It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Yes, Summer on Gozo is rather wonderful: the beautiful blue sea, the festa celebrations, the glow of limestone buildings during golden hour, and those seemingly endless hot, sunny days. Christmas, however, is an absolutely magical time to visit Gozo. It might be 17°C (63°F) with clear blue skies, but it has everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit. The celebrations start in late November and carry on right through to the Epiphany and the arrival of the three kings (by Gozo Channel Ferry on horseback, if you were wondering).
There are markets, concerts, carols by candlelight, a living nativity, panto, Christmas parades, and every town and village is festooned with lights. It’s even warm enough to swim in the sea (with a sea surface temperature around 18°C), while also being cool enough for some truly outstanding hikes if that’s your thing. If you’ve ever considered a sunny Christmas getaway, Gozo is a wonderful spot to pick.
Below, you’ll find our recommendations on where to stay, alongside our top picks of what’s happening and when. For the full event lists, visit Events in Gozo.
Where to Stay for Christmas on Gozo
Gozo is so compact that there’s really nowhere bad to stay, but here are some of our top recommendations for the Christmas season.
City Stays
Gozo’s capital, Victoria, offers the best transport links, making it easy to travel between the different village celebrations.
Duke Boutique Hotel: Perfectly located in Gozo’s capital with beautiful views of the Cittadella. The Duke has rooms with private hot tubs and saunas—a great pick for a relaxing stay.
Casa Gemelli: If you prefer a more traditional building, Casa Gemelli is full of Gozitan charm.
Luxury & Spa Resorts
For those looking to combine their Gozo stay with a bit of luxury and spa relaxation, these hotels are perfect:
Reef Hotel & Spa: Newly opened in 2025, the Reef is packed with amenities, including a rooftop pool with 360-degree views of Gozo’s countryside and the sea.
Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa: One of Gozo’s two five-star hotels, Ta’ Cenc in Sannat offers everything for a relaxed Christmas stay. A special note for Coronation Street fans: this is the ‘budget’ hotel Steve McDonald and Eileen Grimshaw stayed at during their last-minute Malta trip.
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz: The other five-star hotel, located on Gozo’s quieter western side, is close to Dwejra Bay, featured in several films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones.
Rustic & Unique Stays
Part of Gozo’s charm are its buildings, from the imposing Cittadella that dominates the landscape to the square, thick-walled, limestone farmhouses which make perfect holiday homes. If you want something a little different, these are my picks for somewhere a little different.
- Ghar Ilma IV Holiday Home:
Don’t let the prosaic name lull you—this charming two-bedroom traditional farmhouse boasts real character. Fans of The Madame Blanc Mysteries might recognise it as Hotel Sanguinet, the location for the Christmas special in Series 2 of the popular cosy crime show. - Tuta Agroturism:
Situated on Kerċem’s outskirts with stunning views across to Xlendi Bay, this hotel is centred on luxurious farm living. The superior rooms come with an outdoor jacuzzi—perfect for enjoying a glass of something special while watching the sunset from your private tub. - Cittadella X Casa Jorge:
Inhabited since the Bronze Age, this is your chance to stay right in the heart of Gozo in the beautiful Cittadella in a thoroughly modernised one-bedroom apartment.
Now that you know where to stay, check out some of our top picks for what to do celebrate Christmas on Gozo.
Illuminations and Light Displays
Come December, Gozo blazes with Christmas lights. From the ships of the Gozo Channel Ferry, along the main roads and every village square is beautifully decorated, with each having its own twist. Kerċem has ludicrously tall crocheted Christmas tree, while Għajnsielem has a tree, and other street decorations, made from empty glass bottles. If you love Christmas lights, then we recommend you check out these events.
Villa Rundle Illuminated Gardens
A magical wonderland in the heart of Victoria, perfect for a romantic wander or a family stroll to get you all feeling Christmassy.
Date: 29 Nov – 6 Jan 2026
Time: 19:00 – 22:30
Location: Villa Rundle Victoria
Cost: Free
Christmas Magic
December is an especially special time of year for the hamlet of Santa Lucija, named for St Lucy, the bearer of light, who’s feast day is the 13th December. The month starts with a gorgeous Christmas tree marked out in light on the side of Għar Ilma. Visible across Gozo, it’s a beautiful way to mark the start the festive period.
Date: 1 December
Time: 18:00 – 23:30
Location: Għar Ilma, Santa Luċija
Cost: Free
Nativity and Religious Events
As you might expect on an island that is very religious, there are dozens of services throughout the month. If you have a more secular bent, these are the events we don’t think you should miss.
Frank Mizzi’s Iconic Nativity Crib
Cribs are something of a Gozitan tradition and you’ll see plenty of them all over the island. After working, and displaying, this crib for forty years, Frank Mizzi has donated it to IL-Ħaġar Gozo Museum, so that more people can admire his craftsmanship.
Date: 29 Nov – 8 December
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Location: IL-Ħaġar Gozo Museum, Victoria
Cost: Free
Bethlehem F’Għajnsielem
Did you know that Gozo has its own life size replica of Bethlehem? Available to walk around all year, during December it is the backdrop for a living nativity. Truly an unmissable experience. It funs from 14 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, ending with the Admiration of the Magi.
Date: 29 Nov – 8 December
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Location: IL-Ħaġar Gozo Museum, Victoria
Cost: Free
Christmas Markets and Craft Fairs
Gozo has a thriving artisan scene and Christmas is a wonderful time, and excuse, to check out their wares at the various markets. These two of our favourites.
Winter Wonderland
A wonderful market featuring handmade goods from cards to fine jewellery. It’s perfect for Christmas shopping, be that for your friends and family, or treating yourself
Date: 29 – 30 Nov
Time: 11:00 – 19:00
Location: Charming B&B Dar ta’ Żeppi, Qala
Cost: Free
Christmas Market
Jam-packed with Christmas treat and running over several days and evenings throughout December. Definitely worth a mooch around if you’re in Victoria.
Date: Various from 30 Nov on
Time: Various – check times online
Location: Villa Rundle Gardens
Cost: Free
Musical and Performing Arts Shows
Regular readers will know that Gozo is an island of music, throughout the year and Christmas is no exception.
Feel the Magic of Christmas
Enjoy a heartfelt choral and orchestral concert by Chorus Urbanus, featuring Christmas carols and sacred music by candlelight. This magical evening blends timeless melodies with moments of quiet reflection, filling the space with warmth, reverence, and festive joy.
Date: 17 Dec
Time: 20:00 – 21:30
Location: St. George’s Basilica
Cost: Free
Robin Hood and Babes in the Woods
A British tradition on Gozo with a rock n roll twist.
Date: 26 – 30 December
Time: Various – check online for show times
Location: Teatru Astra, Victoria
Cost: €33 – €38
Family and Children’s Activities
These events are perfect to entertain the whole family!
A December To Remember
Fun all the family as beloved Christmas characters are brought to life in this festive celebration. Expect bouncing castles, carousels, and family-friendly rides, along with festive food stalls serving hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and other holiday treats.
Date: 14 Dec
Time: 16:30 – 19:00
Location: Munxar Square
Cost: Free
The Christmas Trail
Step into a winter wonderland where beloved children’s characters come alive on a festive, beautifully decorated street. This magical walk-through offers interactive games, fun activities, and surprises for kids and families. The street sparkles with Christmas decorations and twinkling lights, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere all season long.
Date: 14 Dec
Time: 13:00 – 18:00
Location: Fontana
Cost: Free
Special Seasonal Events
If you can only make a couple of events on Gozo, then these would be the ones I suggest you really don’t miss out on.
Christmas Parade
An annual highlight that sees the main street in Victoria come alive with floats, music and troupes of dancers.
Date: 20 Dec
Time: 20:00 – 23:00
Location: Republic Street, Victoria
Cost: Free
Christmas Tour in Gozo
Experience the best of Gozo at Christmas with this tour, taking in Christmas Markets, Bethlehem, village lights and more. The price includes round-trip transfers, ferry tickets, a delightful dinner, and a special festive gift from Yippee!
Date: 14 Dec
Time: 16:00 – 21:00
Location: Various
Cost: €55 – €79
