A programme filled with activities to celebrate Christmas at the Valletta Waterfront was launched by Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mario de Marco last Monday.
The main attraction is the Christmas fair, run by Inspire Foundation, which consists of various stands set up along the common areas of the promenade, selling such items as second-hand books, plants and flowers, including the traditional ponsiettas. The fair will run until December 23 from Monday to Friday between 7 and 11 p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
On Friday, a voice and string ensemble concert, organised by Barocco Cultural Events, will be held in the Sagrestia Vault, featuring sacred arias and Christmas carols. Performers will include soprano Marita Bezzina, tenor Frans Mangion and harpist and pianist Lydia Buttigieg.
On December 23, the AFM Band will hold a street performance along the Valletta Waterfront from 8 p.m. onwards. Other activities will include a radio-controlled powerboats show on Sunday from 10.30 a.m., a crib exhibition in the Sagrestia Vault between December 21 and January 5, and a Christmas Mass in the chapel on Christmas Eve at 8.30 p.m.
On New Year's Eve, a countdown will be played over the loudspeaker system a few seconds before midnight. At the stroke of midnight, there will be a 'spectacular' aerial fireworks display. Confetti will also be fired from the rooftop of the waterfront façade.
Joshua Giordimaina, marketing executive (Landside) of VISET Malta, developers and operators of the Valletta Waterfront, said: "When drawing up the programme, we felt it was of utmost importance to ensure that, while offering entertainment for our patrons, the real spirit of Christmas is not lost.
"Instead, we have included highlights which take visitors back to the traditional elements, like the crib, the Christmas fair and the Christmas concert, rounding up with an aerial fireworks display in the Grand Harbour to welcome in the New Year."
For more information, visit www.vallettawaterfront.com.