For the third year, team members at the Grand Hotel Excelsior will be organising a Santas’ Swim, and are inviting colleagues, guests and members of the public to a swim in the clear, chilly waters of Marsamxett Harbour. The less brave can make a splash in the hotel swimming pool –in aid of L-Istrina.

This year, Alice, the Mad Hatter and their friends will be teaming up as Santa’s special guests to do a brave dive for charity. Each swimmer will receive a Santa hat upon registration. Later, the Wonderland characters will be serving well-deserved warm drinks and home-made cookies to all participants when they come out of the water. Facilities for showering and changing will be available. Santa, Alice and the Mad Hatter will be awarding a certificate of participation to all swimmers. Those who are not willing to brave the cold water are still encouraged to come and support the swimmers.

Present and former local water polo players are also invited to participate in a water polo exhibition match just off the hotel’s private beach. The 55-piece band of the Malta Police Force will play live Christmas music and will be welcoming the participants at the Grand Hotel Excelsior lobby at 10am. This activity is being endorsed by the Malta Community Chest Fund and President George Abela is expected to attend.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is also inviting the public to attend its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday at 7pm. Local choir EnKor, Santa and his elves and Alice and her friends will be in attendance.

Santas’ Swim is happening next Sunday at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Floriana, starting at 10am. Each participant is asked to make a donation of €10 upon registration in aid of L-Istrina. Participants are encouraged to register for this charity event by calling on 2125 0520 or by sending an e-mail to christmasdesk@excelsior.com.mt.