Holidays with kids: The place to be this Christmas and 10 reasons why

Keeping the kids excited and entertained during the weekends and their Christmas school holidays can sometimes be easier said than done. Coming up with fun and unique things for your kids to do requires work. We thought we’d help you tick off another item from your to-do-list by doing the research for you. Here’s what we’ve found: Valletta Waterfront has lined up some seriously fun events, great for all the family!

Immerse in the joys of Christmas at Valletta Waterfront

 With scenic views out to sea and the Three Cities across, the historic Valletta Waterfront in the Grand Harbour combines food, shopping and entertainment within a maritime hub. The colourfully painted doors and windows give it a Maltese traditional village feel, further emphasised by the presence of the small chapel of the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt.

Here are ten reasons why we think Valletta Waterfront should be on your holiday schedule:

From 1^st December to 25^th December, Valletta Waterfront will be transformed into a Christmas village with a mix of décor, music, food and activities all focused on this magical time of the year. From sweet little reading sessions, to Santa helpers standing tall on stilts and a blood drive for the adults to emphasise this special time of giving, the promenade will be bursting to the brim with a feel-good factor for kids and adults alike.

A giant Christmas tree measuring over 35 feet will be set up in the central part of the promenade. The magnificent grandeur of the tree is sure to leave an impression on the little ones, rendering memories of the outing definite keepers.

Have you been good this year? Adjacent to the tree is Santa’s House! Santa will also have his very own magical snow garden, an exciting place for little ones to explore. Together with helpers from his workshop, Santa will be happily available for photo opportunities with your little ones.

The Christmas tree and promenade will be home to a variety of free activities. From Christmas bands to children’s choirs, a traditional Maltese crib, Pipes and Drums groups, stalls, and much more, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied and the Christmas spirit soaring. The list of energy-busting interactive season’s specials includes Stack ‘em!, Festoon Fun, Button Up, A Bauble Mishap, and Snowball Races, amongst many more!

Not only so, but as happens at Valletta Waterfront throughout the rest of the year, weekends and public holidays will host even more free entertainment for children. Your little ones can enjoy free activities including: balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with all-time favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and more.

From the 17^th November to the 20^th of December, little (and not so little) guests can post a letter to Santa in a special letterbox on the promenade. Provide a return postal address, and a reply from Santa is guaranteed!

Enjoy lunch, dinner or a snack with family at one of the catering outlets along Valletta Waterfront promenade. With twelve places to choose from, there’s a variety of dining experiences available to suit all taste buds, budgets and occasions. Be it a hearty burger from Hard Rock Bar, a plate of Italian pasta or pizza from Bistro 516 or Crave Eats & Beats, delightful Cantonese by Nan Yuan or a quick sushi roll from Wasabi Sushi Express, there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Click here for a full list of restaurants and the cuisines they specialise in.

In search of a special gift? Why not browse some shops during your family trip to Valletta Waterfront? With unique jewellery, handmade ceramics and local glass options, a one-of-a-kind gift is never far off. Pick up a unique leather bag from Jilda Exclusive Leather for a special someone, a hand-crafted ceramic from Mediterranean Ceramics or mouth-blown decorative glassware from Mdina Glass to beautify any modern or contemporary home. A list of shops is available via this link.

Cloudy skies or pouring rain? There’s no need to sulk indoors. With indoor seating and outdoor heated areas, your family can still have heaps of fun at Valletta Waterfront

The activity and events schedule is chock-full during the school holidays – there’s plenty of fun to be had from the 26^th until the 28^th of December between 12.30 and 16.30. What’s more, it’s all completely free!

It’s a question many parents ask. Where to go on New Year’s Eve? Luckily for us, Valletta Waterfront offers a family-friendly New Year’s Eve in style. With all-night entertainment on the 31^st targeting both the old and young, live bands and free children’s animation, welcoming 2019 promises to be great fun.

At the stroke of midnight, the New Year will be welcomed with aerial firework displays and colourful confetti over the historic port and fortifications. A DJ will take over the promenade with various classics and popular hits until the early hours of the brand-new year.

With so many things to see and do, we think Valletta Waterfront has all the ingredients needed for a memorable and fun-filled Christmas season for both us parents, and kids alike. 

Read more about Valletta Waterfront’s Christmas Cheers and Celebrations, here.