The festive season officially kicked off at Esplora Interactive Science Centre on 5th of December, with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony bringing together families, locals, and science lovers alike. Guests also got an exclusive sneak peek at Esplora’s brand-new Christmas programme: Santa’s STEAM Factory, opening to the public from 21st December until 6th January 2026.

This year’s Christmas production was a showstopper too, a hybrid video blending animation with real-world footage, created alongside local artists. The result? A magical story that perfectly mixes creativity, innovation, and Esplora’s signature love for science, technology, and the arts.

The event was graced by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Mayor of Kalkara Wayne Aquilina, and Esplora Senior Director Mary Ann Cauchi, alongside employees from Esplora and Xjenza Malta, all coming together to celebrate the start of the festive season.

Santa’s STEAM Factory promises to be a highlight for visitors of all ages. Think hands-on workshops, science shows, and immersive Planetarium films, all designed to turn scientific curiosity into festive magic. Esplora is transforming the centre into a Christmas wonderland where Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) meet the spirit of the season.

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti praised the initiative, saying, “Esplora continues to play a crucial role in nurturing a love for science among young people. Events like today emphasise the centre’s commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement.”

Mayor Wayne Aquilina added, “It is always a pleasure for us, as the Kalkara community, to see the innovations introduced by Esplora. These efforts ensure that this interactive science centre continues to attract Maltese, Gozitans and tourists throughout the year, including during Christmas.”

Esplora’s Senior Director Mary Ann Cauchi reminded visitors that the festive season is the perfect chance to inspire curiosity and learning in a fun way. “Through initiatives like Santa’s STEAM Factory, we aim to ignite imagination while bringing families together,” she said.

The ceremony ended with a bang as Esplora’s Christmas Tree lit up the space, officially marking the start of the festive season at Malta’s favourite interactive science centre.

Are you ready to step into Santa’s STEAM Factory and turn science into festive magic this Christmas?