Winter Break in Malta – Santa, Cirque du Soleil and Chardonnay!
Enjoy a winter break in Malta this year. Visit Santa in Fairyland, marvel at Cirque du Soleil, and enjoy great food and wine.
Did you know that Fairyland – Santa’s City is coming back to Malta this year? You can meet Santa and his elves, ride on Rudolph’s Wheel and go ice skating. Follow that with an exclusive Cirque du Soleil show – they are performing in Malta for 28 days! Malta is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, a stunning capital city and a great food scene – so isn’t it time you considered a winter break in Malta?
Fairyland – Santa’s City
Fairyland, Santa’s City is back due to popular demand – it was a huge success in 2019. Rudolph’s Wheel is expected to return again, offering a bird’s eye view of Valletta and neighbouring cities. You can try ice skating too, or simply enjoy the festive lights, tasty food, mulled wine or hot chocolate!
And of course no visit would be complete without meeting Santa! Fairyland is open from the 3rd of December to the 2nd of January, and is the best reason to enjoy a winter break in Malta with kids. It is free to enter, attractions and Santa visit are charged separately.
Cirque du Soleil
If you still need a reason to take a winter break in Malta – this might do the trick! One of the world’s top attractions, Cirque du Soleil, has chosen Malta as the first European country to host its show after a 17 month absence.
There will be 28, 75-minute performances at the 16th-century landmark building in the Maltese capital of Valetta. The Mediterranean Conference Center will host these shows from November 25 to December 19, 2021
You will enjoy the same signature style acrobatics and artistry that Cirque du Soleil is renowned for, but the show will be exclusively tailored to celebrate Malta’s cultural diversity and history.
Tickets are available from 25th of November to 19th December 2021, and it is suitable for children age 6 and above.
The Knights of Malta
Valetta was built by the Knights of St. John, and is described as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’ by UNESCO. The Knights of Malta is a terrific attraction that tells the story of the Crusader Knight’s arrival in 1530, and how they protected Malta from invasion.
34 models are enhanced by a 3D audio-visual show and brought to life with lighting and visual effects. This dynamic attraction is sure to appeal to all ages, young and old. It is the perfect addition to a day spent in the walled city of Mdina – the same location that was used for King’s Landing in the first Game of Thrones series.
As well as superb attractions, there are many more reasons to enjoy a winter break in Malta.
Malta is easy to explore
Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an abundance of attractions to visit. Luckily for visitors, Malta is very easy to explore. It is a small island measuring 17 miles long and 9 miles wide, with a total area of just 95 square miles.
Driving is on the left hand side of the road, making car hire hassle free, and Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English, so there are no language barriers.
Food glorious food…
Malta’s cuisine is an eclectic mix of the many civilisations that occupied the islands over the centuries. You can expect to find Spanish, French, Italian and British influences, with a hint of North African spice too!
Malta has five Michelin Star restaurants, three restaurants with a Bib Gourmand award, and 23 restaurants that have received the Michelin Plate award.
There is no doubt that Malta great food scene, but children are well catered for too. With places like the Rainforest Cafe, Jungle Restaurant and iPlace, there are plenty of innovative choices to keep the kids entertained.
Winter wineries
Malta’s 300 days of sun, rich soil and light sea breeze, make it an ideal location for wine-making. Visit the family-run Delicata winery, which is famous for its world-class wines and has won over 150 international awards. Alternatively, marvel at the Marsovin Cellars, that were originally built in the 17th century by the Knights of St John.
From crisp Chardonnays to marvellous Merlots, you are sure to find some great wine on a winter break in Malta.
Malta’s Covid-19 measures has resulted in Malta securing Green Status.
Malta is considered one of the safest destinations in Europe right now, with over 80% of the population vaccinated, and less than 25 new Covid-19 cases per day. It is one of the few countries in Europe that has a Green status on the EU Covid-19 travel map. Like most countries you will be required to present a Passenger Locator Form, and fill out a Public Health Travel Declaration Form before you arrive.
Visitors aged 12 and above will need to show proof of a double dose vaccination with Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, or one dose vaccination with Jannsen. If you have recovered from Covid, this is not acceptable for entry, you must be fully vaccinated.
Children aged between 5 & 11 inclusive do not require a vaccination certificate but require a negative PCR COVID-19 test carried out a maximum of 72 hours prior to arrival in Malta. Antigen tests are not accepted. Children below the age of 5 years do not need to test.
See the latest Covid-19 information here.
How to book a winter break in Malta:
Ryanair fly thrice weekly to Malta from Dublin airport in December. At the time of publication ( 5th November 2021) prices are available from just €16.99 one way. Search various hotel options here or visit your local travel agent.
This post on a winter break in Malta was sponsored by Visit Malta.
