Still looking for something unforgettable to do with your children this Christmas?
What if this year’s Christmas present wasn’t another toy, but an experience your children will remember for years?
Imagine watching a spectacular West End musical in London, exploring Hogwarts decorated for Christmas, meeting Disney characters in Paris, watching breathtaking ice-skating performances or discovering a winter wonderland filled with lights, music and adventure.
For families living in Malta, Europe offers an incredible variety of Christmas shows, musicals, theme parks and festive experiences, many accessible by direct flight or with a relatively simple onward journey.
At Kids In Malta®, we’ve selected some of the most exciting family experiences to consider for the Christmas school holidays in 2026, focusing on entertainment for children and teenagers, convenient travel and options for different budgets.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute weekend getaway or a longer Christmas holiday, here is where to look.
1. London, United Kingdom – The ultimate destination for family musicals
London is one of Europe’s best destinations for families who love theatre, musicals and live entertainment. With direct flights from Malta taking approximately three and a half hours, it’s an excellent choice for a three- or four-day Christmas break.
Family shows to discover this Christmas
| Show | Why children will love it |
|---|---|
| The Lion King | Spectacular costumes, puppetry and unforgettable music |
| Matilda The Musical | A clever, funny and inspiring story about a remarkable child |
| Paddington The Musical | A heartwarming adventure with a much-loved character |
| The Snowman | A magical Christmas story brought to life through dance and music |
| The Nutcracker | A beautiful Christmas ballet with spectacular costumes |
| Cirque Alice | Aerial acrobatics and imaginative circus performances |
| Stick Man | A delightful stage adaptation for younger children |
| Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show | Colourful entertainment for preschool and younger children |
Christmas productions including The Snowman, The Nutcracker and Cirque Alice have published seasonal performance periods for 2026–27. Check individual dates before booking.
More family experiences in London
Don’t miss Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where Hogwarts in the Snow transforms the Harry Potter film sets into a festive winter experience.
Families can also explore London’s Christmas lights, museums, festive markets and seasonal ice rinks.
Kids In Malta tip: Book a matinee performance if travelling with younger children. Compare weekday theatre tickets and family seating options to help manage costs.
Useful booking websites: Official London Theatre · Warner Bros. Studio Tour
2. Paris, France – Disney Christmas magic
For children who dream of meeting their favourite Disney characters, Paris is a wonderful Christmas destination.
Disneyland Paris celebrates Disney Enchanted Christmas from 7 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
Families can experience Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade, festive musical performances, beautifully decorated streets, character encounters and magical evening entertainment. Disneyland Paris
Beyond Disneyland, Paris offers family museums, illuminated streets, Christmas attractions and indoor activities for colder days.
Best for: Children of all ages, Disney fans and families celebrating a special occasion.
Travel tip: Compare flights to different Paris airports and check the transfer to Disneyland before booking. Disneyland Paris Christmas programme
3. Vienna, Austria – Christmas concerts, opera and traditional magic
Vienna is a beautiful choice for families who enjoy music, culture and traditional European Christmas celebrations.
During December, the Austrian capital offers children’s theatre, concerts, puppet shows and festive performances.
Highlights to investigate include the Vienna Boys’ Choir Christmas concerts, family opera, interactive children’s concerts and seasonal storytelling performances.
Combine a show with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the Technical Museum, Christmas markets or the Prater amusement park.
Best for: Families who enjoy music, history, culture and festive traditions.
Kids In Malta tip: Check the performance language before booking. Some family productions are in German, while concerts and visual performances can be enjoyed regardless of language.Vienna’s official family Christmas guide
4. Brussels, Belgium – Indoor winter wonderland for children
Brussels is an excellent destination for families who want a mix of indoor entertainment and festive outdoor activities.
Kids Winter Wonderland, scheduled from 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, offers circus performances, children’s entertainment, LEGO workshops and a large inflatable playground.
Families can also explore the city’s Winter Wonders celebrations, including festive illuminations, Christmas stalls and seasonal attractions. kidswinterwonderland.be+1
Best for: Preschoolers and primary-school children, especially when families want activities that aren’t dependent on good weather.Kids Winter Wonderland official website
5. Europa-Park, Germany – Christmas shows, circus and thrilling rides
If you’re looking for a destination where children can enjoy multiple shows and activities in one place, Europa-Park is one of Europe’s standout choices.
The winter season runs from 28 November 2026 to 9 January 2027, excluding 24 and 25 December.
Expect Christmas circus entertainment, ice performances, festive decorations, seasonal shows and rides for different ages.
Nearby Rulantica offers a large indoor water world, ideal for families who want an additional activity during their holiday. Europa-Park Erlebnis-Resort
Best for: Families with children of mixed ages, including teenagers.
Travel tip: Europa-Park is in Rust, southwestern Germany. Compare airports such as Basel and Strasbourg alongside other possible routes, as the transfer can make a significant difference to your travel time.Europa-Park official website
6. Efteling, Netherlands – Step into a winter fairytale
If your children love fairytales, magical forests and imaginative adventures, Efteling deserves a place on your list.
Winter Efteling runs from 16 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, bringing seasonal entertainment, beautiful winter decorations and atmospheric family attractions.
The park is particularly appealing to younger children but also offers rides and experiences for older visitors.
Best for: Families who love storytelling, fantasy and theme parks.
Travel tip: Fly to Amsterdam and plan onward transport to Kaatsheuvel. Allow sufficient time for the journey rather than treating it as a quick airport transfer.Efteling official website
7. Barcelona & PortAventura, Spain – Christmas shows with exciting rides
For families who prefer a milder winter destination with plenty of action, consider PortAventura World.
Its Christmas season is scheduled from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, featuring seasonal entertainment, musical performances, acrobatic shows and themed attractions. PortAventura World
This can be an especially enjoyable choice for families with older children and teenagers who want more than Christmas markets and sightseeing.
Travel tip: Compare flights to Barcelona and onward transport to Salou. Staying near the park may make a short visit more comfortable.PortAventura Christmas programme
8. Lake Garda, Italy – Gardaland Magic Winter
Italy is another destination worth considering for a family Christmas getaway from Malta.
At Gardaland Resort, families can enjoy festive decorations, seasonal entertainment and selected attractions during Magic Winter.
The surrounding Lake Garda region also offers beautiful towns, family accommodation and opportunities to explore northern Italy.
Best for: Families who want a combination of Christmas entertainment and sightseeing.
Travel tip: Compare routes through Verona, Bergamo and Milan, and check which park attractions are operating on your chosen dates.Gardaland official website
9. Copenhagen, Denmark – Christmas at Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens transforms into a beautiful Christmas destination with thousands of lights, festive decorations, amusement rides and seasonal entertainment.
Its Christmas season is scheduled from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. JuniorTravelClub
Copenhagen also offers museums, family-friendly indoor attractions and the chance to experience Scandinavian Christmas traditions.
Best for: Families looking for a magical city break with festive entertainment. Tivoli Gardens official website
10. Germany – Holiday on Ice
For children and teenagers who love sport, dance and spectacular live entertainment, Holiday on Ice – MIRAGE is worth investigating.
The show tours German cities from November 2026 into 2027, with professional figure skaters, dramatic lighting and impressive choreography.
Cities on the tour include Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Dresden and Leipzig. holidayonice.com
Best for: School-aged children, teenagers and families interested in ice skating.
Travel tip: Check which tour city has the most convenient flight connection from Malta before choosing your performance.Holiday on Ice official tour dates
Which destination should you choose?
| Destination | Main attraction | Family budget |
|---|---|---|
| London | Musicals, theatre, Harry Potter | €€€ |
| Paris | Disneyland Christmas | €€€€ |
| Vienna | Concerts, opera, festive traditions | €€€ |
| Brussels | Indoor shows and winter attractions | €€ |
| Europa-Park | Circus, ice shows, theme park | €€€ |
| Efteling | Fairytale winter experiences | €€€ |
| Barcelona / Salou | PortAventura Christmas | €€–€€€ |
| Lake Garda | Gardaland Magic Winter | €€–€€€ |
| Copenhagen | Tivoli Christmas entertainment | €€€ |
| German tour cities | Holiday on Ice | €€–€€€ |
Budget levels are relative estimates. They are not live flight, hotel or ticket prices.
Tips for booking a last-minute Christmas show from Malta
When travelling with children, choosing the right show is only part of planning a successful holiday.
Check direct flights first. London, Paris, Vienna, Brussels and Milan are useful starting points, but always verify the actual flight schedule for your travel dates.
Choose a show that suits your children’s ages. A spectacular musical might be ideal for older children, while younger children may prefer shorter performances, puppetry or interactive entertainment.
Check the language. Visual performances, circus shows and ice skating can be easier for international families to enjoy than dialogue-heavy productions in another language.
Book official tickets. Popular Christmas performances and theme-park experiences can sell out. Always check the official organiser’s website and confirm dates before paying.
Compare the total cost. Include flights, baggage, accommodation, transfers, food and attraction tickets. A cheaper destination isn’t necessarily a cheaper holiday.
Plan indoor alternatives. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so museums, indoor play centres, water parks and family attractions are useful additions to your itinerary.
Our Kids In Malta® recommendation
For families travelling from Malta during the Christmas holidays, we would particularly recommend:
- London for an unforgettable musical or theatre experience.
- Paris for Disney magic and spectacular Christmas parades.
- Vienna for music, culture and traditional Christmas celebrations.
- Brussels for indoor entertainment with younger children.
- Europa-Park for families wanting several shows, rides and activities in one holiday.
For those travelling on a smaller budget, compare flight prices and accommodation in Brussels, Milan and Vienna before booking more expensive theme-park packages.
Give your children memories, not just presents
At Kids In Malta®, we believe some of the greatest gifts we can give our children are opportunities to discover, explore and experience something new.
A magical performance, a family adventure in another country or a child’s first experience of snow can create memories that last far beyond Christmas morning.
Whether you choose a musical in London, a winter wonderland in Germany or a traditional Christmas celebration in Vienna, the most important part is spending meaningful time together.
Have you discovered an amazing family show or Christmas experience in Europe?
We would love to hear your recommendations! Share your favourite destinations, performances and travel tips with our Kids In Malta® community.
Together, we can help more families discover the wonderful experiences waiting beyond our island.
Kids In Malta® – Discover • Explore • Connect
Explore more family activities and travel inspiration at KidsInMalta.com.
Editorial note: Published schedules and advertised attractions can change. Verify performance dates, ticket availability, age guidance, park operating days and flight routes before booking. This is a curated family travel guide, not a live inventory of tickets or last-minute package deals.
