Have yourself a clever little Christmas:

Tuesday, 18 December from 6.30pm: Discover Antarctica’s unique wild side - Activity room (ground floor), National Museum of Natural History, Mdina; Sunday, 23 December from 7pm – 9.30pm: Quizmas - KSU Common Room, University of Malta, Msida

Away from the fairs and the high street shops, there’s another way to gear up to the Christmas season, replete, as it undoubtedly will be, with too much food and drink. Give your mind some sustenance with these appropriately themed events lined-up this week: tomorrow, John Joseph Borg, Senior Curator of the National Museum of Natural History in Mdina, who has participated in an expedition to the southern oceans, will be recounting his experience in the Antarctica. And, on Sunday, test your Christmas general knowledge skills at the KSU Common Room at the university with the quiz, Quizmas, but be sure to swot up if you want to be crowned winner just before the festivities.

The Christmas Tale:

Tuesday, 18 December from 7.30pm – 9.30pm: Poetry Open Mic for All - Maori, Triq il-lanca, Valletta; Saturday, 22 December from 8.30pm: It's a Wonderful Life - Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta; Saturday, 22 December from 9pm: Bad Santa - The Cinema Bar by Citylights, Valletta

Christmas is the time when we can indulge in some time off and some escapism; a time which has been taken out of our daily routine and allows us to step away from reality – or to reflect upon it a little bit. And, this week – in the run up to the big day – is no different. Tomorrow, head to Maori to whet your appetite for poetry, and this Saturday – just 3 days before Christmas – savour the warmth of It’s a Wonderful Life, screening at Spazju Kreattiv, and the whacky laughter in Bad Santa at the Cinema Bar by Citylights.

We Wish You a Panto Christmas:

From Sunday, 23 December at 7.30pm: Jack and the Beanstalk - MFCC, Ta' Qali; From Wednesday, 19 December, all week, various times: Gawgaw - A Panto in the Dark - Planetarium Hall, Esplora, Villa Bighi, Triq Marina, Kalkara

There’s nothing we look forward to the most than a good dose of Panto come Christmas season. Women dressed as men; men dressed as flamboyant dames; sing-a-longs and nasty villains, all wrapped up in your favourite fairytale – what’s not to like? Jack and the Beanstalk hits the stage on Sunday, written and directed by Malcolm Galea and there are still some tickets here!  For another show with a difference, Gawgaw, the Panto in the Dark, will take place at Esplora and promises to serve up a family event with offbeat characters and fun tunes – all with the lights turned off. 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town:

Sunday, 23 December from 6pm: Oh Silent Night, a Christmas pageant - Pjazza San Lawrenz, San Lawrenz, Gozo; Saturday, 22 December from 8 – 11pm: Christmas Parade, Gozo - Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo; Saturday, 22 December – Monday, 24 December: Milied Mellieħi – Mellieha, various locations; Saturday, 22 from 4.30pm and Sunday 23 December from 2.30pm: Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2018 – Ghajnsielem, Gozo

And, for something a little more traditional, Gozo is handing out some treats. San Lawrenz’s Christmas pageant kicks off on Sunday, while the festive parade through the capital of Victoria over the weekend is bound to get you looking forward to your end-of-the-year treats. Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2018 is another firm favourite which sees the nativity story come alive - literally - in the small Gozitan town. But, not to be outdone, Mellieha offers its own package with Milied Mellieħi, including carol singing, a live crib, and live music.