Christmas markets, magical lights, spectacular shows, festive villages and unforgettable family adventures!
Updated: 3 November 2026 | Kids In Malta®
Christmas is almost here, and Malta and Gozo are preparing to welcome families into another wonderful festive season!
From the illuminated streets of Valletta and the magical gardens of Verdala Castle to traditional village celebrations, Christmas pantomimes, creative workshops and Santa experiences, December offers opportunities to make special memories together.
Whether you live in Malta, are visiting with children, or are looking for something different to do during the school holidays, Kids In Malta® is bringing together the Christmas events and family experiences worth discovering in 2026.
And the best part? Not every magical Christmas memory needs an expensive ticket.
1. Christmas Markets and Villages in Malta
One of the highlights of Christmas in Malta is the atmosphere created by festive villages and markets.
Fairyland – Santa’s City
4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Valletta and Floriana
Fairyland returns to Triton Fountain Square and the Granaries, transforming the entrance to Malta’s capital into a Christmas destination.
Families can look forward to the festive setting, with the full programme of rides, Santa attractions and other experiences to be announced.
Woodland Christmas Market
4–13 December 2026 | Ta’ Qali National Park
This free-entry market brings Christmas into a woodland setting, with artisan stalls, festive food, family entertainment and creative activities.
Children can enjoy activities such as face painting, games and Christmas crafts, while young entrepreneurs have an opportunity to participate in the Kids4Kids Market.
Woodland Christmas Market details
Natalis Notabilis – Rabat
The historic streets of Rabat are associated with one of Malta’s traditional Christmas festivals, combining local crafts, festive treats and seasonal entertainment.
Dates circulating for 2026 are 4–13 December, but families should wait for the organiser’s final confirmation before planning a visit.
2. Christmas Lights and Magical Experiences
The Magical Illuminated Trail
4 December 2026 – 3 January 2027, selected evenings | Verdala Castle Gardens
Discover an illuminated adventure with oversized lanterns, imaginative installations and a spectacular projection on Verdala Castle.
The 2026 edition introduces themed areas including Pinocchio’s Workshop, Bunny Bakery and the Immersive Tulip Avenue.
This is a ticketed outdoor attraction.
Illuminated Trail tickets and details
Christmas in the Capital
25 November – 31 December 2026 | Valletta
Christmas in Valletta includes public decorations, the Christmas tree, a traditional nativity display, music and family activities.
An evening walking through the capital can be one of the simplest and most memorable festive outings.
3. Christmas Shows and Pantomimes
Theatre is a wonderful way for children to experience storytelling, music, imagination and live performance.
Highlights of the 2026 season include:
- The Great Little Panto Show – from 28 November, Valletta
- The Nutcracker – 6–8 December, Teatru Manoel
- Elf the Musical – 12–13 December, Mediterranean Conference Centre
- TOI TOI Baby Series: Jingle – 12, 13, 19 and 20 December
- Peter Pan – 22 December to 5 January, Teatru Manoel
- Hercules – The Panto – 23 December to 4 January, Teatru Salesjan
There are also Maltese-language pantomimes and family productions taking place in different localities.
4. Christmas Events in Gozo
Gozo has its own beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Families can look forward to illuminated gardens in Victoria, village celebrations, Christmas markets, Santa experiences and traditional nativity scenes.
Highlights include:
- Villa Rundle Illuminated Gardens – from 28 November
- Christmas in the Square, Ta’ Sannat – 5–6 December
- Santa’s Factory and the Glowing Alley – 11–13 December
- Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem – opening 12 December
- Gozo Christmas Parade – 19 December
- Dinja tat-Tfal – 20 December
Christmas in Gozo event programme
5. Creative Christmas Activities for Children
Christmas workshops are a lovely alternative to another day of shopping.
Children can try baking, decorating biscuits, creating ornaments, painting and learning traditional crafts.
Activities to explore include the Woodland Christmas Market workshops, Christmas bauble painting at Ta’ Qali, creative workshops in Żabbar and family baking experiences.
6. Christmas on a Budget
Families looking for affordable activities can enjoy Christmas decorations in Valletta, free-entry markets, community celebrations, nativity displays and festive activities in Gozo.
There are also lovely experiences that cost nothing at all: making homemade decorations, taking an evening walk to admire the lights, baking together or visiting a favourite outdoor place.
Christmas Is About Bringing Families Together
At Kids In Malta®, we believe the most meaningful memories are often made through simple experiences.
Malta is home to families from many countries and backgrounds, and Christmas offers a wonderful opportunity to discover each other’s traditions, support local communities and spend quality time together.
Are you organising a Christmas event in Malta or Gozo?
We would love to hear about children’s activities, family festivals, sports events, workshops and community celebrations.
Follow @kidsinmalta on Instagram and Facebook, and visit kidsinmalta.com for more ideas and family adventures.
Event details were checked in November 2026. Dates, attractions and bookings may change. Always verify the final programme with organisers.
