The official opening of Christmas on Campus took place on Wednesday 6 December 2023.

This yearly tradition is one of the most-awaited on the UM’s calendar, due to its year-on-year success in bringing together academic staff, administration staff, and students to collectively contribute for a great cause. In fact, all proceeds from the Christmas on Campus activities will go towards L-Istrina and Dar tal-Providenza.

Present for the inauguration were the President of Malta, H.E. Dr George Vella, University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Dar tal-Providenza Administrator, Ms Nadine Camilleri Cassano, UM Chaplain, Rev. Patrick Magro, and KSU President, Mr Jeremy Mifsud Bonnici, who each delivered a short speech about the theme of this year’s edition: hope, peace and fraternity. The inauguration event was animated by the choir, led by Mro. John Galea.

Various members of staff were spotted donning Christmas hats, and members of the UM Chaplaincy were distributing small gifts to all those present. The Christmas tree and the Nativity Ornament on Quadrangle, as well as the lighting decorations across campus also played a part in setting the mood for the event.

The month of Christmas activities kicked off with the Cultural tours around Malta, organised for staff and students between 1 and 5 December.

The UM community can expect a varied calendar of events, including a wine-tasting event on 11 December, various musical performances from local artists, notably including Kurt Calleja, a Macramé workshop, the yearly Park & Donate initiative, the selling of poinsettias, plants, olive oil, and honey rings throughout the month, and a number of student-led events.

The full programme for this year is available online.