December 8 to 14, 2025

Shostakovich 50th Anniversary Concert

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Sergey Smbatyan, is paying tribute to Dmitri Shostakovich on his 50th death anniversary with a concert at the Grand Ballroom, Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian’s, on December 11, at 7.30pm.

The MPO will be joined by Wen-Sinn Yang as soloist in the composer’s Cello Concerto No. 1. The orchestra will also perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

French Recital

Students of the Opera Nova Project, accompanied by pianist Julia Miller, will present an evening of French music at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta on December 12 at 7.30pm.

The programme features art songs and arias from composers such as Debussy, Satie, Massenet and Bizet.

For tickets, click here.

Carols by Candlelight

For the grand finale of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Schola Cantorum Jubilate is presenting a special edition of its popular event, Carols by Candlelight, on December 12 and 13 at 7.30pm.

The soirée will begin with a Christmas concert, featuring literature, lighting and projections, at the church of St Augustine in Victoria. The repertoire will include classical Christmas pieces and contemporary compositions. The choir will perform under the direction of Marouska Attard.

Following the concert, guests will be treated to a festive dinner within the historic cloister of the friary.Attendance is by ticket only, available from showshappening.com.

Patrons are requested to contact the organisers to reserve their dinner seats and to inform them in case they have any food intolerances. For reservations and inquiries, WhatsApp +356 7945 0950.

4-Hand Piano Concert: Nutcracker and Other Dances

Pianists Jovana Vakic and Jeremy Coleman will perform in a four-hands piano concert at the Malta Society of Arts, in Valletta, on December 13 at 7.30pm.

The highlight will be Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, based on music from the famous ballet, arranged for piano four hands. This will be preceded by a selection of Brahms’s Hungarian Dances and 3-Day Mix by Jamaican-born British composer Eleanor Alberga.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

Carols in Concert: A Christmas Choir Extravaganza

A fundraising Christmas concert, featuring a 120-voice choir of children and adults and a full live orchestra, is being held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, on December 13 at 7.30pm and on December 14 at 6pm.

The concert will feature special guest appearances and a blend of nostalgic carols and modern festive favourites.

Proceeds will go in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, under the distinguished patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

The Sea Between Two Islands

Sally Goodworth and Katie Bycroft will present music for flute and piano in a fundraising concert at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta, on December 14 at 11am. Proceeds will go towards the Villa Bianca Centre for Music and the Arts, a project of the Malta Trust Foundation.

The programme features a new work composed by Pamela Chilvers for flute and piano, inspired by the theme of the sea between Malta and the UK.

It also includes works by British composers Ralph Vaughan Williams and John Rutter and Georgian composer Otar Taktakishvili.

Tickets via WhatsApp +447745377643 or e-mail oxfordflutes@yahoo.co.uk.

MPO Chamber Concert

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is presenting a concert inspired by novelist Jane Austen’s works for its next chamber concert at the Robert Samut Hall, Floriana, on December 14 at 11am.

Featuring musicians Rebecca Hall (flute), Giacomo Cella (bassoon) and Christine Zerafa (piano), the programme includes works by Schubert, Handel, Beethoven and Mozart.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

Kurt Calleja & Friends: A Night in Vegas

Singer Kurt Calleja, friends and the Versatile Big Band and Strings will bring to life the iconic songs that defined the golden era of Hollywood at the Grand Master Suite, Hilton Portomaso, in St Julian’s, on December 12 and 13 at 8.30pm.

These include timeless hits by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Michael Bublé, Elvis Presley, and many more.

Tickets from ticketline.com.mt.

A Musikidz Christmas − Harmonies of the Holidays

Hoi Polloi Academy’s Musikidz Choir takes the stage at St James Cavalier, Valletta, on December 13 at 3pm and 5.30pm.

Led by Claire Caruana (choir director), Christine Vella (musical director) and Marco A. Calleja (artistic director), the concert brings together the academy’s young voices with surprise guest artists for a magical blend of music, community and Christmas cheer.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

DANCE

The Nutcracker

Moveo Dance Company is once again presenting an original version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Manoel Theatre, in Valletta, from  December 8 to 12.

Choreographed and directed by Dorian Mallia, the show will be performed by an ensemble of both young dancers from the Moveo Junior Company and seasoned Moveo apprentices and dancers, with Lara Mizzi in the role of Clara and Zashaya Zammit as the titular Nutcracker.

There will be six performances from tomorrow to the 12th at 7.30pm, with an additional matinée performance tomorrow at 4.30pm.

Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.

Read more about the performance in this Times of Malta preview.

Let It Go

Moveo Dance Company is also presenting a dance show for children inspired by the beloved movie Frozen at the Valletta Campus Theatre on December 13 at 2pm and the 14th at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

THEATRE

Magical Christmas Show

City Theatre in Valletta is hosting a 90-minute live family experience that combines music, dance, laughter and festive cheer from December 12 to 14 and 20.

Show highlights include live performances by talented local artists and dancers; beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Stitch and the K-Pop Demon Hunters heroes; dazzling costumes; interactive games and festive sing-alongs; and a heartwarming story celebrating friendship, hope and Christmas joy.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

Glory Days

Stand-up comedian Kevin Naudi returns to the Salesian Theatre, in Sliema, on December 12 and 13 with his most personal and emotionally charged show yet.

From childhood flashbacks and misunderstood moments to midlife madness, shifting social norms and everything in between, Glory Days blends sharp wit with raw honesty.

Through storytelling, physical comedy and his signature expressions, Naudi unpacks the chaos, contradictions and comedy of being human, one joke at a time.

The show, suitable for an audience aged 16+, starts at 9pm. Tickets from showshappening.com.

FILM

Ethiopian Film Festival

The second Ethiopian Film Festival in Malta is happening on December 10 and 11 at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta.

The event brings international and diaspora attention to the Ethiopian film industry. For Ethiopian film-makers, it’s a chance to showcase and penetrate the international market.

The films being shown are Jebina (certified 18) on December 10 and Qalat (certified 15) on December 11. Both films will start at 7.30pm and will be shown in Amharic with English subtitles. 

For more information and tickets, visit spazjukreattiv.org. Also read this Times of Malta preview.

MISCELLANEOUS

Fairyland Malta

Fairyland Malta is back in Valletta and Floriana until January 4.

Attractions include Rudolph’s Big Wheel, Penguin’s Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto and new rides such as Fantasia Tinsel Track, Frosty Bike Circuit, Candy Cane Slide, Dasher’s Roundabout. There will also be a Christmas market and a food court. Children may also enjoy a fun and educational interactive laboratory, titled Chaos Lab.

For all the details, visit fairylandmalta.com.

Valletta Waterfront Christmas Express

The Valletta Waterfront is once again hosting several Christmas-related events in the coming weeks.

A towering 35-foot tree, larger-than-life characters, including a 20-foot nutcracker soldier and a charming gingerbread man welcome visitors, amid a rich programme of interactive activities.

Younger visitors can also participate in a selection of complimentary activities such as daily parades and a traditional Baby Jesus procession. 

Santa and Mrs Claus will be available for photo opportunities until December 23.

For more information and updates, click here.

The Magical Illuminated Trail and Christmas Village

The Magical Illuminated Trail 2025 is once again transforming the enchanting Verdala Palace Gardens in Buskett into a glowing wonderland of larger-than-life lanterns.

Among others, guests can dive into the glowing Coral Kingdom alongside Nemo and friends, step into Alice’s Wonderland full of curious surprises, let children light up the Interactive Magical Forest, explore the deliciously whimsical Candy Land and encounter enchanting creatures hidden throughout the gardens.

The event runs until January 3. For more information and tickets, visit illuminatedtrailmalta.com. Proceeds go to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Woodland Christmas Market

The third edition of Woodland Christmas Market is being held at the Oak Tree Circle, Ta’ Qali National Park, until December 14.

There will be a variety of stalls offering unique, innovative and eco-friendly products, an array of Maltese and international cuisine, mulled wine, local artisan beers and handcrafted cocktails, and live music performances.

The Kids4Kids Market will feature various activities such as face painting, scavenger hunts with exciting gifts and a creative drawing station.

There will also be ongoing hands-on DIY workshops, Christmas princesses, playful mascots and Santa and Mrs Claus.

Entrance is free. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more details.

Natalis Notabilis

Rabat is this week once again holding its popular Christmas market, Natalis Notabilis.

There will be an array of artisanal stalls showcasing unique local crafts and delicious seasonal treats, captivating light displays, live performances, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Rabat.

For all the details, visit the event’s Facebook page.

whatson@timesofmalta.com