Milan Christmas Market 2024: Extravagant and Bold

As you would expect in the largest city in Italy, Milan has multiple Christmas markets, seasonal celebrations, and winter events throughout the holiday period.

In this guide, you’ll find 2024 dates for Oh Bej! Oh Bej! at Sforzesco Castle, the Winter Village at Indro Montanelli Gardens and the main Milan Christmas Market at Piazza Duomo.

Milan Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Partially Confirmed

Milan dates: 29th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Piazza Duomo.

Oh Bej! Oh Bej!: 5th December to 8th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Castello Sforzesco.

Winter Village: 16th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Indro Montanelli Gardens.

Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.

Source: Information from the organiser is available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Piazza Duomo.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: I suggest this city tour of Milan for first-time visitors.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Milan weather in winter: Temperatures average 7°C / 2°C (high / low) in December.
Where to stay: Room Mate Giulia is my favourite place to stay in the centre.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Ice skating: Yes, it’s the largest in Northern Italy. Tickets required. Book online.
Senstation on Ice: Nordic-themed event.
Santa: Yes, bookings required.
Reason to visit: Big city vibe, great shopping, incridble food.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Panettone, saffron risotto, barbajada hot mocha.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes, but there are cobblestones in some areas at the castle.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.

Convenient Hotels

Even though Milan is a relatively expensive destination, all budgets are catered to, so you can easily stick to a low budget or spoil yourself with a little luxury. I’ve stayed at all kinds of different hotels over the years and never had any issues.

If you want somewhere cheap, stay near the Milano Centrale train station. As you get closer to the Duomo, places get nicer and more expensive.

In general, I recommend staying at Room Mate Giulia. Not only is this hotel steps from the Piazza del Duomo, but as a bonus, it’s one of the most sustainable hotels in Milan.

For more affordable options, this list of hotels in Milan has some excellent options.

Recommended Tours

I recommend this city tour of Milan, as it allows you to explore the city’s highlights and includes an entry ticket to see the Last Supper.

Alternatively, you might consider a food tour, which provides an opportunity to learn about the local culture through its cuisine. And Milanese cuisine is truly delicious.

Several food tours are available in Milan, but this tour is the most highly rated.

Milan is host to some of the best winter events in Italy and it’s particularly worth visiting for the market at the Duomo. Read the Italian Christmas Markets List for more ideas on where to go.

Location Map

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

What to Expect

Milan is a busy city all year round, but in December, the city becomes busier and more festive than anywhere else in the country. It’s one of Italy’s best winter city breaks and perfect for a long weekend away.

The heart of Milan centres around the iconic Duomo, which is an excellent starting point for any visit. Remember that you can visit inside the cathedral and go up to the roof for excellent views.

Milan is a haven for both foodies and shoppers alike. The city is globally renowned for its contributions to the worlds of fashion and design, making it an ideal destination for picking up your shopping for the holidays.

Directly across from the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an ideal place for a little window shopping or just to admire the historic architecture.

As you explore the market and beyond, you’ll find boutiques and designer stores selling the latest trends and unique designs that you won’t find elsewhere.

Regional Specialties

Milan is renowned for its mouthwatering dishes and specialties. If you’re like me, with so many delicious options to choose from, you’ll find it’s hard to keep up with everything you’d like to try. Below are some specialties to look out for.

• Panettone – Milan’s quintessential festive treat, this world-famous sweet bread-like cake, dates back to the 15th century. Traditionally made with dried fruit, panettone is best enjoyed slathered in butter or Nutella, accompanied by a shot of espresso. Modern versions come in all kinds of flavours like pistachio, limoncello and gianduja.
• Risotto alla Milanese – The Milanese risotto features rice flavoured with saffron and cheese, resulting in a simple yet tasty dish.
• Casserole – Ideal for cosy winter evenings, Milan’s slow-cooked specialties include ossobuco, hearty minestrone (vegetarian) and cassoeula. Lot’s to try and they’re perfect winter dishes.
• Cotoletta alla Milanese – A Milanese classic, this dish features a generously sized breaded veal chop cooked in clarified butter and often served with a simple tomato salad.
• Michetta – A highlight for carb enthusiasts, michetta is a star-shaped panini filled with either sweet or savoury ingredients.
• Barbajada – When taking a break in a traditional Milanese cafe, order a barbajada, a warm and rich drink made with coffee, chocolate, and a dollop of whipped cream.

At the Food Stalls

• Panzerotti – Deep-fried or baked dough pockets filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
• Arancini – Crispy, deep-fried rice balls stuffed with fillings like ragù, mozzarella, and peas, offering a taste of Sicilian cuisine.
• Grilled Polenta – A popular Northern Italian staple, polenta is a cornmeal dish that can be grilled and topped with cheese, mushrooms, or various sauces. It’s a good gluten-free option.
• Crepes – Originating from France, crepes are thin pancakes filled with sweet or savoury ingredients, such as Nutella, fruit, cheese, or ham. While it’s obviously not Italian, you’ll always find crepes in Milan.
• Bratwurst – A German market specialty, bratwurst sausages are often found sizzling on huge grills, served with sauerkraut or in a bun with mustard.
• Churros – Originally from Spain, these deep-fried dough pastries are sprinkled with sugar and often served with a side of warm, thick chocolate sauce for dipping.
• Mulled Wine – Known as vin brulé in Italy, this spiced, warm red wine is a great way to warm up as you explore the stalls.

As a large, diverse city, you’ll find plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Always ask if you’re unsure about ingredients and allergies.

What to Buy

• Ornaments – Beautifully crafted ornaments and decorations made from wood, glass and ceramics make unique souvenirs or gifts.
• Italian food specialties – Local delicacies such as panettone, torrone (nougat), olive oil, truffle products, and artisanal pasta make perfect gifts for foodies.
• Leather goods – High-quality Italian leather products, like wallets, belts and handbags, are popular gift items. You might find these come from ateliers in Milan or Florence.
• Fashion accessories – Milan is famous for its fashion scene, and it’s an ideal place to find stylish scarves, gloves, hats and jewellery.
• Toys and games – Traditional Italian toys and games and more contemporary options are available for children of all ages.

Things to Do in Winter

Milan is a busy city for business and shopping, but it shouldn’t be overlooked for its cultural and historical sights, of which there are many of interest.

In Milan in December, you’ll most likely want to start your visit to the city with a stop in Piazza del Duomo, the historic heart of Milan. Here are a few ideas for your itinerary.

• Piazza del Duomo – Begin your visit to Milan by stopping at Piazza del Duomo, the city’s historic heart, which comes alive with festive cheer in December.
• Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) – The breathtaking pale marble façade of the Duomo is a must-see landmark in Milan’s main square. Take the time to admire the intricate sculptures on the doors before stepping inside to marvel at the statues and architecture.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Just steps away from the Duomo, the world’s first shopping centre is an opulent spectacle. Enjoy some window shopping, gaze up at the glass dome and enjoy a leisurely coffee or snack.
• Castello Sforzesco – Stroll through the bustling shopping streets towards Milan’s central castle. Here, you can view incredible works of art or simply wander around the courtyards and gardens of this 15th-century fortress. This is the location of the Oh Bej! Oh Bej event, which translates to Oh beautiful, Oh beautiful in the Milanese dialect.
• La Scala – Experience an opera or ballet performance at the renowned Teatro alla Scala, or take a guided tour to uncover its history, which dates back to 1778.
• Canals – Milan’s picturesque canals may come as a surprise to many visitors. Head to the Navigli district to walk along the waterways or relax at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants lining the canals.
• Shopping – Milan has exceptional shopping opportunities throughout the city. If you’re particularly interested in Italian fashion, venture to the Fashion District – Quadrilatero della Moda. This upscale neighbourhood is in a compact area bordered by Via della Spiga, Montenapoleone, Manzoni and Corso Venezia.

Sustainability Ideas

• Shop mindfully – It can be tempting to over-purchase at Milan’s markets. Be conscious of your purchases and only buy items you genuinely need.
• Sustainable transport – Milan has exceptional public transport, so take advantage of it! The best way is to explore by foot but you can hire a bike and ride safely in the city’s many protected bike lanes.
• Eco-friendly hotel – Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy. There are several good options in Milan.
• Support local housing – By choosing hotels over short-stay apartments, you can help ensure the availability of affordable housing for Milan’s residents.
• Reduce plastic use – Avoid using plastic items or purchasing products made from or packaged in plastic. Milan is making an effort to reduce plastic waste. You can support this by taking your own bags and by shopping mindfully.
• Eat local and organic – Whenever possible, choose to eat locally sourced, organic food from restaurants and markets in Milan. This helps promote food security within the greater Milan region.
• Limit meat and dairy – Choose plant-based meals to minimise your environmental impact and enjoy the diverse flavours of Milanese cuisine.
• Explore beyond tourist hotspots – Discover lesser-known neighbourhoods like Brera, Isola, or Porta Venezia.
• Support local arts and events – Attend concerts, exhibitions, and performances by local artists to enrich your cultural experience and contribute to the city’s creative community. There are countless opportunities to do this in Milan.
• Slow travel – Instead of rushing through multiple destinations, consider spending more time in each place for a more immersive experience.

If you visited the Xmas markets or Milan in December more generally and would like to share your experience, leave a comment below.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.