The weather’s still relatively warm, and we’re certainly not dreaming of a white Christmas, but with just a few weeks till the 25th of December, the Christmas spirit has started its descent on the Maltese Islands.

Many have already hauled the baubles and the plush reindeer from their hibernation inside the garage, kids are looking forward to presents and school holidays, and we’re all hoping that the Christmas lunch menu at our in-laws’ won’t be as predictable as usual this year.

That warm and fuzzy Christmas feeling is permeating the air at Heritage Malta too, and preparations are in full swing to transform parts of Fort St Elmo, Valletta, into a charming Christmas village on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December.

Aptly named Christmas at the Fort, this event will pull out all the stops to ensure a fun-filled family outing heralding the start of this year’s Christmas activities. Featuring a wide range of stalls selling seasonal gifts and decorations, local produce, crafts and jewellery, choir singing, several children’s activities, and the presence of Santa Claus himself, Christmas at the Fort promises to usher Yuletide in with a bang.

Traditional local and foreign Christmas culinary delights are set to fill the fort with lovely aromas that whet the appetite. From Maltese honey rings to roasted chestnuts, date-filled pastries (locally called ‘imqaret’), mince pies, and that soul-warming chocolate-chestnut concoction known as ‘imbuljuta tal-qastan’, visitors are in for plenty of delectable treats that please the taste buds and put dieting on pause. Master Chocolatier Tiziano Cassar will make jaws drop as he creates a Christmas-related chocolate sculpture on Saturday evening.

Christmas music from a bygone era, and old Christmas-themed Maltese folk songs, will make senior visitors reminisce about Christmases past. At the same time, youngsters get to meet Santa Claus in person or send him a letter just in case he happens to be out on his errands when they drop by. Each child will receive a small gift, in true Christmas spirit, and is welcome to take part in all the thrilling kids’ activities going on at the fort that weekend: from cookie decorating to animated storytelling aimed at young students and students with disabilities; creating music by filling glasses with water; writing messages to Santa using invisible ink; and learning how to make LED Christmas cards! All this under the watchful eye of a sweet and special guest – Fonzu l-Fenek.

A crib exhibition complemented by several artisan stands is also on the cards. Heritage Malta publications will be available to purchase, and Kyran Bonello, Malta’s Got Talent winner for 2022, will wow the crowds with his incredible voice.

Parking won’t be an issue, as there will be a free shuttle service from Floriana Park and Ride to Fort St Elmo, thanks to Malta Public Transport. The designated pick-up and drop-off point will be in front of the Ditch Exit at Floriana Park and Ride.

Admission to Christmas at the Fort is free, but donations to the Malta Community Chest Fund will be most appreciated. His Excellency George Vella, President of Malta, himself is expected to visit on Sunday 3rd December. The National War Museum will also be open free of charge during office hours on Sunday 3rd December.

Should you wish to include another Heritage Malta Christmas activity in your itinerary while you’re in Valletta that weekend, visitors can also drop by the Grand Master’s Palace (entrance through Merchants Street) and visit the magnificent crib exhibition being held till 21st January with the collaboration of Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepji Għawdex-Malta.

For more information about Christmas at the Fort, visit here.

Are you looking forward to all the festive events this year?

The information within this article has been provided by Heritage Malta.