Can you hear the bells ringing?:

Monday, 10 December – Thursday 13 December, various times: Natalis Notabilis 2018, Malta's Christmas Village – Rabat; Saturday, 15 December – Sunday, 16 December: Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2018 - Ghajnsielem, Gozo

With Christmas in sight, preparations for the festivity have ranked up a notch or two. This week sees the continuation of Rabat’s popular market, Natalis Nobilis, which is on until Thursday. Stalls selling festive delicacies jostle for attention beside artisanal goods; the smell of mulled wine hangs in the air, together with the sound of Christmas carols. But, if you feel the need for full immersion into the holiday, head to Gozo for Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2018, a detailed re-enactment of the story of Jesus’ birth, which sees the Gozitan town of Ghajnsielem transformed into Bethlehem, sheep and all.

Friday, 14 December – Saturday, 15 December from 7pm – 10pm and Sunday, 16 December from 12pm – 4.30pm: Christmas at the Waterfront – the Waterfront, Valletta

The promenade at the foot of Valletta has donned its Christmas outfit with flare this season and it is hosting a range of activities for the young and old alike. The ubiquitous Father Christmas and his elves will be hard at work in their grotto, while their helpers will be jigging on long sticks, keeping their balance with a stocking of strength. And, on Thursday – a public holiday - the Red Hackled Pipe Band will be marching and playing along the Waterfront between 2.30-3.30pm. Let’s hope the weather holds up!

For a ho-ho-whole lot of culture:

Saturday, 15 December from 6pm: Valletta 2018 Closing Spectacle – Valletta; Saturday, 15 December, all day: MUZA, Open Day – MUZA, Valletta

Valletta’s tenure as European Capital of Culture is coming to an end and this weekend sees the Closing Spectacle kick off in Valletta. It’s been quite a ride – in more ways than one – and this weekend’s event promises to cap it off ‘festa-style’. There’s bound to be tons of people, so plan your transport arrangements well in advance. And, if you’re looking for something novel, MUZA should be on your itinerary this weekend. The new Modern Museum of Art is opening its doors for one day only – on Saturday - and we really cannot wait to see what’s inside! 

Grownup jingles:

Friday, 14 December – Saturday, 15 December from 7.30pm: Carols by Candlelight 2018 - St Augustine Church, Victoria, Gozo; Saturday, 15 December from 8pm – 9.30pm: Joseph Calleja Foundation Concert - Teatru Manoel, Valletta

Christmas is not just for kids (even those past 40). Indeed, the festive season also sees in some stunning repertoires designed to elevate the spirits. This Friday and Saturday, Victoria’s St Augustine Church, in Gozo, is organising Carols by Candlelight, produced by Schola Cantorum Jubilate, and followed by a five-course meal at the 16th century Priory of St. Augustine. But, if you’re not heading over to the sister isle, Teatru Manoel is hosting the Joseph Calleja Foundation Concert, featuring a stellar line-up consisting of the tenor himself with the concertmaster at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, David Chan, conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Grab your tickets while you can!