MALTA A DECEMBER OF MAGIC
Malta, a December of magic among theatres, music and sparkling festivals.
Fairyland Malta returns to enchant the island with new, sparkling attractions from 5 December to 4 January.
THEATRE
Borma Tbaqbaq − Il-Lingwa tal-Kċina
A new and exhilarating bilingual theatre production, written and performed by Angele Galea, Pauline Fenech and Valerie Buhagiar, together with Leah Grech and directed by Tyrone Grima, returns for a second weekend at the Aġenzija Żgħażagħ premises in Santa Venera from 5 to 7 December at 8:00pm.
Tease the Season − Burlesque and variety show
A single night of Christmas sparkles and cheeky cabaret: the burlesque and variety show arrives at the Malta Society of Arts Concert Hall in Valletta on 5 December.
Hosted by Undine LaVerve, the event will feature performances by stars from the Burlesque Academy Malta, supported by local and international guests. Audiences can expect sensual acts, powerful live vocal performances, and stand-up comedy by Niti Dhingra.
A cash bar is available for pre-show drinks and post-show toasts.
Djarju ta’ Student fi Skola tal-Knisja
The record-breaking show featuring Jamie Cardona returns to Theatre Next Door in Magħtab for the last time this year, from 4 to 7 December.
Cardona plays himself and other characters in this monologue dedicated to his teenage years in a Church school. Through his diary, the audience follows his mischiefs as he questions the existence of God, the idea of right and wrong, and how to win over girls, among other things.
MUSIC
Malta International Organ Festival
The Malta International Organ Festival concludes this week with events in various locations across the island.
These include a concert featuring Latvian organist Ilona Birgele at the parish church of Marsaxlokk tomorrow; an evening of sacred music at St Mark’s Church in Rabat on 2 December, featuring Italian organist and composer Marco D’Avola and baritone Joseph Lia; a concert for pipe organ and saxophone at the Onorati Oratory of the Jesuit Church in Valletta with German organist Ralf Borghoff and Italian saxophonist Cesare Travagin; and a grand symphonic finale at the Basilica of Our Lady of Porto Salvo and St Dominic in Valletta with organist Winfried Lichtscheidel.
Preghiere: The Virgin Mary in Opera
A programme of vocal pieces by Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni, Diacono and others, dedicated to the sacred dimension in opera, will take place at the Onorati Oratory of the Jesuit Church in Valletta on 4 December at 7:30pm. Soprano Mariah Costa will perform, accompanied by Sofia Narmania.
Since its origins in the late 16th century, opera has had a profound influence on music, particularly sacred music.
Sacred works of the Baroque period owe much to this theatrical genre. In the 19th century, opera became the dominant art form, influencing many other areas, including sacred music itself.
Italian opera, in particular, intertwined devotional elements within its complex plots, giving rise to some of the most memorable scenes and arias ever written.
Ira Losco: An Evening in Gozo
Renowned singer Ira Losco will perform a two-hour concert at the Aurora Opera House in Victoria on 6 December.
Produced by iCAN, the event will feature the singer’s greatest hits in completely renewed versions, with new arrangements by Kris Spiteri and Mro Aurelio Belli.
Losco will be accompanied by her band and an ensemble featuring strings, piano, percussion and a harp. Her outfit for the evening will be curated by Gozitan designer Luke Azzopardi.
The concert will also showcase Gozitan talents including Mel Xkejfa of Chasing Pandora, emerging artist Hannah Theuma and vocalist Pamela Bezzina.
CINEMA
Westlife – Royal Albert Hall
Eden Cinemas in St Julian’s celebrate the beloved ’90s British boyband Westlife with the screening of their 25th-anniversary concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Westlife will perform classics such as Flying Without Wings, You Raise Me Up and Uptown Girl in a Gatsby-inspired show.
André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas
André Rieu’s festive Merry Christmas concert will be screened at Eden Cinemas in St Julian’s and at the Spazju Kreattiv Cinema in Valletta.
With the Johann Strauss Orchestra and special guests, including Emma Kok and over 400 brass players delivering a majestic Christmas sound, the concert overflows with warmth, laughter and festive cheer.
Screenings will take place at Eden Cinemas on 6 December at 5:30pm and 7 December at 10:00am; and at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema on 6 and 7 December at 7:30pm.
EULAC Cinema Night: A Fantastic Woman
On 5 December, Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta will screen the 2017 Spanish-language film A Fantastic Woman to celebrate the EULAC Cinema Night, dedicated to cinema from the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The story follows Marina, a transgender woman who works as a waitress and nighttime singer, shaken by the sudden death of her older partner.
VARIOUS
Fairyland Malta
Fairyland Malta returns to Valletta and Floriana from 5 December to 4 January.
Among the attractions: 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 and Dasher’s Roundabout. There will also be a Christmas market and a food area. Children can enjoy Chaos Lab, an interactive educational lab.
The Magical Illuminated Trail and Christmas Village
The Magical Illuminated Trail 2025 will once again transform the magnificent gardens of Verdala Palace in Buskett into an enchanted world of giant lanterns, from 5 December to 3 January.
Among the many attractions, guests can immerse themselves in the glowing Coral Kingdom with Nemo and friends, enter the fantastic Alice’s Wonderland full of surprises, let children light up the Interactive Magical Forest, explore the delightful Candy Land and meet magical creatures hidden among the gardens.
Woodland Christmas Market
The third edition of the Woodland Christmas Market will take place at Oak Tree Circle in Ta’ Qali National Park from 6 to 14 December.
There will be stalls with unique, innovative and eco-friendly products, Maltese and international cuisine, mulled wine, local craft beers, creative cocktails and live music.
The Kids4Kids Market will offer activities such as face painting, treasure hunts with prizes and a creative drawing area.
Also planned are hands-on DIY workshops, Christmas princesses, playful mascots and the presence of Santa and Mrs Claus.
Natalis Notabilis
Rabat once again hosts its beloved Christmas market, Natalis Notabilis, from 5 to 14 December.
The programme includes artisanal stalls with local creations and seasonal treats, charming light displays, live performances and family activities in the heart of Rabat.
(Source: gazzettadimalta.com)
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