Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541660
10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 28 NOVEMBER 2025 CULTURE Christmas in Gozo: A season From glowing gardens to living cribs, Gozo's festive season shines brighter than ever THERE is something special about Christmas on the island of Gozo. As winter drapes the coun- tryside in a soft calm, the streets begin to glow with warm light and festive music drifts through the air. The island transforms in- to a haven of celebration, where tradition and community come together in moments of pure joy. From charming markets to fam- ily festivities and spectacular cel- ebrations, Christmas in Gozo is a season to savour in every sense. The Magic of Villa Rundle Gardens In the centre of Victoria, Vil- la Rundle Gardens become the beating heart of Gozo's festive season. The gardens host the is- land's beloved Christmas Mar- ket, where wooden stalls brim with handmade gifts, artisanal crafts and the scent of mulled wine. Local bakers and crea- tors fill the air with the com- forting aromas of the season, while carols add warmth to the atmosphere. As night falls, the same gardens transform into an enchanting world of light. The Illuminated Gardens trail, glowing softly through trees and arches, invites visitors to stroll beneath a canopy of col- our. It is a setting that captures everything Christmas in Gozo represents; heartfelt, beautiful and quietly magical. Christmas Markets: 5 to 8, 12 to 14, 19 to 24 December Illuminated Trail: Open until 6 January The Christmas Parade On Saturday 20 December, the streets of Victoria come alive with the annual Christ- mas Parade, a dazzling celebra- tion of colour and cheer. Floats decorated with twinkling lights glide past to the sound of fes- tive music, while marching bands, dancers and Christmas characters fill Republic Street with joyful energy. Children wave eagerly as Santa makes his grand entrance, their laugh- ter echoing through the crowd. It is one of those beautiful mo- ments when the whole island unites in festive spirit, cele- brating the magic of Christmas together. Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem Running on select dates from 14 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, Bethlehem f'Għajnsielem is one of Gozo's most remarka- ble and beloved Christmas at- tractions. It is a life size nativity village that brings the timeless story of the Nativity to life. Set on 20,000 square metres of land known as Ta' Passi, just a short walk from the Mgarr harbour, this living crib transports visi- tors back two thousand years. Around one hundred and fif- ty actors animate the village. Bakers work at their ovens, shepherds tend their flocks, craftsmen carve wood and Ro- man soldiers patrol the streets. Horses turn mills, villagers trade at the market and a gen- tle re enactment of the Nativi- ty is set within a humble barn. Families can cross a wooden rope bridge, visit a riverside tavern or pause to watch chil- dren learning old trades. The attention to detail and authen- ticity is extraordinary, creating a deeply moving experience that blends Maltese folklore with Christian tradition. Dinja tat-Tfal On 21 December, the Vil- la Rundle Gardens in Victoria turn into a children's won- derland during Dinja tat-Tfal. Bright lights, rides, games and familiar characters fill the air with excitement. There are creative workshops, music and family activities designed to make every child's eyes light up with joy. It is a celebration that captures the simple happiness of the festive season, one where children play freely and parents enjoy the cheerful atmosphere created in the gardens. Gozo New Year's Eve The year reaches its most vi- brant finale on Wednesday 31 December, when Independ- ence Square in Victoria hosts Gozo New Year's Eve 2026, a night filled with music, ener- gy and celebration. This year's programme brings an exciting international flair, headlined Farm Christmas decorations Gozo New Year's Eve celebrations