If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to Christmas in Gozo for 2024, you’ve come to the right place!
The festive season transforms Gozo into a magical island filled with tradition and joy. From the heart of Victoria, Maria Rosa Suites—your ideal Gozo Boutique B&B—offers the perfect base to experience the cultural activities and festive cheer that make Gozo so special all year round, but especially at Christmas.
During the season, Victoria comes alive with twinkling lights, Christmas carols in the main streets, parades, live concerts, processions, and church functions. A walk through the neighbourhood is sure to be complemented by the irresistible aroma of just-baked traditional treats like qagħaq tal-għasel. Decorations and lights illuminate the town (and all of Gozo) from 1 December 2024 to 6 January 2025, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem & Crib Making
The highlight of Christmas in Gozo is Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem, a life-sized nativity village that takes visitors back 2,000 years to the heart of Judea. Located a short drive or a one-stop bus ride from Maria Rosa Suites, this extraordinary experience features over 150 actors and live animals, making it a must-see for anyone enjoying a Christmas stay in Gozo.
Another cherished tradition is the creation of Christmas cribs, or presepji. These intricate displays, crafted by families and communities, feature detailed figurines and moving parts, blending Maltese craftsmanship with religious devotion. This practice, dating back to the Knights of St John, remains an integral part of Gozo’s festive celebrations.
The Christmas in Gozo Parade
21 December 2024
Just a 2-minute walk from Maria Rosa Suites, the Annual Christmas Parade in Republic Street features colourful floats, a marching band, dancers, cartoon characters, and, of course, Mr and Mrs Santa Claus. The festivities end in Independence Square with a concert by D Capitals Band, capping off a day of vibrant Gozo Christmas celebrations. More info here.
Gozo Christmas Market & Villa Rundle Gardens
Open: 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 December
The Christmas market in Victoria’s Villa Rundle Gardens is the most popular on the island, offering local crafts, festive decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. Visit after sunset to enjoy the gorgeously lit gardens, which will also host Dinja tat-Tfal on 22 December—a fun-filled day of activities for children and the young at heart. Located just minutes from Maria Rosa Suites, this market is a must-visit during your Christmas holiday in Gozo.
Church and Museum Concerts
Christmas concerts in Victoria’s beautiful churches and museums are always a highlight. Here are some of our favourites, all within walking distance of Maria Rosa Suites:
- 12 December – Feel the Magic of Christmas, St George’s Basilica, 8 PM
- 13 December – Carolling Christmas, St George’s Basilica, 8 PM
- 14 December – Christmas Brass, Il-Ħaġar Museum, 11:30 AM
- 21 December – In Dulci Jubilo, Il-Ħaġar Museum, 11:30 AM
- 26 December – Strings for Christmas, St Augustine Church, 7:30 PM
Theatre Experiences
Victoria’s three theatres offer a packed calendar of Christmas events, all within walking distance of Maria Rosa Suites:
- 26–30 December – Red Riding Hood: A Rock & Roll Panto at Astra Theatre
- 20 December – Christmas Variety Show at Aurora Theatre
- 7 December – Christmas Concert at Oratory Don Bosco Theatre
- 22 December – Maltese Comedy Show at Oratory Don Bosco Theatre
- 4 & 5 January – Sleeping Beauty Maltese Panto at Oratory Don Bosco Theatre
Dining in Victoria, Gozo
Victoria boasts an excellent variety of dining options near our Gozo Boutique B&B, many offering special Christmas menus. Whether you fancy burgers, pizzas, traditional Gozitan fare, or an elevated dining experience with fine wines and attentive service, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can also explore top-class restaurants across Gozo for an unforgettable meal.
Midnight Mass
A beloved tradition in Gozo, Midnight Mass, or Il-Quddiesa ta’ Nofsillejl, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Held on Christmas Eve, this solemn service includes the Sermon of the Child (Il-Priedka tat-Tifel), where a young child delivers the Christmas sermon. Churches in Victoria, such as St George’s Basilica, the Gozo Cathedral, St Augustine’s Church, and St Francis Church, all host this beautiful celebration.
Celebrate the New Year in Victoria: A Night of Music and Sparkle
Victoria will host Gozo’s most vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations in Independence Square. Staying at Maria Rosa Suites, a top choice among hotels in Gozo, puts you just steps away from this lively event.
Headlining the night are The Travellers, one of Malta’s most popular bands, renowned for their lively performances and catchy songs. Gozitan artist Jolene Samhan will open the festivities, followed by a dynamic performance by international artist Sonique, whose hits like It Feels So Good made her a household name in the 2000s.
Expect great music, fireworks, and an incredible atmosphere—all for free!
A Festive Stay at Maria Rosa Suites
For guests at Maria Rosa Suites, our boutique Gozo hotel, the festive season is a time of magic and celebration. Whether you’re enjoying the charm of Christmas in Gozo—with its lights, markets, and Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem—or ringing in the New Year just a short stroll away, your stay at a welcoming Gozo Boutique B&B puts you at the centre of it all.
At Maria Rosa Suites, the holidays are more than just an event—they’re an opportunity to embrace Gozo’s warmth and traditions while enjoying the comforts of a charming Gozo bed and breakfast. From glowing Christmas displays to lively New Year festivities, your Christmas stay in Gozo will leave you with an experience to treasure.
We look forward to welcoming you this holiday season—don’t hesitate to ask us for insider tips to make your stay unforgettable. You may click here to go to the booking page.
With the exception of Betlehem f’Għajnsielem, this blog post focuses on events taking place in Victoria—all conveniently within walking distance from Maria Rosa Suites. Naturally, festive events and decorations can be found all across Gozo, offering plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season beyond Victoria. Below, we’ve embedded the full Christmas in Gozo 2024 programme for your convenience.
