A spate of options for NYE:

Monday, 31 December from 8pm: The End - Tigullio, Spinola Bay, St Julian's; Monday, 31 December from 8pm: NYE 2019 - A Kind of Magic - Madliena Lodge, Madliena

New Year’s Eve is traditionally the night to let your hair down, wear something elegant (which will no doubt get creased/scuffed up by the evening’s end) and count down to a brand spanking new 12 months. There are myriad options to choose from, if you want to go on all-out party mode, but two which caught our eye are the ominously titled The End, taking place at the trendy Tigullio in Spinola Bay and the Freddie Mercury inspired A Kind of Magic at Madliena Lodge. 

Monday, 31 December from 7pm: New Year's Eve - Valletta Waterfront, Floriana and Official Celebrations at Pjazza San Gorg, Valletta

Past the days of long nights and long hangovers? New Year’s Eve celebrations go all family friendly at the Valletta Waterfront – and in the heart of the capital – this 31st December. Thousands of people are expected to crowd Pjazza San Gorg in the centre of the city for the official countdown to midnight – with live music and entertainment to keep you going until the hand strikes 12. Down by the waterfront, things are likely to be just as vibrant, though with, perhaps, a bit less hassle to get in and out.

Monday, 31 December from 9pm: All That Glitters - The Beer Cave, Valletta; Monday, 31 December from 8pm: Gatsby New Year - The Gut, Valletta; Monday, 31 December from 9pm: Infinite New Year’s Eve - Infinity by Hugo’s; Monday, 31 December from 8pm: Airport Impressions LIVE on NYE19 - Hugo's Terrace, St Julian's

But, not to be outdone, many of the island’s watering holes are prepping for their own NYE drinks bash. The Beer Cave in Valletta will open its doors and welcome some sparkles for the evening, as will the outlets forming part of The Gut whose 1920’s themed celebration will have many strutting their stuff and donning their best flapper outfits. For something determinedly 21st century, Infinity by Hugo’s is lifting up its baubles to see 2019 in, while in another one of Hugo’s bar offerings, Airport Impressions will be performing a set, bringing a local flavour to the party.

And a foodie’s choice:

Monday, 31 December, two sittings: TukTuk NYE South Indian Feast - Carob Tree Food Court

Unless you’ve planned to go out for a standout meal at one of the island’s restaurants – an evening which will set you back 100 euros or so – food plays second fiddle to drink on New Years’ Eve. But, TukTuk, the popular South Indian eatery in the Carob Tree Food Court, is offering a feast of Eastern delights for the very reasonable price of 25 euros. And, with free parking to boot, you really cannot go wrong.

Regenerate after the festivities:

Sunday, 6 January from 10am – 1pm: Exploring the Longest Valley in Gozo – meeting point at the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, Mellieha

Stretch your legs and remind your muscles they exist after the holidays by heading to the great outdoors – or, at the very least, to Gozo’s outdoors. This coastal walk from Mgarr to Mgarr ix-Xini will offer up spectacular views, which might be more memorable than some of the gifts you’d have received over the festivities. The meeting point is at the entrance of Cirkewwa’s ferry terminal at 10am and pooches are welcome to join!