Slide and Tap Other Months
Culture
Valletta Christmas Train 👥
The Valletta Christmas Train provides a festive adventure for the whole family. The trackless train will take passengers on a delightful sightseeing tour of the elaborately decorated city during the holidays. Trains leave in front of St. John's Cathedral every half hour and last from the 1st of December until January 31st.Public Hoilday
Republic Day 🗓
December 13th is known as Republic Day and marks the day Malta became a republic. The biggest celebrations are held in Valletta. The morning starts off with an Armed Forces parade down Republic Street to St. George's Square. After the parade, ceremonies are held at the Palace of Valletta. Many locals celebrate the rest of the day with family and friends with leisure activities. Republic Day is a public holiday so banks and businesses are closed. Tourist attractions and stores may or may not open, so call ahead before heading out. Restaurants and bars will remain open to the public.Religious
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Celebrations 🛐
Like in many other parts of the world, the Christmas holiday is a major celebration in Valletta and the rest of Malta. Streets are covered with decorations and twinkling lights. Every church and private home in the city is adorned with nativity scenes and many like to tour the religious displays at Christmastime. Bands march through the streets and young children parade through town with statues of baby Jesus. Most churches around the city organize processions of Mary and Joseph and hold special midnight services. St. John's Co-Cathedral in particular hosts a special candlelight caroling session in addition to their Midnight Mass. On Christmas Day, gifts are exchanged and everyone eats! Everything is closed Christmas Day except for cafes and restaurants. Over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, restaurants, hotels and bars around the city will feature traditional Maltese Christmas feasts and specials including hasi casseroles, Treacle Ring, hot Chestnut and Cocoa Soup and other favorites including Roasted Turkey, Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies and Italian Panetone.