Spectacular Christmas lights have been switched on in Valletta's main streets as the city approaches the end of its year as European cultural capital.
Republic Street, Merchants' Street as well as the areas in front of the former indoor market and the law courts have been given a festive makeover with colourful and intricate light designs.
The lights were switched on by Justice and Culture Minister Owen Bonnici.
The Merchants Street Business Community Association collaborated with the Valletta 18 Foundation for the project. This is the first time that Merchants' Street is being lit up with similar designs as those in Republic Street.
Present for the lights inauguration were Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista and Valletta 2018 Foundation Chairman Jason Micallef.
The large Maltese crib installed at the Vatican last year was set up at city gate a couple of weeks ago.