New Year fireworks over the Valletta skyline, with the Carmelite dome and St Paul's spire lit up

New Year's Eve in Malta 2026: Where to Celebrate on 31 December

New Year's Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday, and New Year's Day, Friday 1 January 2027, is a public holiday, so the celebration turns into a long weekend. Malta welcomes the new year in two ways: a free public countdown in Valletta with fireworks over the Grand Harbour, and ticketed parties in the clubs and rooftops of St Julian's and Paceville. This guide covers both, with practical tips for the night.

The free celebration in Valletta

The national New Year's Eve celebration takes place in St George's Square, in the heart of Valletta. It is free and open to everyone, with a stage show of DJs and live acts in the hours before midnight and fireworks over the Grand Harbour at the countdown. It draws tens of thousands of people, so arrive early if you want to be near the stage. The Valletta Cultural Agency announces the line-up and timings in December.

Club and rooftop parties in St Julian's and Paceville

Most ticketed parties take place in St Julian's, Paceville and Portomaso, a short walk from each other. Formats vary: some venues pair a dinner with the party, others run a party-only night with DJs until late. Last year, for example, Infinity by Hugo's offered a buffet dinner followed by a rooftop party, and TwentyTwo held a party-only night on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso tower.

The venues have not announced their events for 31 December 2026 yet. When tickets go on sale we will publish them on our New Year's Eve page. Leave your email there and we will let you know as soon as they are out.

How to plan the night

  • Book your stay early. The long weekend from 31 December to 3 January fills the hotels in St Julian's and Valletta. Staying close to where you celebrate saves you the trip back.
  • Plan the way back. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are in high demand after midnight. Agree a meeting point with your group and book ahead if you can.
  • Dress for the venue and the weather. Rooftops and clubs usually ask for smart clothes. December nights in Malta are mild but can be windy, around 10 to 15 °C, so bring a jacket for terraces and for Valletta.
  • Arrive before 23:00. Queues build up quickly at the doors and in St George's Square as midnight gets closer.

New Year's Day and the long weekend

1 January is a public holiday in Malta: banks and offices close, while restaurants, bars and cafés in tourist areas stay open, and buses follow a holiday timetable. If you are staying for the long weekend, see our Malta events calendar and the full list of public holidays in Malta in 2027.

FAQ: New Year's Eve in Malta

Is the New Year's Eve celebration in Valletta free?

Yes. The national celebration in St George's Square is free and has no tickets.

Where can I see the fireworks?

The main fireworks go off over the Grand Harbour at midnight, so any spot with a view of the harbour works, in Valletta or across the water in the Three Cities.

When do tickets for New Year's Eve parties go on sale?

Venues usually announce their New Year's Eve events in November and December. Sign up on our New Year's Eve page and we will email you when tickets are available.

Is 1 January a public holiday in Malta?

Yes. In 2027 it falls on a Friday, so the weekend that follows is a long one.

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