A selection of some of the best pictures taken by photographers of the Times of Malta.
Eagerly waiting for Santa... A young boy clings to the barbed wire at the Mellieha Football Ground where Father Christmas paid a surprise visit by helicopter on December 17. Photo: Jason Borg
Santa Claus distributes gifts to schoolchildren in Mellieha after arriving in town by helicopter on December 17. Photo: Jason Borg
Santa Claus distributes gifts to schoolchildren in Mellieha after arriving in town by helicopter on December 17. Photo: Jason Borg
A diver dressed as Santa Claus feeds fish inside a fish tank at the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra on December 18. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Two policemen dressed up as Father Christmas pause for a moment during a police activity in aid of L-Istrina at St George’s Square, Valletta on December 14. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Four men dressed up as Father Christmas take part in an event organised by the Police at St George’s Square in Valletta on December 14. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Chocolate Santas are lined up at the ‘Santa Big Dress Up’ organised by television program Xarabank on December 15. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
A baby manages to sleep amidst the din in Zabbar during the 'Santa Big Dress Up' on December 15. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Various species participated by dressing in red at the 'Santa Big Dress Up' in Zabbar on December 15. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
A Christmas tree made from 13 layers of cake was the star attraction at a fund raising Yuletide market in Marsa on December 15. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
A man blocks the sun from his eyes during Republic Day celebrations at St George’s Square, Valletta on December 13. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Armed Forces of Malta soldiers take part in a military parade to mark Malta's Republic Day in Valletta on December 13. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Members of the AFM display their marching skills at the Republic Day celebrations in St George’s Square, Valletta on December 13. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Armed Forces of Malta soldiers march as spent rifle cartridges lie on the ground during a military parade to mark Malta's Republic Day in Valletta on December 13. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Children rush onto the parade ground to collect spent rifle cartridges after an Armed Forces of Malta military parade to mark Malta's Republic Day in Valletta on December 13. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Children play on a bridge over an artificial river where a mini Bethlehem and living nativity scene are recreated in Lija on December 13. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
A Civil Protection officer gives a university student the chance to use a fire hose and dress up as a firefighter in return for a donation during a fundraising event for l-Istrina at the University of Malta campus on December 17. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
A rescue dog from the Civil Protection takes part in an agility display during an Animals Day activity in Mosta on December 15. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
A judge examines one of more than 50 cats taking part in a show organised by the Malta Feline Guardians Club on December 14. Photo: Jason Borg
Soft toys sit on children’s beds at the Ursuline Creche in Sliema on December 18. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
A nun tells a story to some children, residents of The Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of St. Angela Merici in Sliema on December 18. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
The winning jockey of the President’s Cup, Brian Zammit sprays champagne over two of his friends holding the winning horse, Gently Di Poggio, at the Marsa Race Track on December 13. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Hibernians’ Obinna lies on the ground after missing a chance to score at Hibs Stadium in their 4-1 win over Rabat on December 14. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
A Hibernians and Rabat player make contact with their boots during their Premier League match at Hibs Stadium on December 14. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
A microlight aircraft is seen passing by the moon on December 14. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli