What to do in Milan at Christmas?

What to do in Milan at Christmas time?

Milan is a unique city! It is the most modern city in Italy, but at the same time it is extremely traditional. What stands out is that it blends tradition and innovation in an impeccable way and, at Christmas, it would be no different! Today we are going to get to know what to do in Milan during the Christmas time. Read also How is Christmas in the Boot country? The traditions! Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patriciayou make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

Introduction

Milan is a city for those who like to live, but it is also for those who do not give up culture and history. The Lombard city has a characteristic that makes it unique: it perfectly combines all its tradition with impressive modernity! At Christmas, of course, Milan lights up even more and offers its visitors incredible sightseeing options. Let’s take a look? Also check out other posts about what to do for Christmas in Italy, in Venice, Rome and Florence!

1) What to do in Milan at Christmas? VISIT GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II

One of the most famous and most visited attractions in Milan at Christmas time is, of course, the precious sparkling tree at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Sponsored by Swarovski, the tree ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS impresses! It is 12 meters tall, 10,000 crystals, 36,000 lights, the top star is ALL crystal! Once there, it’s not hard to understand why it is so fascinating! It stays at the Galleria until January 6th.

2) What to do in Milan at Christmas? VISIT CHRISTMAS TREES

Another option is to visit the beautiful trees in the city!!! It’s worth every visit! Take a lot of pictures!

Piazza Duomo

In Piazza Duomo, next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an equally beautiful Christmas tree is also erected. It is 37-meter high and 14-meter diameter; in addition, it will also have low energy consumption, just like all the other trees installed in the city; in other words, it will be a very sustainable Christmas in Milan! Have a coffee there while admiring this simple Milanese tribute to Christmas.

Piazza XXIV Maggio

A tree that is also worth mentioning is the one mounted in Piazza XXIV Maggio. It is 20-meter high and offers an internal staircase that gives access to the tree’s balcony (!), which is 9-meter high. From there you can admire the entire Navigli district (the Venice of Milan) and the Darsena. Other trees, a little less ‘noticeable’, are on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, on the corner of Piazza San Babila, Piazza Gae Aulenti and Citylife, and Via Montenapoleone.

3) What to do in Milan at Christmas? ICE SKATING

If you like ice skating, a good option is to take advantage of this Christmas season to have fun on the skating rinks.

Piazza XXV

Piazza XXV, near the arch of Porta Garibaldi. There will be installed an ice skating rink open to everyone from December 12th to February 3rd. Furthermore, at pre-determined times, there will be performances with athletes from the Italian Skating Team and shows, including Epiphany Stars On Ice. Admission is free.

Villaggio delle Meraviglie

Villaggio delle Meraviglie, in Montanelli Gardens, is another must-see in Milan during the end-of-the-year season. It also has an ice skating rink that works together with the structure of the site from November 30th to January 6th, from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; on December 25th, 2019, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on December 24th and December 31st, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. There are several facilities full of magic there, goblins, Christmas tree. It’s a very well made structure, and if you have children, a sure destination!

Villagio di Babbo Natale

Another very special place in Milan that will open on the 5th is the Villagio di Babbo Natale – the installation will be there until January 6th. It is open from Monday to Wednesday, from 2 pm to 9 pm; Friday, Saturday and the eve of public holidays, from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm and Thursdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm – PLEASE NOTE: there may be changes in opening hours. Check the official website. The common ticket costs 13 euros and various ‘phases’ of Santa Claus’ house are shown: how toys are made, how the helper goblins work, where Santa Claus passes by. It’s delightful, indeed!

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4) What to do in Milan at Christmas? GO TO PANETTONE PARTY

And in the land of Panettone what could not be missing? The Panettone Party! If you’re a fan, you’ll have a lot of fun! In the second half of December, Festa del Panettone offers tasting tours between shops, hotels, bakeries, patisseries, bars and restaurants, squares and neighborhood parties. Read also know about Romantic Restaurants in Milan!

5) What to do in Milan at Christmas? GO TO LA SCALA THEATER

For those who love music, La Scala Theater offers beautiful concerts with Christmas music. The Choir and Orchestra of La Scala Theater perform on the nights of December 20th and 21st, at 8 pm. Tickets cost 24 euros and can be purchased by clicking here!

6) What to do in Milan at Christmas? CHRISTMAS MARKETS

To finish the list, let’s talk about the famous Christmas markets. In Milan, as in all other cities in Italy, they are quite common and traditional.

Market Oh Bej! Oh Bej!

The most famous is Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Also called Fiera Obei Obei (in Milanese dialect, Bej means ‘bello’ (“beautiful”), in other words: oh bello, oh bello – a common expression to call customers in the past) is located next to the Sforzesco Castle and has 397 exhibitors! There is a whole area dedicated to Christmas decorations. It’s beautiful! It happens from December 5th to December 8th, from 8:30 am to 9 pm, in Piazza Castello.

Piazza Duomo Market

The small market in Piazza Duomo is also very popular for its strategic location! A little more elegant, it offers fine and charming products. It happens from December 1st to January 6th, 2020, from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Artigiano in Fiera Market

Another very interesting little market dedicated to local crafts is Artigiano in Fiera. It has more than 3,000 stands (you read that right: three thousand!) and takes place at Fiera Rho, the famous and important Milanese convention center, and happens from November 30th to December 8th, from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm.

Golden Tip

Milan is HUGE and there are events, markets and beautiful attractions all over the city. We’ve gathered the most famous, the most wanted ones above, but if you ask your hotel if they have any suggestions besides the ones here, for sure they will! Also read Where to have supper on Christmas and New Year in Italy?

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Hotels I advise in the Malpensa and Linate areas

Let’s start with the Malpensa and Linate areas, the city’s airport regions. Linate and Malpensa are close to the two main airports in Milan. Ideal for short stays and business trips or, and, if you have a car.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

L’Angolo di Niki
Home Sweet Home

If you prefer a good hotel, I have three options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotel Oleggio Malpensa
Holiday Inn

Accommodation that I advise in the Duomo Region

One of the most charming regions is the Duomo area, cathedral and symbol of the city; this region is also perfect for those who love traditional cafes, trendy bars or for those who are always looking for the latest and follow the trends. The Duomo Square region is equipped with two metro lines, which make this region even more practical for those staying in the city.

If you want some indications of hostels and apartments, I have some options that I advise to save, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion already make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hemera Boutique House ap.
Corso Italia Room

I have 4 options for Hotels that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotel Canada (3 stars)
Zurigo Hotel (3 stars)
Uptown Palace (4 stars)
Maison Milano (4 stars)

Hotels I suggest in the Historic Center Area

Another region to consider is the Historic Center of Milan, a tangle of charming streets. The so-called “fashion quadrilaterale”, the ideal place to shop in Milan, with its famous streets: Montenapoleone, Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia (and the Saint Spirit, Gesù and Borgospesso). Within this zone we can also consider the Zona Brera which is another wonderful area to stay.

I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Brera Apartaments
Hemera Boutique House Ap.

If you prefer a hotel, I have 2 options that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotels that I suggest in the Region of Brera

The Brera neighborhood is famous for its high fashion boutiques, exclusive art galleries and trendy bars – it is north of Piazza Duomo. The characteristic streets are inviting for a stroll without a destination. The main attraction is the Pinacoteca di Brera, where priceless works of art are exhibited – among them, the masterpieces of Raffaello and Mantegna. It is in the southeastern region of Brera that the “fashion quadrilaterale” is located. The region is frequented by VIPs and socialites who spend horrors in the boutiques of brands like Armani, Valentino and Versace, on the outskirts of the elegant “Montenapo” (as the Milanese affectionately call Montenapoleone Street).

I have good hotel suggestions in Termini, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Brera Apartaments
Hemera Boutique House Ap.

If you prefer B&B I have 2 good suggestions, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels that I suggest in the Navigli area

Also, the charming Navigli district is a very energetic region, which in recent years has developed a lot. The “bomb” region of bars, breweries, restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias and is home to one of the most acclaimed antique fairs in Northern Italy. The bustling nightlife, typical art galleries and characteristic streets make this region a great choice for those who want to stay in Milan and for those who love to enjoy the nightlife.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Pitt Stop Navigli
Camere delle Rose

If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels I advise in the Central Station Region

Another region with a high concentration of hotels is the Central Station, especially if you come by train. In this region there are several receptive structures and the best: for all budgets. Best region for those who want to do round trips from Milan.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Heart Milan Apartament
Next Stop Central Station

If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

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Conclusion

What to do in Milan at Christmas? Spending Christmas in Milan is the kind of UNIQUE experience that deserves to be lived in all its fullness. Take advantage of this time of year to walk around the city, especially at nightfall: you will be amazed! If you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier.

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