There was a great air of anticipation at The Duke Shopping Mall in Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo, as children milled around Santa’s Magical Booth in the central area on the ground floor and waited in expectation of a quick conversation with Santa Claus.

Last weekend, each session, limited to 30 kids each on both Saturday and Sunday, was fully taken up with some children having to return for the next session. Following a donation to Puttinu Cares, one of the initiatives of the owners and management of The Duke to raise funds for this charity, the children went into the queue, accompanied by elves and a lovely fairy.

Then came the moment they had all been waiting for. They entered the booth and picked up the telephone and there was Santa on the line asking them how they had behaved during the year and what they were expecting him to bring them this Christmas.

Each child was given some sweets and a gift on leaving the booth and there was a wonderful snow effect to round up the experience.

Gozo Minister Anton Refalo was present along with the owners of The Duke, Mark Grech and Joe Attard, to share in this unique event. The Administrator of The Duke Shopping Mall, Maria Farrugia, said: “We are extremely satisfied with the reaction we have had on the first weekend and we are now looking forward to five more days of great excitement for the children – all for a good cause.”

Opening times on the 20th and 23rd December are from 5-7 p.m. and on Christmas Eve (24th December) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Santa’s Magical Booth is one of the many attractions at The Duke this Christmas Season. Check out the on-line Advent Calendar at The Duke Shopping mall Facebook page; the Loyalty scheme rewarding early Christmas shoppers; and live animation on the weekends and during key public holidays in the run-up to Christmas.

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