Wondering what are the best things to do in Milan in December and what’s the city like at this time of the year? Well, it’s pure Christmas magic! The air gets crisp and cool, but it’s filled with this sparkly, joyful feeling.
The whole city lights up with decorations, and there are Christmas markets near Milan’s famous landmarks overflowing with unique gifts, delicious treats, and cheerful energy. To make the most of your visit, here are some fun activities for your bucket list.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Still haven’t booked your accommodation in Milan? Here are some highly-rated options:
1. Cà Bèla – Porta Romana (where I stayed)
3. Porta 92 Romana (only 2 Metro stops from the Duomo Christmas market)
4. Brera Prestige B&B (in the lovely Brera district near the Sforza Castle and its Christmas fair)
Check out these highly-rated tours and attractions in and around Milan:
1. A Lake Como tour (a popular day trip which also has a winter edition)
2. Bernina Express and St. Moritz (Switzerland) day tour
3. Duomo di Milano: a cathedral & rooftop ticket or a full pass
4. Da Vinci’s Last Supper guided tour
Best Things to Do in Milan in December
Enjoy the Duomo Christmas Market
This market, probably my favorite, is situated right in the heart of the city, next to the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century and is one of the largest in the world!).
It’s like a Christmas explosion (in a good way!), with over 100 stalls decorated in twinkling lights, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to wintertime delicacies. The smell of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air, making it even more inviting.
I, of course, was very much focused on what I could stuff my face with, my favorites being Italian chocolates and sweet and savory baked goods.
2024 dates: To be confirmed.
Head Outside the City to the Artigiano in Fiera
Want to impress with your Christmas gifts? Artigiano in Fiera is THE place to be! Hosted at the Fieramilano exhibition center right outside the city (reachable by Metro line 1), it’s a wonderland of crafts and the perfect spot to find that one-of-a-kind present.
You’ll find thousands of stalls selling high-quality, authentic items made by artisans from all over the world, including gorgeous jewelry, toys, body care products, clothes that look like they came straight off a runway, and stunning homeware pieces that are basically works of art.
Aside from that, you can grab a bite and a drink at the many food stalls. Plus, entry is free!
A few tips for visiting:
- This fair is enormous, so set aside at least half a day to spend there (you’ll need several days to fully explore it, but I found it overwhelming after a few hours).
- Bring comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot (even the walk from the entrance to the fair itself is quite long).
- Be prepared to be surrounded by tons of people (crowds are usually not my cup of tea, but I’m glad I visited because it is such a unique event).
2024 dates: November 30th – December 8th from 10 AM to 10:30 PM.
Check Out the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Fair
Feeling a little nostalgic? This historic (and H-U-G-E) fair surrounding the famous Castello Sforzesco is even older than Santa himself, dating back to the 16th century!
It didn’t feel as Christmasy as other markets in Milan to me, but it is still a must-visit, offering rows and rows of stalls selling delicious local treats, decorations, clothing, and much more. I highly recommend getting there early as it can get crowded.
Plus, you can wander around the castle’s courtyards afterward (for free) or visit its intriguing museums.
2024 dates: December 7th.
Unwind at Darsena Christmas Village
If you need a break from the crowds, Darsena’s Christmas Village is your answer!
Located along the Navigli canals, this charming spot offers a more peaceful Christmas experience. Here, you can explore cute wooden huts filled with local crafts and yummy treats.
Warm up with a mug of mulled wine, grab a delicious local snack, and just unwind in Darsena’s chill atmosphere. It’s a hidden gem for anyone who wants a relaxing break during their Milan adventure.
2024 dates: To be confirmed.
Find the Most Dazzling Decorated Streets, Christmas Trees, and Shops
Even getting lost in what Milan’s streets feels magical in December. Forget the map. The best way to experience this city is to just wander (one of my favorite travel activities).
While it is not as abundantly decorated as Vienna or London, I loved seeing Milan’s city center get a total makeover, dotted with Christmas trees sparkling with ornaments, twinkling lights, and immaculate seasonal shop window displays.
Don’t miss the iconic arcade, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where a gorgeous Christmas tree takes center stage under the giant glass ceiling. Just around the corner, in Piazza del Duomo, a giant decorated tree stands proudly next to the cathedral.
Major streets like Corso Vittorio Emanuele II or Via Monte Napoleone in the luxurious Fashion Quarter (Quadrilatero della Moda) become even more fabulous. So skip the guidebook, and let the dazzling lights be your compass!
Check Out the East Market Christmas Edition
If you love hunting for vintage treasures, Milan’s East Market (Via Mecenate 88/A), with its Christmas edition, is the place for you!
Here, you’ll find dozens of stalls overflowing with vintage clothes you won’t see anywhere else, rare vinyl records, and even antique furniture.
But that’s not all! You can also take a break from shopping and fuel up with delicious local street food and craft beers. Plus, live DJs will be spinning festive tunes to keep the holiday spirit high.
To top it all off, there might even be workshops where you can unleash your creativity and make your own Christmas decorations or handmade gifts. See the next events on the official website.
2024 dates: To be confirmed.
Enjoy the End of Fall
At the beginning of December, you can still discover some photogenic fall foliage spots, and the best one I found was the Guastalla Gardens, founded in the 16th century by the Countess of Guastalla.
This park isn’t big, but it’s a lovely morning stroll location, especially when you see it covered by shades of yellow and orange.
Go to Some Christmastime Concerts
Music lovers, this one’s for you!
If you want a cozy and romantic Christmas experience, Milan’s Candlelight Concerts are ideal.
Hundreds of candles illuminate the different locations, and an orchestra serenades you with classical music – is there a better way to spend the season with your special someone?
You might also be surprised by the beautiful sounds of choirs echoing from ancient churches and basilicas.
Many churches, like the Duomo di Milano, the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, host free or donation-based Christmas concerts.
And if you’re a fan of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, or Verdi, then a visit to the legendary Teatro alla Scala is a must. This historic opera house hosts spectacular Christmas concerts (and ballet performances), where you can witness world-class conductors, orchestras, and soloists.
Insider Tip: La Scala tickets can be pricey and sell out fast, so book well in advance! Also, check the dress code to make sure you’re dressed for the occasion.
Experience the Winter Magic of Bagni Misteriosi
You haven’t experienced the charm of Christmas in Milan until you’ve been to Bagni Misteriosi! This spot is basically a summer swimming paradise, but during winter, it transforms into a magical wonderland.
It’s the perfect place to feel like a real-life ice skater (without all those embarrassing wipeouts in front of everyone, hopefully!).
And if you get tired of skating, no worries! Grab a hot drink or a tasty bite from nearby stands to warm up.
It even hosts a few Christmas markets, workshops, and other special events and performances throughout the season, so there’s always something new to see and do.
Check out the seasonal calendar.
Take a Day Trip
Every city break of mine includes at least one nearby destination, and when it comes to Milan, you’ll find incredible winter day trips, some of which have their own Christmas markets and seasonal events.
You can go for a popular choice in general, like Lake Como and Lake Garda (which I visited on an Italian lake road trip), or opt for other options like Bergamo or my beloved Turin.
Many places can be easily reached by train, but you can also book highly-rated day tours like these:
- A Lake Como tour (a popular day trip which also has a winter edition)
- St. Moritz (Switzerland) day tour with a ride on the Bernina Express train
- Lake Garda and Verona day tour
Read more about Turin:
- Turin or Milan
- Things to do in Turin
- Turin in winter
- Cafes in Turin
- Reasons to visit Turin
- Turin chocolate guide
- Hidden gems in Turin
- Where to stay in Turin
- Turin travel tips
- Long weekend in Turin
- Aosta Valley road trip from Turin
- Places to visit in Piedmont
Go Ice Skating
One of the best things to do in Milan in winter is hitting one of the city’s ice skating rinks. I can admit that I’m not very good at it, so you might see me falling more than actually skating.
Apart from the rink located at the Bagni Misteriosi (mentioned earlier), you can check out the one at Piazza Gae Aulenti, offering stunning views of the Milan skyline, perfect for an Instagram-worthy moment.
In addition, the unique rink at the Villaggio delle Meraviglie in the Indro Montanelli Gardens caters to all ages.
Beginners can take their first steps in the family-friendly zone and plenty of space to practice. If you’re an experienced skater, there’s a part where you can go more adventurous. It’s a great place for the whole family to share some frosty fun!
2024 dates: To be confirmed.
Escape the Weather at the City’s Indoor Spaces
If it’s raining or unbearably cold, don’t worry because there’s always a way to keep enjoying the best of what the city has to offer.
From warming up with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate to devouring local comfort food like risotto alla Milanese to visiting palaces, museums, cathedrals, and markets, here are my favorite indoor activities in Milan.
Indulge in a Traditional Milanese Christmas Dinner
Christmas Eve in Milan is all about a special family dinner called “Cena della Vigilia di Natale.”
This heartwarming tradition brings loved ones together for a feast filled with unique flavors. Unlike Christmas meals elsewhere, this one usually focuses on seafood and lighter dishes.
The meal is a multi-course adventure. You might start with delicious appetizers like marinated prawns or lentil salads. Then comes a comforting bowl of pasta, maybe “tortellini in brodo” (ravioli in a flavorful broth), perfect for a chilly December night. Seafood risotto is another popular choice.
But of course, no Christmas Eve in Milan is complete without panettone, a delicious dome-shaped sweet bread with raisins and candied fruit, which actually originated in Milan and has become popular all across Italy. It’s like a giant, fluffy fruitcake!
You’ll be happy to know you can find tons of varieties of panettone at Christmas markets and supermarkets, so you can bring some home (I bought delicious chocolate and pistachio ones at Eataly)!
You should also try “Torrone,” a chewy Italian nougat that comes in different flavors. It’s the perfect way to end a delightful and traditional meal.
While families often have their own special recipes, you can immerse yourself in this tradition by booking a table at a restaurant with a special Christmas Eve menu.
Saint Ambrose Feast Day
December 7th is a big date in Milan – it’s Saint Ambrose Day! This special day marks the unofficial start of the city’s Christmas season.
It is when the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas fair and the new season at La Scala begin, and it’s also supposed to be the day when the Christmas tree near the Duomo lights up, though when I visited, this celebration was held the evening before.
It’s a time to commemorate Saint Ambrose, Milan’s beloved patron saint known for his strong leadership, theological teachings, and commitment to social justice.
You’ll find numerous religious celebrations, some of which revolve around the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, which houses its remains.
Celebrate Milan’s style of New Year’s Eve
This one is actually still on my bucket list, but Milan’s New Year’s Eve celebrations seem like pure fun! Even as an introvert who loves a night in, I’d like to experience it at least once.
Want to dance under the stars? Head to Piazza del Duomo for a large outdoor concert. Feeling fancy? Elegant gala dinners are happening around town. Looking for breathtaking views? Find them at Milan’s rooftop bars and clubs.
And right at midnight, the city explodes in a spectacular firework display. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Is It Worth Visiting Milan in December?
On paper, you can see that Milan doesn’t host as many Christmas markets as other destinations do, and it’s very beautifully decorated, but some might think that’s not enough, which may make them prefer a different European winter city break.
I personally liked it because it felt sufficiently festive for me, and I could appreciate the seasonal events while also just enjoying the highlights and hidden gems of Milan that are available year-round.
In terms of weather, it does get very cold (6°C-8°C or 42.8°-F46.4°F by day) in this part of Italy in winter, but there’s a good chance for a clear sky and some sun. If it rains or snows, you’ll still be spoiled for choice with plenty of indoor attractions.
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