Christmas Cheer at Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
The magic of the festive season will come alive at Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum in Valletta during the second edition of Christmas at the Fort on 30 November and 1 December, 2024.
The historic site will transform into a cosy haven of holiday cheer, complete with decorations, flickering lights, and luscious green garlands that capture the heartwarming spirit of a traditional Maltese Christmas.
Visitors will enjoy a festive atmosphere from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Sunday. A traditional Maltese Christmas crib will take centre stage amidst the celebrations. An array of stalls will offer delicious food and drinks, including mulled wine, specialty cocktails, and imbuljuta, a spiced chocolate and chestnut drink. Live chocolate sculpture presentations, held on both days, are sure to delight audiences.
For those seeking unique holiday gifts, the artisan market will feature handmade creations by talented local artists. Children can partake in games, interactive sessions, and the excitement of meeting Santa Claus, where they can even send letters for a chance to win special prizes. Meanwhile, traditional highlights include a procession with Baby Jesus on Saturday evening and a special mass on Sunday morning, bringing together the community for moments of solemn reflection and celebration.
Throughout the weekend, a variety of singers, choirs, and bands will perform, with Sunday evening culminating in a spectacular Christmas concert by the Malta Police Force Band. Visitors can also explore different aspects of the festive season through workshops, demonstrations, and lectures. Activities range from crib-making demonstrations and interactive talks in both English and Maltese to guided tours of the National War Museum archives, which delve into wartime Christmas chronicles.
A convenient shuttle service will run from Floriana Park and Ride to Fort St Elmo. Admission to the event is free, with donations encouraged to support the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times.
Join in celebrating the joy of Christmas with music, tradition, and cheer in this magical setting.
