Milan Christmas Market 2023: Extravagant and Bold

As you would expect to find in the largest city in Italy, there are multiple Christmas markets in Milan, seasonal celebrations and winter events over the holiday period.

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.

In this guide, you’ll find confirmed 2023 dates for the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market at Sforzesco Castle and the main event at Piazza Duomo.

Centred around the iconic Duomo, the heart of Milan is an excellent starting point for any journey to this magnificent city, particularly if you are a first-time visitor.

The historic square, adorned with dazzling Christmas lights, offers a breathtaking sight during the holidays as the area comes alive with festive shoppers bustling about.

Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings before diving into the lively Christmas market, as experiencing Milan during this magical time of year is truly a remarkable sight to behold.

Milan Christmas Market 2023

It comes as no surprise that Italian cuisine takes centre stage at Milan’s Christmas market, given the integral role food plays in the country’s culture and way of life.

Across Italy, dining out is a cherished pastime, with a range of dining options to suit every taste—from casual hole-in-the-wall pizza joints offering delicious slices to exquisite, world-renowned restaurants catering to the most discerning palates.

Milan, in particular, 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 ticking off your Christmas shopping list while on holiday.

As you explore the bustling market and beyond, you’ll find boutiques and designer stores selling the latest trends and unique gift ideas, ensuring a memorable experience during your Milanese getaway.

Here’s all the essential information to plan your 2023 visit to Milan’s Christmas events.

Dates and Locations

Milan Christmas Market dates: 1st December 2023 to 6th January 2024.
Location: Piazza Duomo.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Oh Bej! Oh Bej!: 7th December to 10th December 2023.
Location: Castello Sforzesco.

Winter Wonderland Village: 19th November 2023 to 8th January 2024.
Location: Indro Montanelli Gardens.
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: Yes, it’s the largest in Northern Italy. Tickets required. Book online.
Santa: Yes, bookings required.

Senstation on Ice: Nordic-themed Christmas Village.
Location: Milan Central Station.
Admission: Free.
Ice skating: Free.
Snow tubing: Free.

Plan Your Visit:
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes, but there are cobblestones in some areas at the castle.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: Big city vibe, great shopping, incridble food.
Recommended tour: I suggest this city tour of Milan a for first-time visitors.
Specialties: Panettone, saffron risotto, barbajada hot mocha.
Travel tip: You’ll find cheaper hotels by Milano Centrale train station but the area can be a little grungy at night.
Winter events: Ice skating or stay warm at a museum.
Milan weather in winter: Temperatures average 7°C / 2°C (high / low) in December.
Where to stay: Room Mate Giulia or search our recommended list of the best Christmas hotels.

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.

In general, I recommend staying at Room Mate Giulia. Not only is this hotel steps from the Piazza del Duomo, but it’s one of the most sustainable hotels in Milan. They use renewable energy, avoid single-use plastic and invest in their local community.

Read my full guide to hotels near Milan Christmas Market to find a hotel in Milan that suits your budget and travel style.

Location

Recommended Tours

Taking a city tour of Milan is a fun introduction to the city’s history and vibrant culture. With its beautiful city centre, striking facades, and awe-inspiring architecture, Milan is a destination that offers something interesting for everyone.

I highly recommend this city tour of Milan, as it allows you to explore the city’s most prominent highlights while also including 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 delicious cuisine.

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

During a city tour, you’ll visit Milan’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, such as the magnificent Duomo, the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the renowned La Scala opera house.

Milan is host to one of the best Christmas markets in Italy, and it’s particularly worth visiting for the Duomo market on the square.

Christmas in Milan

Local Specialties

Milan is renowned for its mouthwatering culinary specialties, and with so many delicious options to choose from, you’ll find yourself satiated in no time as you explore these local foods.

Panettone – Milan’s quintessential Christmas 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 or a glass of sparkling wine.

Risotto alla Milanese – The Milanese risotto features rice delicately 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 savoury cassoeula.

Cotoletta alla Milanese – A Milanese classic, this dish features a generously sized breaded veal chop cooked in clarified butter and often served with a refreshing tomato salad.

Michetta – A highlight for carb enthusiasts, michetta is a star-shaped panini filled with either sweet or savoury ingredients, making for a satisfying snack or light meal.

Barbajada – When taking a break in a traditional Milanese cafe, order a barbajada, a warm and indulgent drink made with coffee, chocolate, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Food Stalls

Panzerotti – These deep-fried or baked dough pockets are filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, making for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Arancini – These crispy, deep-fried rice balls are stuffed with various 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. This is a good gluten-free option.

Crepes – Originating from France, crepes are thin, delicate pancakes filled with sweet or savoury ingredients, such as Nutella, fruit, cheese, or ham. You’ll definitely find crepes in Milan.

Bratwurst – A nod to German Christmas markets, bratwurst sausages are often found sizzling on 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 popular drink at the markets and offers a great way to stay warm while browsing the festive 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

Here are some typical items you can expect to find while browsing the festive stalls:

Ornaments – Beautifully crafted Christmas ornaments and decorations made from materials like wood, glass, and ceramics make for unique souvenirs or gifts.

Italian food specialties – Local delicacies such as panettone, torrone (nougat), olive oil, truffle products, and artisanal pasta are a perfect gift for foodies.

Leather goods – High-quality Italian leather products, such as wallets, belts, and handbags, are popular gift items that showcase the country’s renowned craftsmanship. 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 Milan 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 trip.

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 stunning statues and captivating lighting.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Just steps away from the Duomo, the world’s first shopping centre is an opulent spectacle. Indulge in some window shopping, gaze up at the magnificent 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 unforgettable 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 charming waterways or relax at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants lining the canals.

Shopping – Milan offers exceptional shopping opportunities throughout the city. For those 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.

For more things to do in Milan, visit the official tourism site or find them on social media. Their site is really slow but it’s a good starting point for your planning.

How to Travel Responsibly

While visiting Milan, it’s crucial to keep sustainability in mind, as our choices can have a significant environmental and social impact on the places we explore.

By implementing some or all of these simple measures, you can create a positive impact on the city and its residents:

Shop mindfully – Be conscious of your purchases and only buy items you genuinely need, especially when shopping at Milan’s markets. It can be tempting to over-purchase. Keep a list of what you need to help limit overconsumption.

Sustainable transportation – To minimise your carbon footprint, walk, bike, or take public transport, like the city’s metro and tram systems. Milan has exceptional public transport, so take advantage of it.

Eco-friendly hotel – Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy and that implements environmentally friendly practices. There are several sustainable hotels in Milan.

Support local housing – By choosing hotels over short-stay apartments, you can help with 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.

Embrace cultural diversity – Be open to experiencing and learning from the diverse cultures and traditions that make Milan unique.

Explore beyond tourist hotspots – Discover lesser-known neighbourhoods like Brera, Isola, or Porta Venezia to further understand the Milanese culture.

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 to immerse yourself in Milan’s atmosphere and reduce the environmental impact of frequent travel.

FAQ

Don’t forget to indulge in delicious Italian cuisine and take the time to explore Milan’s rich history and culture, from the iconic Duomo di Milano to the charming Navigli district.

Remember to dress warmly, as the winter weather can be chilly, but rest assured that the warmth of Milan’s hospitality will make you feel right at home.

If you visited Milan 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. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Milan, Italy. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.