The inhabitants of the Maltese Islands are always super-active year-round. Still, in December the calendar is chock-a-block with a dazzling array of Christmas events that herald in the festive spirit. Across Malta and Gozo, markets come alive with artisanal crafts, delectable treats, and twinkling lights, offering the perfect setting to shop for unique gifts, or simply soak up the holiday cheer.
My greatest memories are of the superb Christmas Day lunches my dear late father used to organise in our home and my assisting him, peeling potatoes and carrots, and counting the minutes until I could taste the turkey roasting in the oven in the oven.
Whether you’re seeking a cultural experience, a family outing, or simply a festive escape, the holiday calendar will not disappoint and here I will relate some of the many events happening across Malta and Gozo this holiday season. Naturally, music and Christmas Carols prevail everywhere, from traditional rendering to modern festive concerts while families can enjoy events particularly tailored to children, featuring everything from opportunities to meet Father Christmas to winter trails.
If you happen to be in Malta, here’s a peek at what’s happening this season.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are a hive of activity, and one of the largest in Malta is Natalis Notabilis in Rabat, where the streets transform into a Christmas Village for nine days.
In Valletta, Triton Square is transformed into Fairyland and this year’s theme is Santa’s City, where visitors will find food and drink stalls, children’s activities, and much more. Runs from the 6th of December to 5th of January. Read more about it here.
In Gozo, Magro Brothers will host The Magro Christmas Family Fest, designed for families and children, who can ride the carousel and Ferris wheel, decorate biscuits, and more.
Come after dark for the fifth edition of the Magic Illuminated Trail and Christmas Village at Verdala Palace in Buskett. The month-long celebration, January, the Festival of Lights will support the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.
Musical Christmas
Being such a small island, Malta is famed for its two internationally acknowledged and superb tenors, one of whom is Oreste Kirkop who achieved international fame for his role as the lead in the Hollywood film “The Vagabond King” in the late 1950s. Consequently, he was offered many other roles in Hollywood but declined them all and returned to his wife and life in Malta.
International tenor Joseph Calleja also made headlines a few years ago with his rendering of “Rule Britannia” on the final night of the British Proms and has been a top headliner ever since. He will be performing alongside the renowned Italian trio Il Volo on 20th December, at the facility MFCC in Ta’ Qali.
Malta’s national choir, KorMalta, returns to Spazju Kreattiv for its Christmas concert tradition. This year’s event will feature classics like Ave Maria and O Magnum Mysterium.
Popular band The Travellers will once again hold their annual Christmas show at St. Agatha’s Auditorium in Rabat. For tickets go to www.showshappening.com
Another exciting annual event is the pantomime at the beautiful Manoel Theatre. Produced by FM Theatre Productions, this year’s ‘Rapunzel – A Tangled Panto’ is written by Edward Mercieca and directed by Luke Mercieca. Leading the cast, Edward Mercieca and Chiara Hyzler promise to deliver another magical evening at the Valletta theatre. The production will run from 22nd December to 5th January.
Ring in the New Year
Among the hundreds of celebrations going on around New Year’s Eve, the annual celebration in Valletta will once again attract crowds to Malta’s capital. Celebrations will see the participation of Ira Losco, Red Electric, Shaun Farrugia, Kevin Paul, Dr Koroma and Dj Miggy. Additionally, CASCADA will be coming to Malta for the event.
Most of these events are free of charge, but check websites ahead of time. Consider taking public transport in lieu of driving.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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Author bio: Albert Fenech
Email: salina46@gmail.com
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