Shared Guided Christmas Tour in Valletta

At the Parliament area, your guide introduces the origins of Christmas in Malta, beginning with ancient solstice traditions and how early communities marked the return of light. This is the starting point for understanding how Malta’s festive customs evolved over centuries.

At the ruins of the Royal Opera House, your guide shares the story of Valletta’s theatre culture and shows a rare historic photo of how the Opera House was decorated at Christmas before its destruction during WWII. This moment connects Malta’s festive past with the present landscape. Here your guide will also explain the Maltese presepju tradition, why nativity scenes became the centre of Christmas in Malta, and how families crafted unique displays for their homes and villages.

In Castille Square, your guide explains how Christmas trees and poinsettias became part of Maltese festive celebrations. You’ll learn when these traditions arrived in Malta, how they evolved, and why this square became a focal point for Christmas decorations.

At Upper Barrakka Gardens, your guide tells the story of Queen Victoria’s gifts sent to soldiers during WWI, a touching chapter of wartime Christmas history. From this viewpoint, you’ll also learn about nearby convalescent centres and holiday life during the early 20th century.

Near Valletta’s former wartime soup kitchens, your guide describes how Maltese families celebrated Christmas during WWII, including real ration-era menus and stories of shelter life. This stop reveals how the holiday spirit survived even in the harshest times.

At St George’s Square, your guide concludes with the modern evolution of Christmas in Malta as the square lights up with its seasonal projection. Guests can enjoy the festive atmosphere, take photos, and learn how Maltese celebrations have transformed in recent decades.