If you’re after a festive feeling, Gozo is the place to be. This is not just about the streets and houses all gaily decorated to mark the holiday, but it is also about the fact that true to Gozo's nickname, the ‘island of joy’, many events are held to celebrate this joyful season. The programme of Gozo's Christmas festivities includes various spiritual, cultural and fun-filled activities for everyone’s delight.
Words by VISITGOZO / MINISTRY FOR GOZO | Extract taken from December's 2022 Il-Bizzilla Magazine | Read more here
Here’s a handy list of events and attractions that you should not miss this Christmas!
Christmas lights
Christmas is one of Gozo’s winter highlights and taking a stroll along Victoria’s streets especially in the evening is truly rewarding. Even the villages around the island are notorious for the elaborate Christmas lights decorations! You’ll get to enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights.
Stop at a town or village square and spend a cozy and warm evening at a bar or enjoy a meal in a restaurant.
Villa Rundle Christmas Market
Gozo’s Villa Rundle gardens are all decorated with twinkling lights and sparkling magic that have turned this popular site into a Christmas wonderland. A special Christmas market is also organised here where you will be able to find traditional arts, crafts, and typical foods.
Maket is open on 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17 and 18 December.
Santa’s Workshop
Organised at Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts Village in Għarb, this workshop gives visitors the chance to watch local artisans at work, take part in craft-making activities, and buy genuine gifts. There will also be Santa and other characters and a host of fun activities organised for all the family.
10th December, 9am – 8pm
Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas Parade will start from the lower part of Victoria’s Republic Street and make its way up to Independence Square. The Parade will be a Christmas celebration exhibiting various beautiful costumes, popular characters, and festive dancing – a celebration that kids and adults will definitely love!
10th December, 8pm
A Children’s World
For many of us, Christmas is about seeing the smiles on our children's faces - and this is what Dinja tat-Tfal (A Children’s World) is all about! On the 18th of December, from 10am till 5pm, the Villa Rundle Gardens will be hosting an entire day of events for children of all ages. Activities will include unlimited rides, face painting, arts, crafts, games, cartoon characters and much, much more. This event is a must if you’re travelling to Gozo with children.
A symphony of musical concerts
There are more than 25 concerts being organised for this year’s Christmas in Gozo programme of events with the highlight being Schola Cantorum Jubilate’s ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ that will be held at Ta’ Pinu National Shrine on the 29th December at 7.30pm. However, there will be concerts almost daily throughout December so we recommend you visit www.visitgozo.com for the full programme of Christmas concerts.
Once again, Gozo promises to be the joyful destination you need this Christmas.
