9 off-season activities for the best winter in Malta
Malta in winter? I can tell you that it’s one of our best-kept secrets.
While many think the island only shines in summer, winter here offers a whole different charm. The cooler weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities, allowing you to enjoy historical sites, festivals, and amazing spots without the usual crowds.
So, if you’re into winter vibes and happen to be in Malta this season, here’s a list of cosy things you can’t miss while the island’s in chill mode.
1. Experience the Din L-Art Ħelwa Winter Festival
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Website: https://dinlarthelwa.org/events/
Location: Varies per event
Contact: +356 21225952
Hours: October to March (time varies depending on events)
Pricing: €€€
Experiencing the Din L-Art Ħelwa Winter Festival is a fantastic winter activity.
The festival runs from October to March and presents a diverse range of cultural events. During chilly months, you can treat yourself to rotating art exhibitions, classical music performances, and guided tours of heritage sites.
Many of these are housed in beautiful historic buildings, such as churches, palazzos, and old fortifications. While many events are free, ticketed ones typically range from €25 to €90, and donations are always welcome.
There is also an option to become a member, which supports ongoing restoration work and may include perks such as event access or heritage site tours.
Pro Tip:
Look for events held at Our Lady of Victory Church, one of the venues for the Din L-Art Ħelwa Winter Festival. It’s one of Valletta’s oldest buildings, and is not always open to the public outside the festival.
2. Attend the Malta International Christmas Choir Festival
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Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/events-in-malta-and-gozo/event/malta-christmas-choir-festival/
Location: Mdina, Malta
Contact: (+356) 22915000
Hours: November or December (time varies)
Pricing: €€
If you’re visiting Malta in November or December, the Malta International Christmas Choir Festival is an event you don’t want to miss.
This festival brings together choirs from around the world each year. In fact, in 2024, it featured 32 choirs from Malta, Italy, Poland, and many more.
It’s typically held in some of Malta’s historic venues, such as the majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Because of this, the performances are set in intimate surroundings that allow you to truly appreciate the harmonies.
Tickets usually cost €10 to €20, making it affordable to enjoy world-class music.
Pro Tip:
Book your ticket through the local council’s cultural office instead of third-party sites. Some of the best performances, especially those in Mdina’s smaller chapels, aren’t widely promoted.
3. Experience Għana (Malta’s traditional folk music)
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Location: Around Żejtun or Qormi
Hours: Christmastime to New Year (time varies)
Pricing: €
Before you go, I just want to flag this upfront: It’s pronounced “ahn-nah,” not like the country Ghana (no passports are needed here).
It’s one of my favourite things to do this time of year. Rather than being part of a major festival, traditional folk music is often found in smaller, more intimate settings across the island.
One of the coolest versions of ghana, spirtu pront, is basically Malta’s old-school answer to a rap battle. Two singers toss clever, poetic jabs at each other on the spot, all while guitars strum in the background.
Pro Tip:
Bring some small change. At intimate għana sessions, it’s common to show appreciation by buying a drink for the performer or tossing a few coins their way. It’s a simple gesture, but it keeps the tradition alive and appreciated.
4. Visit the Christmas Garden Market
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Location: Cockney’s 1, Triq Marsamxett
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Entry is free
Now, if you happen to be around Valletta in December, checking out the Christmas Garden Market is a must. In fact, it’s one of the highlights of Christmas in Malta.
While most Christmas markets feature the usual food stalls, the Christmas Garden Market serves up Irish goulash. I really love it because it’s hearty and comforting, perfect for cold winter days.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to experience the live traditional performances. There are even artisan vendors offering unique jewellery, home decor, and a variety of handcrafted products.
Pro Tip:
Arrive around 12 PM to avoid the late afternoon crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience before the crowds build.
5. Go ice skating at Fairyland Santa’s City
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Website: https://fairylandmalta.com/
Location: VGW5+783, Vjal Nelson, Il-Belt Valletta
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Entry is free
One of my favourite things to do during the winter days in Malta is to visit Fairyland Santa’s City. And it’s not just about going; I’m all about showing off my noob ice skating skills here.
Unlike synthetic rinks, Penguin’s Ice Rink has real ice. Each session lasts 50 minutes, and if you’re like me and not exactly an expert on skates, don’t stress because you can rent a penguin aid to make things a little easier.
And if you’re bringing the kids along, be sure to check out Santa’s Grotto. Here, children can meet Santa and even get personalised gifts.
Oh, and just a heads up! Fairyland Santa’s City runs on a cashless system, so you’ll be using wristbands loaded with Fairyland coins to pay for everything.
Pro Tip:
The ice rink can become quite slippery, especially during peak hours after heavy use. If you’re an experienced skater, try renting your skates earlier in the day when the rink is freshly resurfaced.
6. Enjoy Maltese sweets at Caffe Cordina
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Website: https://caffecordina.com/the-caffe/
Location: 244, Republic Street, Valletta
Contact: +356 2065 0400
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Winter in Malta also brings an array of delicious seasonal treats. One bakery worth visiting is Caffe Cordina in Valletta. It’s even catered to the official ball attended by Prince Philip during Malta’s Independence in 1964.
During winter, they serve classics like qagħaq tal-ghasel—spiced honey rings filled with treacle and warming spices. You’ll also find imqaret, deep-fried date-filled pastries that are best enjoyed warm with a coffee on the side.
My personal favourite, however, is their Sicilian-inspired pastry, cannoli. It’s filled with sweet ricotta cheese with candied fruit, and chocolate. Plus, it’s only €3.50, so it’s not that bad.
Pro Tip:
Grab an outdoor table beneath the ornate arcade and order a traditional Kinnie (Malta’s bittersweet local soft drink). It’s the best way to soak in the architecture of Republic Street, especially early in the morning.
7. Take a boat ride around the Grand Harbour
Website: https://culture-malta.org/the-grand-harbour/
Location: East Coast of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea
Contact: +356 2010 6428
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: €€
If you’ve never seen Malta’s Grand Harbour from the water, winter offers the perfect opportunity to do so. Unlike the summer months, when boat tours are typically crowded, the winter offer a quieter and more peaceful experience.
Most harbour cruises are offered at an affordable price of around €15 to €20 per person, depending on the provider and duration. During this trip, you’ll get the best views of Valletta’s fortifications, the Three Cities, and historic dockyards.
You may even catch sight of traditional Maltese boats, known as “luzzus,” sailing through the clear waters, adding an extra layer of authenticity to your trip.
Pro Tip:
Book at the Valletta Waterfront kiosks for same-day deals and bundle offers. Some operators also throw in a free coffee or snack voucher with your ticket—just ask what’s included before booking.
8. Spend time at the Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
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Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/attraction/marsaxlokk-market/
Location: 79 Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Pricing: Entry is free
If the Grand Harbour gives you a taste of Malta’s maritime side, then Marsaxlokk takes it a step further with its variety of seafood experiences.
Here, some vendors still use traditional wooden barrels called kejla to measure and sell herbs and capers. And yes, these barrels are often family heirlooms; they can’t just let go of them.
Adjacent to the village is the Il-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk. It’s a protected area that features a rare salt marsh ecosystem. It’s also part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network.
Pro Tip:
For the freshest seafood, visit on a weekday before noon. Some waterfront restaurants, like Roots and La Nostra Padrona, will cook your chosen fish straight from the quay. Just ask!
9. Visit the Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem
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Website: https://www.ghajnsielem.com/bethlehem/about.html
Location: 27GR+G5H, Ghajnsielem
Contact: +356 2156 1515
Hours: December to January (time varies)
Pricing: Free
After getting your hands messy with clay, consider slowing things down even more with a winter visit to Gozo’s Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem.
Held from December 15th to January 6th, this outdoor event takes you through a recreated Biblical village. Actors portray Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and more, bringing the scene to life.
What I like most is that you don’t need a booking to attend this event. Upon entry, you’re even provided with a map to navigate the village, which includes a carpenter’s workshop, bakery, market, and tavern.
Pro Tip:
To make your experience even more memorable, visit on a weekday evening when the crowds are thinner. You might also have more time to chat with local artisans and purchase unique handcrafted nativity figurines.