At Christmas, the city of Milan is not only fashion and business, but a real festive atmosphere is born. Everything is covered in a magical cloak and an attractive feel between markets, events, shows and wonderful Christmas decorations that invade the streets and cover the buildings. If you are moving to Milan this is a magical time to do it.

Even if you are not a Christmas lover, this is one of the most joyful and exciting times to visit Milan because the whole city is transformed, and themed events make the characteristic places even more beautiful and unforgettable.

The City comes alive so much that the Lombard capital becomes one of the most attractive destinations in Italy and among those with the greatest range of entertainment and Christmas shopping opportunities.

In the markets you will find things for home, gourmet products, souvenirs, handcrafted goods, antiques and much more. Perfect Christmas gifts or memories to keep with you.
In this article we take you on a discovery of the best Christmas markets in Milan and the gastronomic delicacies you absolutely must try.

Best Christmas markets in Milan

Let's start with the most characteristic events at this time of year, the Christmas markets. They are a true tradition! In fact, they have existed for many years and always continue to attract large numbers of people of all ages.

The already hectic city of Milan becomes even more populated during the holiday season, but the difference is that the overall atmosphere is even more welcoming and fun. There are moments when it almost feels like being in a movie!

All you have to do to experience your unforgettable moments is to start wandering the streets of downtown, but it will be even more special by visiting the markets. So now we tell you which are the most beautiful ones you should not miss.

Oh Bej, Oh Bej Market

Milan's most traditional Christmas market is the Oh Bej, Oh Bej Fair, which means "Oh so nice, Oh so nice." It starts on the day of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, from December 7 to 10, 2022.

The fair is one of the oldest in the city and attracts both Milanese citizens of all generations and many tourists. The market, filled with all kinds of stands, is organized around the Sforzesco Castle with hundreds of exhibitors participating with stalls selling gifts, clothes, accessories, Christmas sweets, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine.

The merchandise genres of local and Italian tradition, but there are also antiques stands that mingle with ethnic ones for an inclusive proposal that gives voice to the different cultures that populate Milan.

Artigiano in Fiera

Inside the pavilions of Rho Fieramilano, which can be conveniently reached by the M1 red Metro, representatives from more than 100 countries around the world will gather to display their products.

From Dec. 3 to 11, 2022, every day from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., you will find food, beverages, handicrafts from Italy and abroad, accessories and clothing, health and body beauty products, jewellery and home furnishings. Walking through the Artigiano in Fiera stands will be like walking around the world and getting to know it through its traditions.

It is the right opportunity both if your goal is to shop and if you like to taste typical products from different parts of the world, even the most peculiar ones.

Access to the event is by free ticket, which you can easily obtain by registering on the dedicated website. If you have previously created an account, the ticket will arrive automatically to the e-mail address you used for registration.

Christmas market in Piazza Duomo

From Dec. 1, 2022, to Jan. 6, 2023, Christmas markets will also populate Duomo Square and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. They are set up every year right at the foot of the Cathedral and under the protective gaze of the golden Madonnina, the symbol of the city.

In this case, the market consists of finely crafted wooden cabins to house the many exhibitors offering many gift ideas and delicacies of the period. From the savoury with cheeses, cold cuts, and pretzels, to the sweet with stalls of dried and candied fruits, chocolates, honey, and specialties that come a bit from all regions of Italy.
But in addition to the market, the large Christmas tree whose lighting is scheduled to take place on December 6, 2022, at 5 p.m. accompanied by a surprise event can also be admired in Piazza Duomo. In respect for the environment and sustainability, a tree that was already destined to be cut down was chosen, and the consideration for the cost of the energy will be donated to one of Milan's shelters that assists the homeless.

The village of wonders

The Village of Wonders has been set up since 2008 in the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, between Palestro and Porta Venezia both stops of the M1 Metro, the same line that also passes through the Duomo. Open from November 20, 2022 to January 9, 2023 from 10 am to 9 pm.

Here there are not only stalls but also a skating rink, Santa's house, entertainment, music, workshops, and rides. In addition, access to the ice-skating rink is open to everyone and is another effective method of fighting the cold but also stimulating fun.

It is also an event dedicated to young children, but it offers different attractions suitable for people of all ages.

You can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the Christmas spirit while eating some praline almonds or warming up with some excellent vin brulé. And speaking about things to eat, let's take a closer look at what delicacies to enjoy in the city at Christmas or during other times of the year.

Christmas specialities in and around Milan

Milan and its surroundings offer a wealth of mouth-watering traditions that you should try.

If you haven't already, you really must try Marchesi's panettone, which offers the traditional recipe and its glazed variants. This old and elegant Milanese pastry shop is located just inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which you can access from Piazza Duomo or from the opposite side of the Teatro alla Scala. At Marchesi's you can stop for a snack, or you can order your panettone to take home, but remember that there will be a wait in line since it is a coveted but unmissable destination.

Moving toward Bergamo you can find the typical and peculiar Christmas dessert Polenta e Osei, which also takes its name from a savoury main course. In this case it is a sponge cake covered with yellow almond paste, reminiscent of polenta, and decorated with black birds.

Miascia cake, on the other hand, originates from Lake Como and is prepared with dry bread, white and yellow flour, fresh and dried fruit. Saronno's tradition is Amaretti, dry or soft sweets to be enjoyed with hot coffee or liqueur. Another typical Christmas dessert is hard or soft nougat enriched with chocolate, almonds, or hazelnuts.

In addition to desserts, there are other typical Milanese dishes that are not related to the Christmas tradition but just to the locality: saffron Risotto, Cotoletta alla Milanese, and Ossobuco. Perfect for eating during the winter.

Things to do in Milan at Christmas and Capodanno

If you are in Milan, particularly during the Christmas season, you should stroll down Via della Spiga and all the streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda, that is the Fashion Neighbourhood that always offer their best with decorations and window displays. As well as the Rinascente, with its cascade of lights on the facade that this year offers all the colours of the rainbow, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with the mantle of lights decorating the inside of the cupola.

Also, don't forget that you are in the city of shopping and in addition to seeing the stores from the outside you can go inside to discover the latest fashion trends. You will be enchanted by the variety of proposals and the number of things you can find.

Another experience to have in Milan at Christmas time is to attend the Midnight Mass inside the Duomo that starts at 11:30 p.m. on December 24. Even if you are not faithful or do not speak Italian well, it is a unique and evocative moment to experience.

The same goes for the Premiere of La Scala that will be staged on December 7, 2022, at 6 p.m. This event is always accompanied by the Prima Diffusa, the live broadcast of the performance will be shown in 32 locations in the nine Milanese districts with free admission subject to availability.

Continuing the city tour, the Navigli and Darsena are also two destinations worth seeing. The lights of the decorations are reflected in the water of the canals, doubling the effect, and creating magical plays of light.

To stay a little warmer, on the other hand, you can visit some of Milan's most famous museums: the Museo del Novecento and Palazzo Reale; the Pinacoteca di Brera and then take a stroll even as far as Piazza Gae Aulenti passing through Corso Como; the Triennale di Milano to continue with a walk to Parco Sempione and reach the Arco della Pace.

A great idea is also to do New Year's Eve in Milan, in addition to the free concert in Piazza Duomo or the movida at the Colonne di San Lorenzo or Navigli, there are many trendy clubs that offer packages that include aperitivo, dinner and dancing night.