Christmas In The Capital 2024: Valletta’s Festive Celebration Returns
The Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, alongside Jason Micallef, Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, has officially launched the “Christmas in the Capital” programme.
This annual event will bring the spirit of Christmas to Valletta from 24th November to 31st December 2024, featuring a variety of festive activities, Christmas lights and a grand New Year’s Eve concert. Supported by an investment of half a million euros, this initiative by the Valletta Cultural Agency aims to create a memorable and joyful experience.
“Christmas in the Capital is not only a celebration of the season’s beauty within Valletta’s historic heart, but it is also an opportunity to unite people, embracing the values of solidarity, unity and peace that define us as Maltese. We aim to foster a setting of joy and tranquility, where all who visit Valletta can revel in the unique cultural, musical and artistic activities marking this festive time,” Minister Bonnici shared in a press conference.
The Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman, Mr. Jason Micallef, highlighted that this year’s Christmas programme will feature a mix of lively events and reflective moments. These will include Malta’s cherished Baby Jesus procession, bringing families together in Valletta through around 25 events and attractions over the month-long celebration.
He encouraged everyone to check the programme for highlights such as the decorative lights that will brighten Valletta’s streets, street entertainers, buskers, choirs and musical performances by popular local talents, including Chiara, Jason Xuereb, Janvil, Riona, Rachel Fabri, Veronique Vella, Franklin, Sean Borg, Centerstage Choir and Cappella Musicale Caeciliana.
Mr. Micallef also announced that the New Year’s Eve celebration, Malta’s largest of its kind, will once again take place at St. George’s Square, with free entry.
Other seasonal highlights include a beautifully lit Christmas tree at Freedom Square, artistic Christmas cribs at St. John’s Co-Cathedral entrance and holiday music filling Republic Street throughout the season. Visitors can also look forward to children’s workshops at the Valletta Design Cluster, as well as a dance performance featuring 50 dancers from Dancel Dance Studio, with Ludwig Galea performing live outside Parliament.