Rabat is hosting the second edition of Natalis Notabilis from tomorrow until Tuesday, December 12.

Around 80 stalls will be set up in the narrow and winding streets of Mdina’s suburb, where one can buy local products and crafts and a variety of Maltese and international Christmas delicacies.

The Franciscan Friary will be serving qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings), qastan tal-imbuljuta (hot chocolate with chestnuts) and kafe tal-istanjata (Maltese traditional coffee) while the Notarial Archives Resource Council is reproducing long-forgotten Christmas recipes. There will also be a Christmas cafeteria at Bottegin Palazzo Xara. The Christmas market will also feature mulled wine and a German food hut will be serving bratwurst, flamkuchen, goulash, chicken schnitzel and pretzels.

Children may entertain themselves at the Children’s Christmas Market where they can meet Santa and buy sweets and toys. The little ones may also try some crafts or go on a pony ride around Rabat’s narrow streets.

Natalis Notabilis is, however, not just not about the market. Visitors may also attend theatrical performances, including Screwged at Palazzo Xara or the Nativity Trail at the Franciscan Friary’s large secret garden.

The 500-year-old Ta’ Ġieżu church will host the Gospel Choir Concert: Christmas Special on Saturday and the Malta Christmas Carol Festival on Tuesday, while a harp and vocals concert will take place on Monday at the national sanctuary dedicated to St Joseph.

A park and ride service will be provided at Triq it-Tiġrija and Triq l-Infetti (both accessible at Saqqajja Hill) where vans will be circulating and dropping off visitors near the Roman Domus. More details about the programme may be obtained on http://facebook.com/natalisnotabilis or by visiting www.natalisnotabilis.org.