Must visit this week: This full-blown Christmas Village in Rabat is the ultimate festive outing
You know Christmas is around the corner when festive markets pop up on every corner, from the humble one at the church hall to school set-ups and full-blown Christmas Villages stacked with ornaments, tasty treats and a whole lotta cheer... but none come close in scale to Natalis Notabilis!
Rabat is a cosy village in the north western part of the island and prides itself on ample art and heritage for locals and tourists alike to really get a feel of Maltese culture. Christmas in Malta is probably one of the most celebrated festivities on the island, and this year, from 7th till 13th December, Triq San Pawl, close to the Rabat square; has transformed into a jolly street where flickering lights and wooden stalls welcome visitors from all over the island for a week-long Christmas adventure better known as Natalis Notabilis.
This Christmas wonderland is set up in the narrow streets of Rabat and spreads it’s magical wings onto the nearby streets within the village. Found a stone’s throw away from Malta’s old capital of Mdina, this Christmas Village is set at delivering its visitors with a true taste of seasonal Maltese specialities.
Head to the Franciscan Friary where delicacies such as Qagħaq tal-Għasel, also known as honey rings, Kafé tal-Istanjata, traditional Maltese coffee and Qastan tal-Imbuljuta - a chestnut infused hot chocolate - are served up straight from the friary kitchen. These tasty morsels will warm the cockles and get you in tune with local flavours.
Apart from the other food items you can enjoy as you make your way through the bustling street, there are also non-food related activities to catch your eye. Ta’ Ġieżu Church is a 500-year-old architectural beauty where the Malta Christmas Carol Festival as well as the Gospel Choir Concert can be enjoyed.
Be sure to pay Palazzo Xara’s terrace a visit if your kids are eager to meet with Santa Claus. An abundance of toys, sweets and other activities will brighten their day and cheer up the scroogiest of teens in your family too!