It’s that time of the year when we bid farewell to 2025 and cheer in the New Year.
But where to celebrate?
From grand masquerade parties to dancing under disco lights, we have you covered if you’re still not sure where to count down the seconds to 2026.
The classic: NYE in the capital
You know the drill. Every year, thousands head to Valletta to see in the new year, joining the crowd that packs Pjazza San Ġorġ for singing, dancing and generally contributing to a raucous midnight hour.
Hosted by DJ hosts Jamie Cardona and Taryn Mamo Cefai, revellers will this year be regaled by the Palace String Orchestra in a live performance featuring leading artists including Eurovision singer Miriana Conte as well as Denise, Gaia, Klinsmann, Aidan Drakard, Karin Duff and Keith Zammit Mintoff.
But that’s not all. International star John Newman, known for his global hit Love Me Again, will hit the stage to pump up the energy in the capital.
What’s more, the onset of 2026 will be marked with a fireworks display over Grand Harbour. How’s that for a grand entrance?
The alternative: Three Cities concert
The capital city won’t be the only town buzzing on New Year’s Eve. Across Grand Harbour, another big event will be taking place, the NYE26 Concert in Cottonera.
Cospicua waterfront will ring in the new year with artists Kantera, Ira Losco and Matthew James, with the big night hosted by Ray Calleja and Dorianne Mamo.
How to end an evening of energetic music and dancing? Why, with another fireworks display of course.
The Gozo vibe: Dance music in Victoria
Gozo will be ringing in 2026 with what promises to be an unforgettable night full of music and dancing in Victoria’s Independence Square.
The crowd will be entertained by international dance sensation Eiffel 65, known best for their hit Blue (Da Bee Dee).
There will also be performances by Ryan Spiteri and DCapitals Big Band, with the event hosted by Clint Bajada who will keep the festive vibes going all night long.
The event kicks off at 9pm.
The unconventional: Burlesque in Gżira
Bingo, burlesque and comedy sound like the ingredients of an entertaining night.Perhaps you’re not in the mood for a large crowd but prefer something a little different this New Year’s Eve?
Some of you may even be thinking: “All I want is a night of glamorous burlesque performances, to be entertained with a game of bingo and enjoy a good comedy.”
Well, look no further than the Burlesque, Bingo & Comedy event at the Spritz Social Den, The Strand, Gżira.
Burlesque performances by Undine LaVerve and Countess Sinatra, and bingo and comedy hosted by Niti from Two Black Cats Comedy will provide plenty of cheeky fun and laughter on the last night of 2025.
The quirky: Tarot readings
Or perhaps you’re eager to know what 2026 will hold for you. Success? Love? More lost hours in traffic?
While the last is predictable, you can have a tarot reading at the Oyster Grotto in Triq San Duminku, Valletta, while listening to some live music. Afterwards, you can head to Café Society, just down the road at St Paul’s Street, for some fun drag performances by Thinker.human, Ben N.Syder, Klonn and Kiki Valentine.
The joint events are being organised by Queer like Velvet, and no reservations or entry fees apply.
The glamorous: Masquerade parties
If you’re in the mood to dress up, how about heading to Ostrica, in St Paul’s Bay, hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration called Midnight Masquerade? Guests can bid 2025 goodbye in a glamorous setting and make the most of a four-hour open bar with DJs playing hit after hit. Early-bird tickets are sold out but standard tickets at €85 for adults (€30 for kids aged 12-16) are available.
A mysterious and glamorous night at the masquerade at Ostrica is one way you can greet the new year.Hammett’s Gastro Bar in Sliema will hold Oriental Masquerade, an Asian-inspired party where guests can expect a night full of surprises, canapes and signature cocktails. Just don’t forget your mask! Tickets are available at €65-€75.
The retro: Dancing under disco lights
If your idea of a good night out involves strobe lights, then check out A NYE Fling at Surfside, in Sliema, and dance your way into the new year. Organisers A Little Fling have a super line-up including DJs Riolo, Marsela, Patman and Nicky Luna.
Early-bird tickets are sold out, but €20 tickets are still available. An optional curated sit-down dinner with a set menu (between 8pm-10pm) ‒ so that you’re partying on a full stomach ‒ is also available for €50.
Tigullio in St Julian’s is hosting The End: An Electronic Odyssey, a BYOB (bring your own booze) NYE celebration, full of high energy and electronic music across three stages. The party starts at 8pm and lasts until “the sun rises”, and tickets start at €25.
The mellow: Beer at the bar
It promises to be a fun night at The Chapels, an evening full of good food, drinks and good music.The Brewhouse in Mrieħel will be hosting two parties on two separate floors. The Chapels, on Level 2, will host a four-hour full open bar, including its own brewed craft beers and finger food served through the evening, also with some late-night snacks for after the countdown. Tickets start at €69 for adults, €50 for teens (13-16) and €35 for children.
Further up, on Level 5, the Cisk Tap will be the place to toast midnight in style and arguably the best spot to enjoy the fireworks. Tickets at €80 include free-flowing drinks for four hours, finger food and a glass of Bollinger at midnight.
Or just enjoy a cosy night in
Just because hundreds of parties will be taking place throughout the island, it doesn’t mean you have to join them.
Just as many people will also be relishing a night in, to watch the New Year countdown on television, enjoy a movie, or play a board game.
Invite your loved one to dance in your kitchen or simply curl up on the sofa with a good book. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be in good company.
But if enjoying a wild night on the town is your thing, remember to do it safely.