THEATRE
Ali Baba − The Panto
Masquerade theatre company is presenting its panto adaptation of the famous Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves tale at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta, until January 5.
The story follows the daring hero as he outsmarts the 40 thieves in an adventure that promises magical memories for the whole family.
Directed by Anthony Bezzina, the show is written by Malcolm Galea, with musical direction by Kris Spiteri, choreography by Valerie Burke and set design by Matthew Cassar.
The cast includes Galea as the Dame, Joseph Zammit, Katherine Brown, Gianluca Mifsud, Martina Cuschieri, Chrissy Despott, Max Dingli, Hannah Gatt and David Ellul.
Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt. Read more about the show here.
Snow White
MADC is bringing the sparkle, laughter and Yuletide magic back to the Salesian Theatre in Sliema with its panto take on the German fairy tale Snow White, featuring a fresh twist on the beloved classic.
Written by Alan Montanaro and directed by Stephen Oliver, the show stars Melissa Mercieca as Snow White, Ali Kanay Demirci as Prince Charming, Sarah Jane Zrinzo as the Evil Queen, Carla Fenech as The Fairy and Noel Zarb as the Magic Mirror.
Montanaro will resume the role of the Dame.
The show opens on December 23 and runs until January 5. Tickets from madc.com.mt. Read more about it here.
Alan Montanaro as the Dame in Snow White. Photo: Justin MamoThe Rock ’n’ Roll Panto: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood
FM Theatre Productions is bringing another rock and roll panto to the Astra Theatre in Victoria, from December 26 to 30.
This year, it’s the turn of Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood, with Edward Mercieca resuming the role of Dame and Gianni Selvaggi in the title role.
The show is directed by Chris Gatt. Tickets from teatruastra.org.mt.
Chucky’s Solo Panto − Jack and The Beanstalk
Chucky Bartolo is back at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta, with a brand-new solo take on the popular English fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk, written and directed by multi-award-winning Vikesh Godhwani, from December 26 to 28.
Overnight, a giant beanstalk sprouts in the middle of a remote village where nothing exciting ever happens. Atop the beanstalk lives an evil giant who is out for blood. The show follows Jack and his fierce mother as they try to slay the giant.
The show is certified 18+. Tickets from spazjukreattiv.org.
Chucky Bartolo. Photo: Spazju KreattivGrinċ u l-prinċep żrinġ
Vince’tor Entertainment is staging a pantomime for all the family in Maltese based on the popular tales of the Grinch and the Prince Frog.
The show is being held at the G.F. Abela Junior College in Msida from December 26 to 30 and January 3 and 4, with doors opening at 7pm.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
The cast of Grinċ u l-prinċep żrinġ.Alice f’dal-Pajjiż tal-Meravilji
Kumpanija Teatru Rjal is staging yet another panto in Maltese, this time based on the Lewis Carroll beloved story Alice in Wonderland, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, from December 26 to 29 and January 3.
The cast includes Rodney Camilleri Gauci as the Dame, Leah Mifsud as Alice, Lee-N as Il-Kappellan (Mad Hatter) and Ina Robinich as Obla Da. Other cast members include Danita, Marvic Camilleri, Mariah Mangin, Alexia Micallef, singer Ozzy Lino and Sarah Micallef Muscat.
The show is directed by Bryan Muscat with choreography by Kinetic Dance Studio, costumes by Noel Zarb and Ernest Camilleri, and artistic production by Pawlu Testa. Musical arrangements are by Conrad Briffa.
Tickets from ktrmalta.com.
MUSIC
Lux Natale
San Lawrenz parish church is hosting an evening of music and storytelling by the Kor Levita Laurentius on December 27 at 6.30pm.
The concert will feature a selection of Christmas carols and sacred music, arranged for choir, church organ and various instrumental ensembles.
Excerpts of Christmas-themed literary works will be read alongside the musical performances.
The evening will culminate in a special awards presentation honouring the winners of the Literature Christmas Competition, recognising creativity and the written word’s power to inspire joy, hope and reflection.
Entrance is free.
In Cordis Jubilo
Xagħra basilica is inviting the public to a concert with the Voci Angeliche Choir and orchestra on December 27 at 7.30pm.
The concert, led by Grace Vella Refalo, promises a heartwarming journey through cherished carols and contemporary favourites.
Entrance is free.
Dreams of Vienna
Għarb Visitation Band is bringing to life the spirit of the Viennese ballroom to the Kempinski Hotel, San Lawrenz, on December 27 at 8pm.
The band will perform a classical repertoire and will be accompanied by professional dancers.
For tickets, call 7949 2667.
O Ġesù Bambin
The parish church of Żebbuġ, Gozo, is hosting a Christmas concert on December 23 at 5.30pm.
St Mary Philharmonic Society, under the direction of Joseph Grech, will perform classical and popular Christmas music excerpts, while also reviving the band’s own Christmas symphonies from its rich archives.
The event is free.
Kunċert tal-Milied
The basilica of St Peter and St Paul, Nadur, is hosting a Christmas concert on Christmas Day at 7pm.
Under the direction of Antoine Theuma, the concert will feature an orchestra, the MUSEUM
Children’s Choir and several renowned Gozitan singers.
The evening’s programme will also include a poetry recital, a short theatrical performance and the traditional Christmas sermon. Entrance is free.
Strings For Christmas
Victoria local council is hosting the third edition of Strings for Christmas at St Francis Conventual church, Victoria, on December 26, with donations going towards the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.
The repertoire for string orchestra (leader Marcelline Agius) will feature Haydn’s La Chasse Quartet, Suite of Carols by L. Anderson and Sinfonia Pastorale by E. Galea, among others.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Entrance is free.
Peace
The JP2 Foundation is holding a concert promoting peace in the world at St Augustine church, Victoria, on December 28 at 7pm.
The JP2 Music Quintette, featuring musicians Kathryn Mizzi and Loreane Scicluna (violin), Eneh Lang (viola), Fiona Murphy (cello) and Jennifer Grech (piano), will be accompanied by three sopranos, Roberta Hili, Katrina Mifsud and Giannella Muscat.
Entrance is free.
FILM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: 25th anniversary re-release
On December 23, Spazju Kreattiv is screening the 2000 fantasy film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey, to commemorate 25 years since its first screening.
The reclusive, green Grinch with a heart “two sizes too small” lives on Mount Crumpit, overlooking the joyful, Christmas-loving Whos of Whoville.
Annoyed by their incessant holiday celebrations, the Grinch devises a plan to steal all their presents, decorations, and food, believing this will stop Christmas.
The screening, certified PG, starts at 4.30pm. Tickets from spazjukreattiv.org.
MISCELLANEOUS
Santa’s STEAM Factory
Esplora is transforming into Santa’s STEAM Factory, where the magic of Christmas meets the creativity of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
There are hands-on workshops, science shows and a new captivating Planetarium film.
The event is being held every day until January 6 at 5pm, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
An Esplora team member showing an experiment.Villa Rundle Illuminated Gardens
Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria has been transformed into a glowing wonderland of light and beauty.
Until January 6, one may wander through a display of dazzling illuminations, where every pathway sparkles with colour and every corner holds a touch of magic.
Entrance is free.
Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem
The 16th edition of the live Nativity crib is set to be another unique experience where Maltese folklore and traditions intertwine with the Biblical story of Jesus’s birth.
One may explore winding streets lined with artisans demonstrating age-old crafts, watch shepherds tending real animals and meet actors in period costumes who bring the story of the Nativity to life.
The event runs on selected dates until January 4, featuring special highlights such as school editions for students and the Adoration of the Magi on Epiphany day.
For all the details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
The site of the live Nativity crib. Photo: FacebookFairyland 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.
The ice skating rink at Fairyland Malta. Photo: Facebook/Fairyland MaltaValletta Waterfront Christmas Express
The Valletta Waterfront is once again hosting several Christmas-related events.
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.
Illuminated Mignons at the Magical Illuminated Trail. Photo: Facebook/Illuminated Trail Maltawhatson@timesofmalta.com