Christmas Day in Malta
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Malta, observed on 25 December. Maltese Christmas traditions include making nativity cribs, a practice described by the government as rooted in local culture for around 400 years.[1][2]
Public holiday and work entitlements
Malta’s public holidays are regulated by the National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act (Chapter 252). The government lists Christmas Day as a public holiday, rather than a national holiday, and places it on 25 December.[1]
The Department for Industrial and Employment Relations says full-time employees are entitled to public holidays with full pay, subject to the applicable Wage Regulation Order or the national standard. Where a public holiday falls on an employee’s day off, the department describes adding the equivalent hours of one working day to vacation leave; entitlements can vary with employment conditions.[3][4]
A local tradition of nativity cribs
Nativity cribs, or presepi, are a distinctive part of Malta’s Christmas culture. In a government account of the National Crib Competition, Festivals Malta’s director described crib-making as a local tradition dating back about 400 years and said the competition encouraged people in Malta and Gozo to visit the displays.[2]
The tradition also appears in Heritage Malta’s account of crib-making: nativity scenes recount the story of the birth of Jesus, and Maltese artists and groups have made cribs from varied materials.[2][5]
Planning around the holiday
Check opening hours and transport timetables with the shop, bank, restaurant, transport operator or venue before travelling.[1]
Workers with questions about a particular roster should check the relevant Wage Regulation Order or ask the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations, as arrangements depend on the employee’s applicable conditions.[3]
Christmas Day in Malta: FAQs
When is Christmas Day in Malta?
It is observed on 25 December. The Government of Malta lists Christmas Day among the public holidays regulated under Chapter 252.[1]
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Malta?
Yes. It is listed as a public holiday, not a national holiday, on the Government of Malta’s official public-holidays page.[1]
Do employees get the day off?
Are shops, banks and buses open?
Check opening hours and transport timetables with the shop, bank or transport operator before making plans.[1]
Where can visitors see Maltese Christmas cribs?
The government has documented a National Crib Competition that encouraged people in Malta and Gozo to visit the displays. Current locations and opening times depend on the particular year and organiser.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Malta:
- Public Holidays in Malta- Government of Malta
- PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE, CULTURE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Prizes for National Crib Competition awarded- Government of Malta; Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government
- National and Public Holidays- Department for Industrial and Employment Relations, Government of Malta
- Public Holiday Entitlements- Department for Industrial and Employment Relations, Government of Malta
- The Crib’s Journey with St Francis- Heritage Malta