If you’re thinking about how to celebrate Christmas this year and fancy doing something different, why not consider an extended stay on Gozo?
You might only think of Gozo as a summer holiday destination but our gorgeous island is open all year round and has plenty to offer during the off-peak winter months.
We can’t promise you a white Christmas but we can guarantee you’ll have a lot of fun – whether you’re looking for a family gathering, group get-away, or somewhere different for a romantic break. Why not give yourself the best present ever – a Christmas on Gozo?
Christmas is celebrated in unique style on Gozo and it’s a special time to visit. We start preparing early and by the end of November you’ll see signs of the imminent festivities, which last until 6 January.
All across the island you’ll find a heady mix of religious and festive joy. This includes music (from classical and opera to rock), carol concerts, nativity scenes, Christmas markets, parades, and houses and streets festooned with twinkling lights.
30% discount on Gozo accommodation
Inside our Hamlet 3 Holiday Home with indoor heated pool
If that wasn’t enough to convince you of booking a Christmas holiday on Gozo, there’s an extra incentive this year. Baron Holiday Homes is participating in a new government-backed scheme which is offering a 30% discount on Gozo accommodation booked in the off-peak period autumn/winter 2023-2024 – which, of course, includes Christmas.
To qualify for the discount, which will be available up to a maximum of €300, you must book to stay on Gozo for a minimum of 10 days. More details of the discount scheme can be found in our previous blog post.
And – even better – all guests who book to stay in one of our Baron Holiday Homes during the off-peak period will qualify for a 10% discount voucher for their next booking with us, redeemable between May and September 2024. Very tempting…
Many of our Gozo rental properties are winter-ready and feature open fires, underfloor heating and some even have an indoor jacuzzi.
If you’re considering a Cosy Christmas break with a group of friends or an extended family group then we have neighbouring rental properties that can be booked in a cluster – for instance, Hamlet and Djar Ta Menzja.
Christmas everywhere you look
Nativity Crib at the San Lawrenz village square
When you visit Gozo during the extended Christmas period you will see nativity scenes all across the island. From small decorations in people’s homes and shop windows to larger installations in churches and village squares. And even, unique to Gozo, a live action recreation of the Nativity in the fields surrounding the village of Għajnsielem.
In addition, Gozitans take delight in decorating their homes with Christmas lights and characters. And every village will have colourful lights decorating the main streets.
Get a taste of Gozo’s unique Christmas treats
Traditional Christmas Honey Rings – qagħaq tal-għasel. Photo credit: VisitGozo.com
Here on Gozo we love our unique local cuisine which truly reflects our ancient heritage with a mix of Arabic, Sicilian, and French flavours. And naturally, food has become a hugely important part of all our local traditions.
Christmas is no exception and we have some family favourites we love to eat at this time. On Christmas day many families will relish a hearty and delicious Maltese dish called timpana, which comprises baked macaroni covered with crusty pastry. If you see it on a local menu you must try it.
You should also try the honey rings (qagħaq tal-għasel), which you’ll see in local bakeries and shops all over the island at Christmas time.
From jingle bells to opera
Christmas concerts galore on Gozo.
Music is another important part of Gozo’s cultural calendar. At Christmas time, you can find every kind of music on Gozo – from Jingle Bells to classical opera and traditional carol concerts.
There’s also usually a Christmas pop concert in Victoria right after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve as well as a rock concert at the Astra Theatre in between Christmas and the New Year.
From pageants to pantomines
Joyous Christmas Parade on Gozo. Photo: VisitGozo
On Gozo, street parades and processions are not just limited to our village festas in summer. In the immediate run up to Christmas, in many villages on Gozo you'll see religious pageants and processions. These usually involve local people of all ages dressed in biblical costume, in large Christmas parades followiing a statue of baby Jesus.
And in Victoria we have a much-loved annual event – our Christmas Parade. This is a fun family event that includes dancing, parade floats and tons of festive joy. It will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit.
Families with children will enjoy the traditional pantomine performed at the Astra Theatre in Victoria and there are opportunities to meet Santa in most Gozo villages.
The Baron Experience
Baron Holiday Homes offers more than 90 fabulous rental properties on Gozo to choose from, including apartments, villas and farmhouses. We’ve made our booking process really easy and we have a flexible booking policy with a low booking deposit – you only pay the balance 15 days before arrival.
What’s more, our guests can book with confidence. Our money-back guarantee means you have up to 24 hours to cancel a booking (at least two days prior to the arrival date) and will get a full refund with no extra fees.
We have been operating high quality holiday homes in Gozo for nearly 30 years. And we offer a great range of extra services and activities to make your holiday even more special. Our staff are all local and are happy to share their recommendations.
Posted in Baron Experience, Christmas, Churches, Cultural activities, Family, Fun, Heritage, In-house services, Local cuisine, Properties, Relaxation, Things to do, Traditions, What to see in Gozo, Winter
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