Malta does not go quiet when the summer crowds leave. Between December 2026 and February 2027, the islands fill with music of every kind, from grand baroque nights in historic churches to intimate candlelight concerts, doom metal, and one of the biggest classical shows of the year. If you are visiting Malta in winter, here is what is on and where to catch it.
Festivals and big events
The season opens with plenty of variety. On 4 December 2026 the Dalma Festival brings indoor electronic music to the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Attard. The next night, 5 December, The Conjuring Fest fills The Garage in Żebbuġ with heavy metal as part of the wider Malta Doom Metal Fest.
In the new year, the Valletta Baroque Festival runs from 7 to 24 January 2027. It is one of Malta's most prestigious classical events, with top baroque artists performing in stunning historic settings such as the Teatru Manoel and the St John's Co-Cathedral. Alongside it, Rock'n Malta brings a run of rock and alternative live shows to Valletta and the surrounding towns throughout January, mixing Maltese underground acts with international names.
Joseph Calleja Christmas Special
If you want to see Malta's most famous voice, this is the concert to catch. World-renowned operatic tenor Joseph Calleja, the island's cultural ambassador, gives his traditional Christmas Special in mid-December at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali. It usually falls on the third weekend of December, around the 19th.
Each year Calleja invites a major international or Italian guest artist to join him, and he performs with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and a children's choir. It is a warm, large-scale evening that has become a fixture of the Maltese winter, so tickets are worth booking early.
Candlelight concerts
The popular candlelight concerts return this winter, staging classical and pop programmes by candlelight in some of Malta's most beautiful venues. Here are the main dates:
| Date | Concert | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Dec 2026 | Queen vs. ABBA and The Best of Hans Zimmer | Ramla Bay Resort |
| 15 Dec 2026 | Christmas Classics | St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta |
| 27 Dec 2026 | Tribute to ABBA and The Best of Hans Zimmer | The Phoenicia Malta |
| 15 Jan 2027 | Mozart, Bach and The Best of Vivaldi | St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta |
| 13 Feb 2027 | Valentine's Day Special | The Phoenicia Malta |
Other concerts and live shows
There is plenty more across the season. On 7 December 2026, the Beatfest Lejla Rock event brings a dedicated rock night to the theatre. On 8 January 2027, an intimate baroque concert of music by J.S. Bach and C.F. Abel, played on the viola da gamba, takes place at the Mdina Cathedral Museum. For something lighter, the Mamma Mia Experience with dinner and show runs regularly at Port Gillieru in St Paul's Bay, an ABBA-inspired night out that suits groups and families.
Planning your winter visit
Winter is a lovely time to enjoy the islands, with mild weather, smaller crowds and a genuine local atmosphere. Many of these concerts take place in the heart of the capital, so it is easy to pair an evening show with a daytime tour of Valletta. If you love live music, it is worth knowing that the islands keep the rhythm going all year, from these winter nights to the summer of music. Book the bigger shows in advance, as the Calleja concert and the Baroque Festival highlights sell out quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest concert in Malta in winter?
The Joseph Calleja Christmas Special in mid-December is the standout, with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and a major international guest at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali.
When is the Valletta Baroque Festival 2027?
The Valletta Baroque Festival runs from 7 to 24 January 2027, with performances in venues such as the Teatru Manoel and St John's Co-Cathedral.
Where are the candlelight concerts held?
This winter the candlelight concerts take place at the St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, The Phoenicia Malta and the Ramla Bay Resort, on dates from December 2026 through February 2027.