Are you looking for some fun Christmas activities for kids to keep the holiday break exciting? This year, we have a lot more choices than we did last year, so I’ve put together a list of activities you can enjoy out and about as well as at home. 

The shortest day of the year might fall during the Christmas break from school, but the days still feel pretty long when you have little ones to entertain, so here are some ideas.

  1. Valletta Waterfront: The Valletta Waterfront has a fun Christmas vibe in December, with lots of stalls with foods and gifts and plenty of free activities for kids, such as roaming characters, letters to Santa activities, shows, as well as the chance to meet Santa.
  2. Make international Christmas treats: Try making traditional Christmas cookies and desserts from other countries throughout the holiday break, from German lebkuchen to an Australian pavlova.
  3. Family slumber party under the tree: What could be more magical than getting out your sleeping bags and having everyone sleep on the living room floor under the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree one night? 
  4. Check out the Christmas Eve mass: Midnight activities might not be feasible every year for Christmas, but everyone needs to experience the midnight mass at least once! Make it a treat by heading to your favourite hotel for a lush breakfast right after!
  5. Go to the North Pole: If you have the time and budget, consider heading to Lapland for a once-in-a-lifetime trip full of fun Christmas activities for kids. Meet Santa and see where he lives, go on reindeer rides, try ice fishing and maybe even catch the Northern Lights! I’d so love to do this someday!
  6. Make a gingerbread house: Every kid needs to do this at least once, so find a good gingerbread recipe (or kit) and stock up on cute candies – and lots of patience!
  7. Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem: This reproduction of Bethlehem 2000 years ago is a must-see and a great chance to teach your kids a bit about the history of Christmas.
  8. 12 days of games: Play one board game each day for the 12 days of Christmas and consider exchanging games with friends and family so there is always something new to try!
  9. Go ice skating. So, it doesn’t snow in Malta, but we do have an ice-skating rink popping up in Valletta, so go and try it out and have a fun and memorable experience!
  10. Volunteer. Make a new tradition of volunteering over the holidays to teach your little ones about the true spirit of Christmas. Check with local shelters and other charities to find opportunities.
  11. Make a wreath. Get in touch with nature by going outdoors with a bag and collecting branches, pinecones and other bits of nature that you can go home and glue to a wreath structure or cardboard cut-out for an easy holiday craft.
  12. See Christmas cribs. Check out the crib exhibition
    in Valletta, and make sure you go after sundown so you can take a walk around and look at the lights in the city.
  13. Have a Sicilian Christmas experience. Take the ferry to Catania and spend a few nights taking in the sights, from decked-out extravagant cathedrals to a cultural feast for the senses at the Catanian Christmas markets.
  14. Make DIY Christmas gifts. Find age-appropriate crafts or recipes and help your kids make some homemade gifts for their teachers, neighbours, or family members.
  15. Hold a candy cane hunt. Take a cue from Easter and start hiding candy canes around your yard or home, then have the kids search for them and collect them. Be sure to hide them well to make it a more substantial activity.

I hope this list has given you some ideas for fun Christmas activities for kids. No matter what you do, being able to spend time together is the greatest gift of all!

Love,

Nakita xxx