen. Recent Decembers have been split between mild, settled weeks and bursts of heavy rain and wind.

Source: Long-term Malta meteorological records (Luqa and Balzan stations), with recent-year variability notes from Malta Met Office monthly summaries.

Crowds & timing

Low through most of December. Picks up markedly around Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Otherwise quiet, with friendly winter prices on accommodation.

What to prioritise in December

  • Valletta at Christmas

    The city centre is beautifully lit, the Presidential Palace courtyard hosts events, and Christmas markets run through the month. Go after dark, when the lights and the limestone work their full magic.

  • Presepji (nativity scenes)

    The Bethlehem f'Għajnsielem on Gozo is a full-scale traditional village open most of December and well into early January, with live animals, crafts, and food. Mellieħa's parish church presepju is particularly elaborate. Smaller presepji appear in homes and churches across the islands.

  • Cultural sites in quiet mode

    Museums and historic sites are open (with shortened hours), no queues, and a cool comfortable atmosphere inside and out. Mdina after dark in December is particularly special.

  • Seasonal food

    Christmas lunches (turkey with imqarrun il-forn as a Maltese fusion), qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings), imbuljuta tal-qastan (chestnut and chocolate soup). Traditional winter menus at village restaurants are at their richest.

  • New Year's Eve in Valletta

    Fireworks over the Grand Harbour, street parties, and one of the livelier nights of the winter calendar. Central and accessible by bus or short taxi from most of the island.

What to skip or plan around

  • Don't plan anything beach-related

    Walk the coast if you like, but December is not a beach month. Sea is cold, wind is up, and the weather can turn quickly.

  • Don't assume everything is open on December 25

    Most restaurants are closed Christmas Day, as are many key attractions. Plan Christmas Day as a relaxed hotel or family day.

  • Don't underpack for rain and wind

    December weather can turn quickly. Proper rainproof layers are essential. Evenings need a jumper and a jacket.

Events & local traditions

Verified dates for 2026. Village-level festas not yet included.

  • Bethlehem f'Għajnsielem

    Cultural festival

    28th November to 6th January · Għajnsielem (Gozo)

    Full-scale nativity village with live animals, traditional crafts, and food. One of the most atmospheric Christmas experiences in the Maltese islands.

  • Valletta Christmas Village

    Cultural festival

    1st to 30th December · Valletta (Pjazza San Ġorġ, Waterfront)

    Christmas markets, concerts, and festive events in Valletta and at the waterfront. Best visited after dark.

  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception

    Religious feast

    8th December · Cospicua, Qala (Gozo)

    Public holiday and religious feast. Parish celebrations in Cospicua (the Three Cities) and Qala on Gozo.

  • Republic Day (Jum ir-Repubblika)

    Public holiday

    13th December · Valletta

    National holiday commemorating Malta becoming a republic in 1974. Civic ceremonies at the Palace Square in Valletta.

  • Christmas Day

    Public holiday

    25th December · island-wide

    Public holiday. Most restaurants and attractions closed. Plan a relaxed hotel or family day.

  • New Year's Eve in Valletta

    Cultural festival

    31st December · Valletta

    Live music, street parties, and fireworks over the Grand Harbour. One of the livelier nights on the winter calendar.

The local verdict

December is Malta's secret Christmas. Warm by northern European standards, atmospheric in a uniquely Maltese way, and a genuine alternative to a traditional European winter holiday. Pack for real winter and lean into the lights, food, and quiet.

Plan your December trip.

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