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Last updated November 2026. Dates and opening hours come from the Ministry for Gozo’s official Christmas in Gozo 2026 programme.
From Saturday 28 November 2026 to Wednesday 6 January 2027, Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria, Gozo, become the Villa Rundle Illuminated Gardens, with free entry. The gardens also host the Christmas Market on selected days from 29 November to 24 December, and Dinja tat-Tfal, a festive day for children, on Sunday 20 December.
For six weeks, the garden at the heart of Gozo’s capital is where the island’s Christmas begins and ends. For everything else on the island, see our Christmas in Gozo 2026 guide.
Created by the Ministry for Gozo with The Magical Illuminated Trail, the Illuminated Gardens turn every path into a trail of light: sparkling trees, palms wrapped in colour, a cheerful snowman, gingerbread figures and a glowing gingerbread house. Bring your camera, and someone to share the view with.
The Christmas Market brings stalls of gifts, handmade crafts, decorations, seasonal treats, food and drink to the gardens, with free entry.
| Date | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday 29 November | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Friday 4 December | 16:00 to 20:00 |
| Saturday 5 December | 10:00 to 20:00 |
| Sunday 6 December | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Monday 7 December | 16:00 to 20:00 |
| Tuesday 8 December | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Friday 11 December | 16:00 to 20:00 |
| Saturday 12 December | 10:00 to 20:00 |
| Sunday 13 December | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Friday 18 December | 16:00 to 20:00 |
| Saturday 19 December | 10:00 to 20:00 |
| Sunday 20 December | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Monday 21 December | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Tuesday 22 December | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Wednesday 23 December | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Thursday 24 December | 10:00 to 13:00 |
Tip: the Friday and Saturday sessions run until 20:00, so you can shop as the lights come on.
On Sunday 20 December, from 10:00 to 17:00, Villa Rundle becomes Dinja tat-Tfal, or Children’s World: a free day of festive fun and play with Father Christmas. The Christmas Market is open the same day until 18:00, so the whole family is covered.
Villa Rundle is Victoria’s public garden, at the lower end of Republic Street. It was laid out around 1915 and named after Sir Leslie Rundle, Governor of Malta from 1909 to 1915. Gozitans still call it il-Mall, and in August it hosts the agricultural show for the feast of Santa Marija.
From 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The gardens are open until 22:30, and the lights are best seen after dark.
Yes, entry is free.
On 16 selected days from 29 November to 24 December 2026. See the opening hours above.
At the lower end of Republic Street in Victoria, Gozo, a few minutes’ walk from the main bus terminus.
Townhouse 17 is the practical choice for Christmas in Victoria. Our boutique B&B sits right opposite the bus terminus, a few minutes’ walk from Villa Rundle Gardens, so you can browse the market, enjoy the lights late into the evening and be back in your room in minutes. The Christmas Parade, Teatru Astra and It-Tokk are just as close.
From the terminus across the road, every village in Gozo is a bus ride away, from the living nativity at Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem to the crib village of Xagħra. No car, no parking, no fuss.
Our nine rooms come with air conditioning and breakfast every morning, the rooftop terrace looks out over the Citadel, and guests enjoy 10% off at Chapeau Bistro downstairs, HOG and Cup Cake.
See the Villa Rundle lights this Christmas. Book directly at townhouse17.com for our best available rates.
