Valletta
5 beautiful ways Valletta changes at this time of year
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Kristina Cassar Dowling

If you’re a frequent visitor to the capital, you probably notice a few changes every now and then. Most will be commercial, and some, artistic - and as Christmas approaches, the capital becomes an altogether more magical place! Here's how.

1. The lights

As the festa lights go down and the fairy lights go up, the season shifts from Malta’s late summer to winter as though nothing significant happens in between. Every year, the Christmas lights along Republic Street are a much-awaited sight to behold, and this year is no different!

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2. The tree

Mdina Glass; you’ve got the power here. The Christmas tree that stands tall by Piano’s new parliament catches the eye of every visitor to the city. The glass baubles that give the tree it’s shimmer are always a showstopper at this time of year.

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3. The shop decor

If you somehow waltzed into the city without noticing the outdoor decor, you’re sure to get the message in the many shops you’re about to visit. Tinsel, lights, trees and enough Santa stuff to imprint his existence on any doubting child.

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4. The opening hours

Luckily, shop owners recognise consumers’ need to shop more - a quick analysis from last season’s accounts would verify that we also spend more! Check out the extended opening hours of your fav shops for some extra retail therapy.

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5. The music

Apart from the lights that create such a festive feel, music also booms out of the Valletta speakers during the holidays, in a quasi Big Brother fashion. No complaining here… brainwash me with some Michael Bublé any day.

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Bonus! The presepju

This year, the fabulous new Pjazza Tritoni, where the imposing Triton Fountain is centred, is also home to a large-scale Christmas crib. It's certainly not an everyday sight, and we hope it's the start of a new yearly tradition!

Get ready for the change!


Kristina Cassar Dowling
Written by
Kristina Cassar Dowling
A local writer in love with the Maltese islands, Kristina is a hunter for all things cultural both in Malta and outside its shores. A curious foodie, music fanatic, art lover and keen traveller with an open mind and a passion for writing.

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