The social calendar during December on the island of Malta has a familiar British ring to it and that's no surprise given Malta's history and its long associated with Britain.

The traditional pantomime is not something you'll find in all countries, in fact fewer than 10 countries put on this traditional festive performance. Those that do include Canada, Jamaica, Ireland, Gibraltar and Malta. Around 140 years ago the first Cinderella pantomime is said to have been performed in London and the traditional style of song, dance, comedy, slapstick and innuendno started to become established. There is now a well established list of traditional story lines including the old favourites of Dick Whittington, Beauty and the Beast, Puss in Boots, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk and the one that finds its place on Malta this year, Aladdin.

Malta's Aladdin started its 12 day run on Friday 18th December in Valletta's Manoel theatre. The Masquerade Theatre Company are the stars of the show which proved very popular with ticket selling out.

A post-Christmas performance of the hit musical Hairspray started a three day season on Boxing Day, a list of international stars came to the island to perform in this popular modern production that took place at the Mediterranean Conference Center. There was six performances with matinees which started at 3pm and evening shows that started at 8pm.

For the children, Malta's Splash and Fun Water park transformed for two weeks into Santa's Kingdom. It Started on the 18th of December and promised fun, games, puppet shows, magic, song and dance as well as Christmas choirs, parades and of course a chance to see the Elves, Mrs. Claus and Santa himself!

Winter flythomascook.com flights to Malta depart from Manchester airport.