‘Tis the season to be jolly and in anticipation of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, the Maltese Islands turn into a festival of light, colour and the buzzing sound of people mingling. The streets come alive with the festive decorations, charming street lights and festoons. Plenty of activities dot the December calendar of the Maltese Islands. Here are a few of the highlights:
2 – 3 December: Malta Artisan Christmas Market
This year’s edition of the sought-after Malta Artisan Christmas Market will be held at Magazino Hall in Valletta. The market makes for an interesting outing with family and friends, where visitors can meet the local artisans selling their expertly-crafted goods and treat themselves to a variety of goods on offer. http://www.maltaartisanmarkets.com/
7 – 11 December: The Gozo International Choir Festival
While this year marks only the second edition of the Gozo International Choir Festival, a number of enthusiasts will be visiting Malta’s sister island specifically for this event, which is fast becoming a highlight of Gozo’s Christmas calendar. Renowned choirs from Malta and Gozo, as well as their international counterparts, will be participating in this event, which is is being organised by Euro Art Production in collaboration with the Ministry of Gozo. www.euroartproduction.it
7 – 12 December: Natalis Notabilis, Rabat
Rabat – one of Malta’s most historic locations -will transform into a charming Christmas Village with over 70 decorated wooden stalls. The 500-year-old Ta’ Ġiezu church and its friary will also be home to a stunning crib exhibition and the Malta Christmas Carol Festival. http://natalisnotabilis.org/
8 December – 6 January: Crib Exhibition
An impressive crib exhibition will be held at Saint Augustine Hall, in Valletta. Recounting the religious elements of Christmas, the display is set to put visitors into the spiritual frame of mind for the season. A number of nativity and crib exhibitions are held during this period, at the leading Churches of the Islands.
9 – 10 December: Grand International Cat Show
Enthusiasts of the feline persuasion are set to gather at Smart City in Kalkara, so as to attend this cat show which will see a wide range of cat breeds compete for top-dog position. Visitors can witness the elegant, charming and stunning moves of breeds like the Balinese, Bengals, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Devon Rex, Exotics, Himalayans, Maine coons, Persians, Ragdolls, Scottish Folds, Siberians, Siamese and the hairless Sphynx. The show is organised by the Malta Feline Guardians Club, which was established in 2004. www.maltacatshows.com
10 December – 7 January: Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem
This year marks the ninth edition of the beloved live Gozo crib. The event, is spread over an area of 20,000 square meters and involves the participation of some 150 actors. Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem is organised by the Ministry of Gozo and various Parish organizations of the quaint Gozitan town of Ghajnsielem. http://ghajnsielem.com/bethlehem/
23 – 24 December: Milied Melliehi
The northern coastal town of Mellieha will play home to an array of entertainers, including folk groups, bands and majorettes. The Mellieha Local Council is organising an extensive event programme to celebrate Christmas, this year. Both local as well as international performers will descend upon Mellieha to imbue it with the festive spirit. Visitors will be able to enjoy the performances of Sbandieratori, a children’s choir and various Christmas animators. http://www.mellieha.gov.mt
25 December: ‘TWAS The Night Before Christmas
The Gozo Youth Wind Band and Orchestra will be performing at St. Georges Square in Gozo’s capital city, Victoria. The Christmas spectacular will feature a vast array of evergreen Christmas songs, carols, arrangements and medleys. For more information, contact: gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk
26 December: L-Istrina
This year’s charity festival L-Istrina marks the 19th edition of this annual 12-hour event. Last year, L-Istrina raised over €5.5 million for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. This telethon is broadcast on all local TV stations, with viewers making their donations over the phone. The event is regularly attended by Malta’s political and civic leaders and supported by private entities too. The collection of funds is channelled to help Philanthropic institutions and many individuals with different medical needs.
26 – 30 December: The Malta International Christmas Festival
The second ‘Malta International Christmas Festival’ will be held in Valletta, Vittoriosa (Gozo), with a second venue to be announced shortly. Various international bands, majorettes and folk groups will take part in street parades and performances. This Festival is being organised by Euro Art and Leon Promotions with the collaboration of the Malta Tourism Authority. https://goo.gl/n3Ey2g
