Stunning island the last place you'd expect to find a Christmas wonderland

When you think of countries with a great festive atmosphere, places like Germany and Sweden probably spring to mind. But the Mediterranean island of Malta is giving these places a run for their money with its own Christmas celebrations.

Beautiful Malta is a perennial favourite for British holidaymakers, offering great food, fantastic nightlife and stunning beaches, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. At Christmas, you can enjoy t-shirt weather while strolling through stunning festive markets as the island undergoes a special Christmas transformation. Here, we guide you through some of the highlights of Malta's festive calendar.

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Fairyland Santa's City in Valletta

Fairyland in Valletta is an annual tradition in Malta, that takes place at Pjazza Tritoni outside Valletta’s City Gate. From a carousel and Ferris wheel to an ice skating rink, Fairyland has many elements to explore. There is also a stage with live performances and an artisan market, where visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Fairyland will be open from December 8 to January 7.

Hilltop Gardens Christmas Market in Naxxar

The annual Hilltop Gardens Christmas Market is all about community. This year, it will take place on November 30 and December 1. The two-day event offers a variety of shopping experiences with 20 local vendors.

In addition to the wonderful stalls, the market will offer a range of aromatic seasonal drinks and treats. Or for anyone wanting something larger to eat, they can head to The Orchard within the gardens, which will serve a seasonal menu designed to celebrate the best of festive flavours.

Valletta Waterfront

The waterfront in Valletta also comes alive for Christmas. From November 25 to January 6, holidaymakers can explore the waterfront which will be home to a 35ft Christmas tree, Santa's house, workshop, and many of Christmas' original characters, including a 20ft nutcracker soldier. The waterfront is also not short of restaurants for families wanting to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the festivities.

Natalis Notabilis in Rabat

Natalis Notabilis returns to Rabat between December 7 and 13, marking its comeback after a few years’ absence. Natalis Notabilis is one of Malta's largest Christmas markets and presents itself as the ultimate winter wonderland. Ravar's charming streets are transformed into whimsical paths of festive cheer, featuring stalls selling various artisanal products and traditional Maltese Christmas treats.

Kirkop Christmas Market

Though dates are yet to be announced for the Kirkop Christmas Market, the gigantic festive fare is well worth keeping an eye out for. The entirety of Kirkop's village streets transform into a Christmas paradise, featuring stalls selling small gifts and festive decorations. However, most people head to Kirkop at Christmas to see the village's immersive nativity scene, which uses many decorations and lights.

Santa's Little Astronauts Christmas Event

For something a little different, Santa's Little Astronauts is a 360-degree Christmas-themed visual show with full panoramic projection. The event takes place inside The Mercury Christmas Dome, where kids can lie back with their parents and be mesmerised by festive scenes that play out on the dome around them. The event will take place on December 7 and 8. Return flights to Malta cost as low as £38 for December and are available at multiple airports across the UK including Manchester, Edinburgh and London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted.

Jet2.com and Ryanair fly regularly between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Malta - a journey of around three-and-a-half hours. Malta International Airport is the only airport in Malta and serves the whole of the Maltese Islands. Valletta is located just 10 km from the airport, with a transfer taking around 20 minutes to the centre.