Milied mal-Għaqdiet 2026 – Expressions of Interest

Posted on by Antonio Olivari

Expression of Interest – hosting and operating a stall

The Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV) is organising the 2nd edition of Milied mal-Għaqdiet Christmas Market! 🎅🎁

Following the success of last year’s event, this year promises even more warmth, festive charm and community spirit! ❤️🎄

🤝 Voluntary Organisations enrolled with the OCVO and fully compliant with its requirements are invited to express their interest in hosting and operating a festive stall at the Christmas Market. 🛍️🎁

💰 All proceeds from each stall will go directly to the respective voluntary organisation.

📅 Deadline to apply: 30th October 2026

🎄✨ Get involved, spread some Christmas cheer, and support your organisation this festive season! ❤️

🔗 Learn more and register: https://forms.gle/15RFdpDXBuSvETjQ7.

Expression of Interest – provision of services

The Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector is currently seeking expressions of interest from voluntary organisations for the provision of the services outlined below for our Christmas Market event to be held at Palazzo Francesco. Interested organisations should submit their replies by Thursday 24 October 2026 by sending an email to Ms. Natasha Deguara through email address natasha.b.deguara@gov.mt..

Children’s Animation & Entertainment Package1.        Scope of Works:
The contractor shall provide a complete children’s entertainment programme for the entire duration of the Christmas Market, totalling 28 hours of animation and interactive activities.  

2.        Required Personnel & Characters
The service provider must supply the following performers:
– Father Christmas
– Mother Christmas
– Two Elves
– One Mascot

All performers must:
– Be experienced in children’s animation
– Wear high‑quality costumes
– Maintain professional conduct
– Be fluent in English and/or Maltese
– Remain present and active for the full animation schedule unless otherwise agreed  

3.        Animation Programme (28 Hours Total)
The animation must include:
– Interactive games for children (age‑appropriate, safe, supervised)
– Meet‑and‑greet sessions with Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, and elves
– Mascot walk‑arounds at scheduled intervals
– Storytelling sessions
– Photo opportunities at the designated Santa area
– Continuous engagement to maintain festive atmosphere throughout the event.

4.        Photo Area Setup
The contractor must provide a complete photo area setup featuring:
– A decorated Santa’s chair/throne
– Backdrop with festive Christmas theme
– Soft lighting suitable for photography
– Queue management ropes or markers
– Props for children (optional but recommended)

5.        Santa’s Sleigh (Optional Supply)
The contractor must indicate whether they can supply a Sleigh for Father Christmas. If available, the sleigh must:
– Be safe, stable, and suitable for children to sit beside (not climb onto unless designed for it)
– Match the overall Christmas aesthetic
– Be included in the quotation as a separate optional item  

Event Dates
The Christmas Market will be held on:
– 18 December 2026: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
– 19 December 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
– 20 December 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  
Christmas Decorations & Furniture Specification1.        Scope of Works
The contractor shall supply, deliver, install, and dismantle all outdoor Christmas decorations, lighting, and wooden furniture required for the Christmas Market at Palazzo Francesco, Lija.   2.       

2. Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Large Outdoor Christmas Tree
– Height: 3–4 meters
– Suitable for outdoor installation
– Stable base, wind‑resistant structure
– Fully decorated with: – Weather‑resistant baubles – Ribbons – Outdoor LED lights – Star topper  

Outdoor Tree Decorations & Lights
– Warm white LED lights (low‑energy, outdoor‑rated)
– Secure cable management to avoid tripping hazards

Santa’s Hut designed to resemble a traditional Christmas cottage.
– Weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use,
– The hut will be used as Santa’s grotto and should provide sufficient space to accommodate Father Christmas, decorations, seating, and visitor interactions.  

Outdoor Decorative Items
Examples include:
– Small statues of Christmas figures (reindeer, elves, Santa, snowmen)
– Lanterns with LED candles Festive pathway décor. All items must be suitable for outdoor use and securely anchored.  

Outdoor Christmas Lighting
– Facade lighting for Palazzo Francesco
– Warm white LED festoon lighting
– Garden pathway lighting
– Weather‑resistant fixtures compliant with EN electrical safety standards
– Safe cable routing and protected connections  

3.        Transport, Setup & Dismantling
– Contractor must handle transport, installation, and post‑event dismantling.
– All items must be securely installed to withstand outdoor conditions.
– Installation date: 16 December by 4:00 pm
– Dismantling date: 21 December by 4:00 pm.
– Site must be left clean and restored.  

4.        Onsite Visit & Additional Items
The supplier must conduct an onsite visit prior to installation. Based on this assessment and the supplier’s professional experience, additional items may be recommended.  

Event Dates
The Christmas Market will be held on:
– 18 December 2026: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
– 19 December 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
– 20 December 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.