The Italian center of fashion, Milan, always has an enchanted Christmas season. The city is turned into a merry place when the Milan Christmas Market, one of the greatest in Lombardy, takes place. The Duomo, the city’s most recognizable symbol, is the setting for the most gorgeous market. Duomo Food Stands provide Italian cuisine, while the city is illuminated by lights. A Christmas concert at Teatro alla Scala, a visit to the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair, and an exploration of Milan’s Christmas Village at the Navigli are among the must-dos.
Christmas Traditions in Milan
With its Piazza Duomo Christmas tree, Christmas markets, and other distinctive customs like these, Milan is the place to spend Christmas in Italy. Here are a few of the Milanese customs:
Christmas Markets
Celebrations honoring St. Ambrogio, patron saint of Milan, begin on December 7—the same day as the formal start of Christmas in Milan. Every year, the Christmas market known as “O Bej, O Bej” (meaning “oh how nice!” in Milanese dialect) kicks off the season. Specialties like panettone (a Christmas bread) and handcrafted items are among the wares sold at the stalls put up in front of Castello Sforzesco.
Christmas Shopping
Milan, already one of the most famous shopping cities in the world, goes all out for Christmas with miles upon miles of shops, outdoor markets, and designer stores. Stylish Milanese avenues like Corso Buenos Aires and Via Monte Napoleone are decorated with festive windows showcasing the newest styles.
Christmas Decorations
Lights go up as the sun sets on Christmas decorations. The piazzas, buildings, and even the trams are illuminated with lights. Piazza Duomo’s Christmas tree, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’s sparkling dome, and the imposing Castello Sforzesco are among the popular places to see the Christmas decorations.
Ice Skating
As the holiday season approaches in Milan, ice skating becomes a favorite pastime for the citizens. Many ice rinks have been constructed across the city for years, including a Christmas indoor village at the Allianz MiCo Milano Convention Centre and the famous rink at Piazza Gae Aulent.
Traditional Milanese Christmas Launch
Antipasti, ravioli in broth, capon (or roast) for the main dish, and dessert round off the Christmas meal in this city. Next comes panettone, the classic Christmas cake from Milan; although, pandoro, the Christmas cake from Verona, is also often served. Dessert consists of nuts and chocolate, followed by strong black coffee.
First Night at La Scala Theatre
The First Night at the Teatro alla Scala is a must-see for every visitor to Milan. This is a famous opera theater, and it was on August 3, 1778, when the theater was opened for the first time. For Milanese culture vultures, this is the event of the year at Christmas.
Christmas Foods in Milan
If you visit Milan around Christmastime, you could discover these classic dishes:
- Antipasti: As a first course, antipasti is a staple of the traditional Milanese Christmas meal.
- Ravioli in Broth: The second meal of a classic Milanese Christmas lunch is ravioli in broth.
- Capon or Roast: The main dish might be capon or a roast, depending on your preference.
- Panettone: Traditional Milanese Christmas cake, panettone, is a delicious bread with candied fruit and almonds. It is airy and fluffy.
- Pandoro: It is a traditional Veronese Christmas cake that is also served often in Milan during the holiday season.
- Chocolate and Nuts: Desserts like chocolate and nuts are usually eaten after a meal in Milan.
- Strong Black Coffee: Finishing off a classic Milanese Christmas feast with strong black coffee is a common practice.
- Torrone: One of the most beloved Italian Christmas desserts is torrone. It’s a kind of nougat that includes nuts and is created with honey and sugar.
Places to Visit During Christmas in Milan
With beautiful decorations and numerous cafes and restaurants, you can enjoy some of the famous attractions in Milan without having to fight your way through hordes of people.
Piazza del Duomo
The Christmas tree at Piazza Duomo is a popular place to see the holiday decorations. One of Milan’s most well-known Christmas markets is also located there. The Duomo’s general beauty makes for a picturesque background as the Piazza comes alive with holiday activities.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a world-renowned Milanese landmark, is adorned with holiday decorations each year. The impressive Swarovski Tree, with over 35,000 lights and 10,000 decorations, is located beneath the dome. With its abundance of upscale retailers, the Galleria is another fantastic shopping destination.
Castella Sforzesco
“Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” is located in front of Castello Sforzesco. Local specialties and handcrafted items are found in abundance at this Milanese market. However, most importantly, the castle is a historical and architectural marvel in and of itself.
Indro Montanelli Gardens
For the holiday season, Indro Montanelli Gardens transform into the Villaggio delle Meraviglie, often known as the Village of Wonders. It’s a holiday spot with kid-friendly attractions.
Milan’s Darsena
During the holiday season, many visitors go to Milan’s Darsena to see the Darsena Christmas Village. With ice skating rinks, food booths, and festive decorations, this holiday market is located near Milan’s historic harbor.
Torre Branca in Parco Sempione
Ascending the Torre Branca (an iron panoramic tower) at Parco Sempione (an urban park in Milan) offers a bird’s-eye view of the Christmas lights in this city. In the winter, when the city is decorated with lights, this tower provides particularly spectacular views of everything.