Are you planning to spend Christmas in Milan? Or maybe you’ll be in Milan during the month of December and would like to know all the best things to see and do to enjoy the city’s Christmas celebration.
I spend several months of the year living in the nearby region of Piemonte and visit Milan regularly. One of my favorite times of year is the Christmas period when the city of Milan is decked out in the colors and lights of the holiday season and hosts some of northern Italy’s best Christmas markets. Plus, all of the city’s iconic landmarks are less crowded than they are during the peak summer travel months.
It’s a win-win if you want to travel around the Christmas holidays and visit one of northern Italy’s most popular cities.
Andiamo! Let me show you what Milan at Christmas is all about!
Christmas in Milan 2025: Best Things to See and Do
In this guide, you’ll find the best things to see and do if you’re in Milan for Christmas. You’ll also find tips about where to stay and eat, what you need to know for your Milan Christmas including when is the best time to visit, and ideas for taking a few festive day trips, too!
First, take a look at the best things to do during the Christmas season in Milano.
1. Snap photos of the Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo.
No matter what time of year, visitors in Milan head to the Piazza del Duomo to ooh and ahh over the magnificent and iconic Gothic Milan Cathedral.
When it’s Christmas in Milan, though, the Duomo and the square it sits in is even more special with an 80+ feet tall Christmas tree covered in lights and ornaments to celebrate the season. It’s a total must-see and the perfect spot to capture your holiday travel memories with some photos!
If you’re there in 2025 on December 5th, you’ll see the lights of the tree switched on as the city celebrates the Feast of Sant’Ambrose and officially welcomes the Christmas season.
2. Shop at the Christmas Markets in Milan.
Milan’s Christmas markets are a ton of fun and one of the best things to do in Milan during this festive season. You’ll find several holiday markets in different locations around the city, known as Mercatini di Natale.
The most popular market is the one set up around the Piazza del Duomo with rows of vendors selling holiday ornaments, gifts, and food. In 2025, the Christmas market in the Piazza del Duomo will run from December 1st until January 6th.
Milan’s Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market takes place outside the Castello Sforzesco around Milan’s Sant’Ambrose festivities of December 7th. In 2025, the market is open from December 5th-8th.
The Montanelli Gardens will have a family-friendly holiday village that’ll be open from November 15th to January 6th, in addition to others around the city like in the Navigli and Piazza Gae Aulenti that’ll run throughout the holiday season.
If you’re in Milan during the second week of December, don’t miss the one-of-a-kind Artigiano in Fiera where artists from all over the world showcase and sell unique handmade goods. In 2025, the market will run from December 6th to December 14th and is easily reached using Milan’s metro.
3. Admire the Christmas tree in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Likely the second most visited tree in Milan at Christmas is the one inside the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele alongside the Piazza del Duomo. This luxurious arcade is lined with upscale shops and restaurants and is striking with its glass roof.
During the holiday season, a Christmas tree is on display at the center of the galleria where the 2 lanes inside intersect. Traditionally, the Christmas tree is decorated with Swarovski crystals and lights. In 2023, the Christmas tree was set up by Gucci with an entirely untraditional approach to a Christmas tree. (And you can imagine the strong feelings for and against this “tree!”)
Either way, I’ve enjoyed seeing both trees and I’m sure you’ll love how the Christmas tree and the Galleria sparkle during the holidays!
Plus, as you walk through the Galleria, stop to admire the beautiful shop window displays decorated for the season.
4. Go Ice Skating.
Milan at Christmas also comes with a lot of winter fun, particularly while you’re whisking across one of the city’s ice rinks which tend to open slightly before the Christmas markets in the city. In 2025 and into 2026, the winter energy will be even higher in anticipation of the February Winter Olympics hosted in Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites and Milan.
Head to the Christmas Village in the Montanelli Gardens, the skating rink in front of the city’s central train station, the Darsena Ice Rink close to the Navigli area, or one of several others around the city.
I loved strapping on my skates at the rink in front of Milano Centrale and the Darsena Ice Rink! It was a great way to enjoy a Milan Christmas visit.
5. Eat Panettone.
You can’t be in Milan for Christmas and not eat some panettone! It’s a symbol of Christmas not just in Milan where it’s thought to have been first made, but also in many parts of northern Italy.
Panettone is a cake shaped like a dome that actually tastes more like sweet bread and has raisins and other sweet dried fruits inside. (If you’ve come from the Veneto region, don’t confuse it with pandoro, another delicious Christmas cake that has a star shape and no dried fruit inside.)
You’ll find it on menus and at pasticcerias (bakeries) around the city. Some of which like Pasticceria Cova or Pasticceria Marchesi are upscale and elegant places to sit and enjoy a slice of this holiday treat.
You can buy panettone at markets and grocery stores, too. It’s a good option when you want to take a few home with you and not spend a lot.
6. Go Christmas Shopping.
Milan may have its famous Duomo and a DaVinci masterpiece but it’s just as famous for its shopping no matter what time of year it is!
Aside from the Christmas markets in Milan, you’ll find boutique shops and department stores with all types of great Christmas gifts to give that are much easier on the wallet than famous brands in Milan’s Quadrilatero d’Oro with names like Armani and Prada lining the shop marquis.
In the Brera neighborhood, look for outdoor markets like on Via Fauche on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. (I love looking for deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories at this market.) Via San Marco has a more upscale market on Monday and Thursday mornings but the quality of what you’ll find is high.
The Brera area is also a great place to discover and pop into boutique shops.
The Navigli, around the Porta Genova area, is another great spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts whether you’re looking for a piece of art, clothes, or books.
And if all else fails, head to Rinascente, the most popular department store in Italy. You’ll find everything from clothing and jewelry to home and design products. Or take a day trip to the Serravalle outlets to look for discounted prices on some of Italy’s top brands.
ProTip: If you stay in Italy past Christmas and into January, look for sales and discounts around the second week of January. It’s one of the best times to find deals when you’re shopping in Italy.
7. Join the Milanese Festivities on December 7th.
If you time it right and visit Milan on December 7th, 8th, and the couple of days before, you can take part in the Sant’Ambrogio celebrations that happen around the city in honor of the city’s patron saint.
Milan’s Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market outside the Castello Sforzesco only happens for this festival weekend and is the kick-off to Christmas in Milan.
The market is uniquely Milanese and has taken place in the city for more the 500 years. Even its name translates from the Milanese dialect to “oh so nice” in English. Having been, it’s a lot of fun to browse the stalls for artisan-made gifts, ropes of roasted chestnuts, and of course, panettone!
December 7th every year is also when Milan’s famous Teatro alla Scala opera house opens for the season. This black-tie event is to be seen…at least from the outside! V.I.P.s from all corners of society dressed in gorgeous suits, dresses, and jewels arrive for the evening’s performance while the crowds outside take it all in.
In 2025, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk will take to the stage. But even if you’re not part of the V.I.P. list, you can enjoy the opera around the city with free screenings and concerts. You can watch live from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, too!
8. Enjoy Milan’s Christmas Lights!
All you’ll need to do is spend a little time on foot to be dazzled by Milan’s Christmas decorations. The city’s streets and piazzas are draped in lights and ornaments!
The buildings near the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele and the Duomo are dressed up in their holiday finest flashing Christmas colors and holiday spirit.
On the famous Via Monte Napoleone, the high-end shops that Milan is known for sparkle from one side of the street to the other as the Christmas lights are illuminated.
And, the canals of the Navigli are so pretty all decked out in holiday lights while the water reflects everything upwards.
9. See a performance at Teatro alla Scala.
A chance to see a show at Milan’s famous La Scala Opera House is a Christmas gift all by itself!
The theater is beautiful in red and gold and at Christmastime, you can get tickets for the annual Christmas concert. In 2025, the performance will be on December 20th at 8 pm. Book in advance because tickets will sell out!
But if you’re not there for this concert, check the calendar using the link above. In December, you’ll find orchestra concerts, holiday choirs, and ballets, to name a few.
I love mixing in a festive holiday performance with Milan’s other Christmas activities to take part in the holiday spirit that fills the city this time of year!
10. Attend Midnight Mass at the Duomo.
If you’re in Milan for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, attend the Midnight Mass on December 24th at the Duomo. Whether you’re a Catholic, Christian, or not, it’s a unique and special experience.
The Mass begins at 11:30 pm but you’ll need to arrive hours before that to make sure that you can find a spot inside. Remember, too, that the Mass won’t be in English.
If you can’t make it to Midnight Mass at the Duomo di Milano, you’ll find churches around the city holding services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Practical Tips for Your Milan Christmas Trip
In general, winter is the low season in Italy but the Christmas season comes with more people and higher prices. It’s important to reserve what you can in advance, especially if you plan to sightsee at Milan’s top sights, as well as join in the Christmas markets and activities around the city.
Winter Olympics 2026: Even though the Olympics are in February and split between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, expect this 2025-26 winter season to be busy in Milan. Inevitably, hotels and rental car prices (should you need one for your Italy trip) will be higher than normal.
Keep in mind, most museums and sights like the Duomo and DaVinci’s Last Supper painting will be closed for visits on December 25th and January 1st. Many of these, except for the Duomo, are also closed on Mondays.
If you want to visit the Last Supper, it’s absolutely necessary to get tickets in advance. I’ve written this guide to help you know the ins and outs of visiting this masterpiece.
It’s also a good idea to get your tickets in advance for the Duomo and the rooftop terrace. I’ve visited the Duomo this way numerous times with family and friends who’ve visited me in Italy.
This 2-day Milan itinerary can help you plan your days around the city’s top sights and experiences. It’s the one I’ve tailored based on my repeated visits to the city and used to show family and friends around.
ProTip: Milan’s museums and cultural spaces typically have temporary exhibitions. Some of these are only for the Christmas or winter season. For example, the Palazzo Marino traditionally hosts artwork that is not typically on display in Milan. So, when you visit at this time of the year, you get to see exhibits you wouldn’t have seen if you visited during other times of the year.
Dress for the Weather
Winter in Italy, particularly in the northern part of the country, is a chilly time of year. Visiting Milan in December comes with temperatures in the high 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit.
So you’ll need to dress in warm layers to fend off the cold while you’re outside. Milan doesn’t see much snow but it could rain a little so be sure your jacket and shoes can keep you dry.
To be honest, I prefer cooler temps, especially when visiting a city like Milan. It’s much more comfortable (as long as you’re dressed right) than the really hot days of summer. Plus, the chill in the air adds to the festive atmosphere around the city.
How to Get Around
For a lot of visitors, Milan’s Malpensa is their arrival point in Italy. If this is you too, this guide explains what you need to know about transferring to the city center. I don’t recommend driving into Milan. There are a lot of ZTLs, or traffic limitation zones, where you need a special permit to drive and parking is very difficult.
Once you’re in the city center, the area in and around the Duomo is pedestrian-friendly and best managed on foot. From here, it’s also just a 15-minute walk to the Castello Sforzesco area.
Milan also has an underground metro and street cars that make it really easy to go quickly from one area to the next. If you only have a day or 2 in Milan, I highly recommend using the metro system. It’s fast and efficient when you’re trying to maximize your time.
Keep in mind, if you’re planning to travel outside of Milan on Christmas Day, public transportation is available but limited. I recommend getting to where you need to be on Christmas Eve to avoid any hassle or extra wait time on Christmas.
Best Time to Visit
Typically in Italy, the Christmas season kicks off at the beginning of December. You’ll see some lights and decorations towards the end of November in Milan but I’d recommend visiting the city and other parts of northern Italy for Christmas in December.
On December 7th, Milan celebrates the Feast of Sant’Ambrogio (Saint Ambrose). December 8th is a public holiday in Italy for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Italians typically decorate their Christmas trees on these days and the festivities of the holiday season come to life.
Particularly in Milan, December 5th-8th (in 2025) is when you’ll find the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Market just outside of the Castello Sforzesco with hundreds of vendors selling gifts and seasonal Milanese bites from panettone to roasted chestnuts.
The Christmas celebrations around Milan continue until La Befana on January 6th. La Befana is an Italian folk culture figure of an old woman who rides on a broomstick on the night of January 5th (Epiphany) to bring gifts to good girls and boys. This day is also the official end of Christmas in Italy.
Where to Stay in Milan during Christmas Time
You’ll find the majority of the holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and Christmas markets in the city center near sights like the Duomo, the Last Supper, and Castello Sforzesco. Try to find a hotel within this zone that matches your budget and is also close to one of Milan’s metro stations. With the underground metro nearby, you’ll be able to move around the city quickly and easily.
As you’d imagine, staying in such a prime location comes with a cost, especially during the holidays. Fortunately, there are hotels at a variety of price points, from the 5-star Park Hyatt Milan and Bulgari Hotel Milano to Room Mate Giulia and UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano.
If you’re traveling as a family or with a group, consider renting an apartment for more space for everyone to be comfortable.
Where to Eat in Milan at Christmas
If you’re in Milan for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it’s important to make a reservation for lunch or dinner ahead of time. Many restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, in particular, so having a plan is a must.
Langosteria in Milan is known for its top-quality fresh fish and shellfish and is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Al Garghet, situated outside the center of Milan, dresses up for the holiday season with decorations and lights for a fun and festive vibe. You’ll find Milan’s most traditional dishes like risotto, meats, and ravioli on the menu. Book as far in advance as possible because dates and times throughout December fill up fast!
PanEVO Restaurant is not far from the Montanelli Gardens. The restaurant serves fresh seafood and homemade pastas and is open for the Christmas holiday.
Festive Christmas Day Trip from Milan
There’s no shortage of amazing day trips from Milan but if you’re hoping to stick with a Christmas theme, plan a side trip to the Verona Christmas Market.
In 2025, the Christmas market will be in Piazza Bra where you’ll find the ancient Roman Arena, as well as in the Piazza dei Signori, just off Piazza delle Erbe (one of the prettiest piazzas in Italy!) . The streets in the historic center are draped in lights and, if you’re there around the Feast of Santa Lucia on December 13th, there’s sure to be added festivities around the city.
Plus, you can stop to see the annual Nativity Scene exhibition, the largest in the world.
The high-speed train from Milano Centrale Station takes just over an hour. Trains run in both directions frequently throughout the day so it’s easy to spend a day and evening in Verona before heading back to Milan.
Verona is one of the most gorgeous cities in Italy and, at Christmas time, the city sparkles!
Winter Wonderland Near Milan
Milan is in the heart of the Lombardy region and within easy reach of some of the most spectacular mountains in the world, the Alps. In the winter, the mountains are an absolute winter wonderland!
From Milan, you can take a day trip to the Alps and stop at places like St. Moritz along the way. But the main highlight (for me anyway) is riding the Bernina Express train for a panoramic experience of the spectacular Alps covered in white. It’s absolutely unforgettable and a great way to see the beauty of winter at Christmastime.
Are you feeling the Christmas cheer in Milan?
I hope that’s a yes and you’re ready to visit Milan at Christmas time. It’s the most festive time of year in the city!
Let me know what questions you have about spending time during the holiday season in Milan. Buon Natale!
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