What’s on in Malta and Gozo this week: December 29 to January 4, 2025
Highlights of events in the coming days
The 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.
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, directed by Chris Gatt, runs until December 30. Tickets from teatruastra.org.mt.
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.
The cast of Ali Baba at the Manoel. Photo: Francesca RizzoSnow White
MADC is bringing the sparkle, laughter and Yuletide magic 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 also stars as the Dame.
The show runs until January 5. Tickets from madc.com.mt. Read more about it here.
The cast of Snow White. Photo: Justin MamoGrinċ 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 until January 4.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
The Grinċ in the Maltese panto Grinċ u l-prinċep żrinġ. Photo: Craft MarkAlice 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, until 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.
Rodney Camilleri Gauci as the Dame in Alice f’dal-Pajjiż tal-Meravilji.Korps Brajd – Il-Pantomima
Tim Burton’s 2005 fantasy Corpse Bride is getting the panto treatment by the Fondazzjoni Teatrali Silvio Fleri Soler at St Aloysius College, Birkirkara, on December 30 and January 2 to 4.
The plot sees a young man named Victor being whisked away to the underworld and wed to the mysterious Emily, while his real bride, Victoria, waits bereft in the land of the living. The cast features Karyn Fleri Soler as Emily, Shaun Zaffarese as Victor, and Shania Azzopardi as Victoria. Other cast members include Erica Aber, John McKay, Antoinette Axiaq, Nathan Vella and Chasleen Zammit. Kurt Vella plays the role of Dame Doo Dah.
Tickets from ticketline.com.mt.
Karyn Fleri Soler and Shaun Zafferese in Korps Brajd.MUSIC
MYO Christmas Concert
The Malta Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Laus, is presenting its annual Christmas concert on December 30 at 11am at St Agatha’s Auditorium, Rabat.
The programme includes Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance No. 8 and Camilleri’s Notturno and Waltz, and will end with some of Johann Strauss Jr’s most celebrated classics.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
MYO Chamber Concert
Various selections of the Malta Youth Orchestra are performing fresh interpretations of chamber works at the Robert Samut Hall, Floriana, on January 4 at 11am.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
A New Year’s Toast
The Gaulitanus Choir, its soloists, guests and an instrumental ensemble, under the musical and artistic direction
of Colin Attard, is holding its annual New Year’s Day concert at the Kempinski Hotel, San Lawrenz, on January 1 at 7.30pm.
The concert promises an engaging mix of classical masterpieces, contemporary selections and beloved choral favourites.
For more information, e-mail gaulitanus@gmail.com or call 7703 8971.
Miscellaneous
Valletta NYE Celebrations
St George’s Square, Valletta, is once again hosting the national NYE festivities.
Compèred by Jamie Cardona, Taryn Mamo Cefai and Ron Briffa, the event will feature a concert by the Palace String Orchestra and various performers, including Miriana Conte, Denise, Gaia Cauchi, Klinsmann, Aidan Drakard, Karin Duff and Keith Zammit Mintoff.
This year’s headliner is British singer-songwriter John Newman, known for such hits as Love Me Again, Feel the Love featuring Rudimental and Blame with Calvin Harris.
Entrance is free. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more details.
The Valletta celebrations will be headlined by British singer-songwriter and record producer John Newman.Gozo New Year’s Eve 2026
Gozo is welcoming the New Year with a night of music in Independence Square, Victoria, on December 31 from 8pm onwards.
The event, hosted by Clint Bajada, will be headlined by international dance sensation Eiffel 65. Other performers will be DJ Ryan Spiteri and DCapitals Big Band.
Entrance is free. For more information, visit the Events in Gozo Facebook page.
NYE 2026 Concert in Kottonera
The Kottonera Foundation is hosting another edition of its New Year’s Eve concert in Vittoriosa on December 31 from 8pm onwards.
This year’s line-up features Kantera, Matthew James and Ira Losco.
The hosts for the evening will be Ray Calleja and Dorianne Mamo.
There will also be a variety of food stalls and a children’s area. For more information, click here.
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.
A young visitor at Esplora during Christmas. Photo: EsploraVilla 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.
Animators at the live Nativity crib.Fairyland Malta
Fairyland Malta is on 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 until January 4.
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.
For more information and updates, click here.
Mickey and Minnie at the Valletta Waterfront.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.