What’s On: guide to Christmas
Written by Elizabeth Ayling
Winter cheer: A feast of friends at home then head out for your entertainment.
It may be hot, hot, hot by day still in Malta, but evenings are chillier and soon we’ll be lighting fires, cracking open a bottle, filling houses with the aroma of mulled wine and making merry. Even if it’s blissful T-shirt weather till 4pm, some festive, winter traditions just have to be followed – the Christmas tree, turkey, and trimmings and trappings are as visible in Malta as in any northern climate.
It’s time to start thinking of entertaining in and entertainment out. Here again, Malta does us proud at Christmas time. See our What’s On listings for more than enough to keep you and yours busy, but here’s a resume’ of what’s in store…and if you’re an event organiser, you can list for free using our quick, online form.
There’s a host of traditions like carol concerts in the spectacular, heart-lifting setting of St John’s Co-Cathedral and the impressive St Publius Parish Church in Floriana, not to forget Mdina’s Cathedral. With 364 churches, you won’t have far to travel from dining table to evening song, midnight mass or a carol concert – they’ll be right on your doorstep. Don’t miss the gem-like atmosphere of lunchtime concerts in December at St Catherine’s of Italy, Valletta.
Christmas is also Panto season, and this year, we get a loose intepretation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge, with the usual prancing dames and a leading ‘boy’. MADC is at the Ta’ Qali tent with Scrooge from 22nd December to early January. Meanwhile, Cinderella led by another fab, trad panto group is at the Manoel Theatre from 26th.
We can relish ice-skating without the big freeze by taking a turn at Tigne’ Point’s outdoor, artificial rink. A good laugh for the kids. We don’t relish circuses unless they are without animals, so are in tune with the 20 or so NGOs who have protested about the circus in town this December. Make your own mind up on that.
We do like to promote PATCHES artisan and crafts market; its stallholders produce exquisite items with a labour of love. Catch it on 12th December at the indoor market, Merchant Street, Valletta. Have some fun and donate to charity at the same time with a visit to Inspire’s Enchanted Forest, near Marsascala, from 22nd or at the Horse Rescue Centre Christmas open day on 13th at Bidnija.
Do the crib trail at the various exhibitions – try the Auberge d’Italie, Valletta – and head as a foot passenger to Gozo for the larger than life Nativity Village just up from Mgarr Harbour in Ghajnsielem. It’s Gozo’s Bethlehem.
Music aplenty, from classical and choirs to clubbing, so browse the list and take your pick. We’re adding New Year’s Eve listings in full soon.
What’s On – events listing here.
Photo: Courtesy of Corey Amaro, an online friend in France.
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