In the run up to Christmas you will be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of Christmas-related family events being organised in Gozo.

An organising committee chaired by Dr Joe Mifsud that was set up by the minister, met some 16 times to bring together a number of individuals to work hand in hand with the aim of organising an extravaganza of Christmas activities and entertainment in Gozo.

In an interview with The Malta Independent on Sunday, Gozo Minister Anton Refalo emphasised that at times like these, people should unite and his ministry has worked hard to ensure that this indeed happens.

He said that over last weekend, 14,146 more passengers crossed to Gozo to attend the Christmas events over the same period last year, including the Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem live event (which is in its sixth edition), and which attracted 74,000 people last year.

He said that Gozo Channel carried 3,600 more vehicles which made an extra 24 trips over the same period last year.

Dr Refalo said that this, in itself, is very encouraging, especially when one considers the fact that the festivities only started last weekend.

Some of the events include an Agricultural Village in Xewkija and a number of activities for children at Villa Rundle where they can display their talents. Another interesting and new event which is expected to attract many children is Santa's Booth at The Duke Complex where they can make requests to Santa Claus.

Two Maltese characters, Nanna Tona and Nannu Pawlu, will also feature on a number of David's Bakery products to coincide with the events being held in Gozo. He said the two characters are becoming more popular as time goes by

Dr Refalo said that people can expect much more different things then they witnessed during the same period last year. And this, he said, is thanks to the new committee set up to oversee that such events happen.

The agricultural village will host a number of concert and exhibitions. One particular photo exhibition tied to Palestine is themed "Reality in a photo". 

He also met President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and visited Valletta to promote Gozo's activities.

A special Christmas train operated by Gozo Calypso Trains will make trips from the port of Mgarr with various stops in towns and villages across Gozo. A number of cribs will also be on display in Xaghra.

Dr Refalo said that this year "we ensured that local councils give a touch of Christmas in each and every locality and this is why the many events are spread across Gozo".

He said it is vital that vulnerable people and children who are less fortunate than others are given a taste of the Christmas spirit.

The minister said people are always ready to lend a hand and the activities, at least most of them, which include the participation of volunteers who have come forward to offer their services.

Dr Refalo also pointed out that the metal and wooden structures used last year in the Ghajnsielem live crib event were left untouched so that workers would not have to bear the brunt of having to put the structures back in place. This, he said, was done after the ministry consulted the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

The Ministry of Gozo financed certain aspects of the events.

For more information visit the official Christmas in Gozo event site or the event's Facebook page which carries the same name.

This year's event has been organised by the ministry in collaboration with the newly set up organising committee, local councils, parishes and NGOs.