Although temperatures have been particularly balmy this winter, the island is still brimming with festive cheer and the Christmas spirit, adorning shops, streets and houses across Malta with the glow of lights and the twinkle of tinsel.

Over in Valletta, the main retail streets of the capital, including Republic and Merchant Street, are bedecked in blue-and-white fairy lights reminiscent of snow, while Fairyland Malta near the evocative Triton Fountain has seen Santa set up his workshop along with his elves, just in time for Christmas.

Lovers of ballet rejoice, for Eden Cinemas shall be screening The Royal Ballet's glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984. Live from London, this is the quintessential Christmas experience, and will be sure to set you in the mood for all things merry and bright.

For those who are looking to go sustainable, the Eco Christmas Market shall be taking place over at the Valletta Waterfront on 21 and 22 December - the perfect spot to pick up conscious gifts while supporting innovative makers and brands.

Finally, if you’ll be heading out to Gozo over the holidays, be sure to visit the Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem live crib. Now in its tenth edition, it will be running during select dates until 5 January 2020, recreating the magic of the nativity and of a 2000-year-old story.