Eleven days of Christmas cheer are awaiting visitors at Santa’s Magical Forest, a fundraising event being organised by Inspire – The Foundation for Inclusion at its premises in Marsascala.

Children can hand in their wish lists and letters to Santa Claus and his little elves, watch performances by their favourite mascots, including Barney, Mickey Mouse and The Incredibles, and take part in a Frozen Sing-A-Long show.

Among other events, young visitors can also attend a mini assault course, organised by the AFM, and admire the Mounted Police Force.

More than 300 singers, dancers, musicians, bands and animators will be performing at Inspire. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli

There will be competitions and games for all the family and children’s choirs and some of the most well-known local singers will entertain those present. These include Red Electrick, George Curmi il-Pusé, Airport Impressions and Kapitlu Tlettax. There will also be a dance party for adults only on December 30.

It’s not the first time that the voluntary organisation has set up a Christmas village, but never to this scale.

“This year we have more than 300 singers, dancers, musicians, bands and animators,” chief operations manager Keith Psaila said.

“It is our biggest fundraising event of the year and we are expecting many people here.”

Funds raised will mainly go towards improving Inspire’s therapeutical horse-riding facilities.

“We intend to build new facilities and increase the number of horse paddocks... that means horses which can offer therapy. We have a lot of children waiting in line for this particular service,” Mr Psaila said.

“Riding facilities are available for our autistic clients upon application and interest. Some have this as part of their service programme completely free of charge, while others can make use of it at a very subsidised rate.”

Some funds will also be used to improve the clients’ waiting area and the general hygiene of the premises.

Santa’s Magical Christmas runs until January 3.

It will be open on Monday from 10am to 3pm, from Wednesday until Sunday from 10am until 11.30pm, on New Year’s Eve from 10am to 3pm and from January 1 to 3 between 10am and 11.30pm. For a detailed programme and more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.