Claus for Christmas Celebration in Valletta

loyalty
stop_circle 5 min read

Christmas in Malta is one of the most popular events of the year and offers a joyous, fun and lively atmosphere. The country doesn’t shy away from the argument of ‘can Christmas celebrations start too early?’ With many streets, houses and shops unveiling their Christmas decorations from early November.

 

Words by David Baker | Extract taken from December's 2022 Il-Bizzilla Magazine | Read more here

 

So, that means the islands are in full swing for the festive season for visitors, all through the month of December.

 

 

Downtown Valletta is where the Christmas spirit is at its most energetic and the capital’s festive lights are already wowing tourists. Every year the display seems to get bigger and better. And this year is no exception!

 

Republic Street, Merchants Street and Republic Square take on new hues as part of a month-long programme of activities. South Street, now synonymous with artistic installations all-year round also offers up a surprise or two.

 

Join with family and friends, take photos, and preserve those memories while enjoying the Christmas trees near Parliament and along the city’s main streets. A traditional Christmas crib can also be found next to St John’s co-Cathedral entrance. Moreover, St George’s Square is home to a magical atmosphere with projections on the façade of the historic Grandmaster’s Palace, built by the Order of St John.

 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Antoine Farrugia’s sculpture exhibition ‘It’s all paperwork’ which portrays atransformation of the Maltese Globigerina Limestone into what can be perceived as ‘almost paper’.

 

Christmas in the Capital this year, also includes a wide range of music ranging from classical, folk and choral music, performing arts, children’s workshops and stilt walkers.

 

On the run up to the big day, award winning duo, The New Victorians, will perform seasonal religious songs and contemporary non-sacred music, including original compositions in a cosy atmosphere, in Strait Street.

 

Keep your eyes peeled too, for pop-up events such as dancers in Christmas attire, marching bands and much more.

 

For the younger ones, head to the Valletta Design Cluster for a shadow puppet-making session and live mini-show.

 

If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, worry not, the shops stay open late seven days a week to accommodate the increased festive demand. The beautifully lit Republic Street and the neighbouring Merchants Street and St Lucia Street are pedestrianised, so there is no traffic to stop you from soaking up the festive atmosphere as you shop till you drop – interspersed with some traditional tipples such a glass or two of mulled wine from any one of the numerous bars.

 

Malta's beautiful Christmas markets can also help solve any holiday present selection dilemma.

 

Head to Fairyland, a large Christmas market at the entrance of Valletta (Just like our front cover!) Shop for some unique Christmas gifts at dozens of stalls, offering a range of arts and crafts, as well as excellent mulled wine and foods from different countries. Make sure to try Maltese holiday specialties: honey rings or Qagħaq tal-Għasel and hot cocoa drink Qastan tal-imbuljuta.

 

 

As an alternative, Bisazza Street in Sliema is a shopping Mecca with many jewellery and vintage stores and over one weekend, the Christmas market takes over, with dozens of stalls, offering organic wines, Christmas gifts and decorations.

 

Just outside the city walls, Valletta Waterfront is another area which turns into a Christmas wonderland. The Christmas Village offers kids' activities, like puppet shows, face-painting, balloon art, music, and inflatables. The enchanted Snow Garden and a 35-foot (10m) Christmas tree are other highlights. Kids can have their photos taken with Santa and elves, while adults enjoy some quiet time in waterfront restaurants.

 

After rushing around you’ll need refuelling so head back to Valletta to finish off the day with some adult fun, kicking off your bar hopping in Strait Street, where the hip’n’happening crowd hangs out (and remember, the New Victorians are performing). 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, head to downtown Republic Street.

 

Presepji (cribs) are everywhere from private houses to small chapels to roundabouts, some humble and plain, others lavishly decorated. Touring the various cribs is a popular pastime. The attention to detail is astounding, with moving figures and meticulous work by many dedicated craftsmen.

 

Finally try and make time for a visit to the wonderful Manoel Theatre renowned for its politically insensitive annual Christmas pantomime (oh no it’s not. Oh yes it is!) while a visit to the privately owned Malta Toy Museum, featuring dolls, soldiers, train sets, and clockwork tin trinkets dating as far back as the 1790s, is a heart-warming homage to childhood.

 

Let Malta help you decorate yourself with a smile this year.

 

 

For more information about Christmas in the Capital 2022, visit vca.gov.mt and the Valletta Cultural Agency Facebook page.

 

 

1