minsta

Affordable European Christmas market where the weather is still nice in December

Pabio November 2, 2024

EVERY Christmas, a European island is transformed into a festive paradise – but you won’t need your thick coat to explore it.

While most British holidaymakers head to Malta during the summer month, it is also a good winter destination.

It's still hot in Malta in December - so you can go to the market in a t-shirt — It’s still hot in Malta in December – so you can go to the market in a t-shirtCredit: Alamy

The island has maximum temperatures of 17°C in DecemberCredit: Alamy

THE weather report Malta in December reaches daytime maximum temperatures of 17°C, which is a steep t-shirt and a short time for Brits.

And throughout the month of December, Malta is home to several Christmas marketstransforming the Mediterranean island into a Christmas paradise.

One of Christmas marketsVilla Rundle, runs from late November until Christmas Eve, making it the longest-running Christmas market on the island.

Located in the gardens of Villa Rundle, the Christmas market features wooden stalls selling handmade gifts like soapscandles, toys and sweets.

Learn more about Christmas markets

Meanwhile, the Malta Craft Christmas Market at Palazzo Pariso lasts just one day.

This year, the market, which will be located on Place de la Victoire, will be decorated with twinkling light garlands and musicians will also perform live.

Given the name, you can expect local artists and creatives selling handmade gifts and treats.

There is also Fairyland in Valletta, from December 10 to January 7, 2025.

Located right outside the city gate, thoughtful wine and tartlets are sold on market stalls, with live performances also on stage.

Another Christmas market is the Christmas market at Fort St. Elmo in Valletta.

Discover Scotland’s best Christmas markets in 2024!

For two days in December, Heritage Malta organizes family-themed events inside the Christmas Village.

This year there will be an interactive children’s area where children can meet the big man himself and post a wish list to Santa.

There are plenty of other draws to do Malta Also.

Valletta, the capital, has stunning baroque architecture, museums and the majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

The country also has a stunning coastline, with a popular beach being Golden Bay.

While it may be the perfect temperature for British holidaymakers to wear their summer wardrobe, locals will be wrapped up in their winter gear.

Temperatures will also drop to 11°C at night, so be sure to pack a jacket as well.

Direct flights are available from UK cities including Manchester, London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Return fares start from just £37 in December.

What is it like to visit Malta?

THE SUN Mia Lyndon recently visited Malta – here’s what she thought.

I look at a swirling gold leaf ceiling that took a man five years to paint.

Around me are oil paintings, marble sculptures, and an altar so bejeweled that I almost reach for my sunglasses.

No, I’m not in the Vatican or Versailles, I’m in Malta, in the 450-year-old St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, which took artists over a century to decorate.

This fortress-like building is located in the beating heart of VallettaA UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the smallest capitals in the world.

After my spiritual experience, it’s time to dive into the nearby Stephen Cordina Aroma & Therapy store to purchase a heavenly lavender and bergamot room diffuser, £14 (Stephencordina.com), before heading up the cobbled streets to Upper Barrakka.

This picturesque, lush park is nestled within the walls of a limestone fortress and is the perfect place to take photos of the sparkling Grand Harbour.

At the Upper Barrakka kiosk, I sample traditional pastizzi – flaky clam-shaped pastries stuffed with peas, 85p each, washed down with a can of Maltese Kinnie, £1.70, a tangy Negroni-like soft drink, before finding a family business. Trattoria da Pippo and my friends, who save the table!

We tuck into large, sizzling pans of delicious Filet Tartuffe, creamy mushroom pasta, and Marina, tagliatelle loaded with prawns and squid, £17 per person for two dishes to share.

Here are others Christmas markets to visit in Europe.

And these are the European Christmas Markets British holidaymakers can access it by taking a ferry from the UK.