Your Christmas Agenda at Is-Suq tal-Belt Valletta Food Market, A Festive Must-Visit for Tourists in Malta
If you’re planning a visit to Malta this December, make sure to include Is-Suq tal-Belt, the Valletta Food Market, on your itinerary. Sitauted in the heart of the capital, this historic market takes on a magical charm during the Christmas season, offering a a great mix of festive cheer, entertainment, and mouth-watering food. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or flying solo, there’s something about the market’s warm, lively atmosphere that makes it a quintessential part of a Maltese Christmas.
The Christmas celebrations begin on Friday, 20 December with a chance for little ones to meet Father Christmas himself. Between midday and 3:30 in the afternoon, Santa will be welcoming visitors while the North Pole Workshop keeps young hands busy with festive crafts and activities. The market’s cosy corners are beautifully decked out, making it a joyful way to ease into the season.
Come the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 December, the celebrations continue well into the evening. From 6pm until 9pm, the market offers a delightful mix of entertainment for all ages. Children can once again enjoy the North Pole Workshop, but this time there’s also a puppet show to look forward to, a charming half-hour performance bound to bring smiles all around. Father Christmas will be on hand once more, spreading cheer and lending an ear to eager Christmas wishes.
As the big day draws closer, the market keeps the excitement alive on Monday and Tuesday, 23rd and 24th December, with an afternoon programme from 12 to 3:30. Festive games, face painting, and the ever-popular North Pole Workshop are set to create a buzz of activity, making it a perfect stop before last-minute preparations. Children can be transformed into their favourite characters, from playful elves to cheerful reindeer, while adults soak up the light-hearted fun of the market.
Then, on Christmas Day itself, Wednesday 25th December, the celebrations culminate in a gathering for traditional Christmas carols at midday. There’s something particularly special about the sound of carols filling the market’s historic halls—a moment of calm and joy amidst the festive rush
What sets Is-Suq tal-Belt apart during the Christmas season is its ability to strike the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. The market’s Victorian-era architecture is a stunning backdrop to its contemporary transformation as a food and social hub. This contrast is all the more magical during December, with twinkling decorations and the aroma of seasonal treats filling the air.
For those with an appetite, the market is a feast in itself. After enjoying the day’s festivities, you can sample an array of local and international dishes from the market’s food vendors. From hearty Maltese specialities to global comfort foods, there’s no better way to warm up after a day of exploring.
A Perfect Stop on Your Malta Journey
Is-Suq tal-Belt isn’t just about the events—it’s the experience of it all. Being in Valletta’s centre means you’re just moments away from other highlights of the city, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. A visit to the market fits seamlessly into a day of sightseeing, offering a space to relax, refuel, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Malta or returning to enjoy its mild winter charm, the Christmas agenda at Is-Suq tal-Belt offers a little pocket of seasonal magic. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the simplest joys—sharing food, laughter, and music, are the ones that make Christmas truly special.
For more information, visit the official website here!
