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Your ultimate Christmas travel guide to Milan

Christmas in Milan is pure elegance wrapped in festive sparkle. The city lights up with designer window displays, glittering streets, and warm markets that blend Italian tradition with cosmopolitan flair.

Why visit Milan during Christmas

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II illuminated at dusk in Milan, Italy.
Family shopping in a Swiss mall with holiday decorations and various stores in the background.
Stage with red curtains and candelabras in a Milan theater during a Christmas music event.
Christmas panettone with dried fruits and orange
Pedestrians walking under festive lights on a street near Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan at night.
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Experience a stylish winter wonderland

The fashion capital transforms into a glowing runway of lights, from the Duomo to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where every corner feels like a holiday postcard.

Shop at designer stores and festive markets

Find luxury gifts and artisan crafts in one stroll. Explore boutiques in Quadrilatero d’Oro and browse traditional markets at Piazza Duomo and Castello Sforzesco.

Enjoy festive concerts and performances

Attend Christmas concerts at Teatro alla Scala or the Duomo, where classical music fills the grand halls with timeless warmth.

Indulge in authentic Milanese treats

Taste the city’s iconic panettone, sip mulled wine, and try winter specialties at cozy trattorias and elegant cafes.

Witness the magic of lights and decor

Stroll through Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Brera’s cobblestone streets to see Milan at its most photogenic, illuminated in holiday gold.

Top things to do during Christmas In Milan

Christmas in Milan - Midnight Mass at Milan Cathedral

1. Visit the Duomo di Milano and Piazza del Duomo

Stand before the glittering Christmas tree at Milan’s grand cathedral and soak in the festive spirit. Attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day mass for a soulful experience amid centuries of history.

Recommended tickets: Milan Cathedral, Museum & Terraces Tickets

Christmas in Milan - Christmas markets

2. Shop at the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Market

Held near Sforza Castle, this beloved market overflows with handmade gifts, ornaments, and traditional Milanese treats. Wander through colorful stalls, sip mulled wine, and discover why this centuries-old fair remains the city’s favorite holiday tradition. Find on Map

Interior of La Scala Theatre in Milan with red velvet seats and ornate balconies.

3. See a Christmas concert at Teatro alla Scala

Feel the magic of the season at Milan’s legendary opera house. Whether it’s a festive symphony or a classic ballet, a night at La Scala adds timeless elegance to your Christmas in the fashion capital of Italy. Find on Map

Christmas in Milan - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

4. Take a stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Beneath its dazzling glass dome and sparkling tree, the Galleria comes alive during Christmas. Enjoy a coffee at a historic café, browse designer boutiques, and admire how Milan blends festive warmth with effortless sophistication. Find on map

Christmas in Milan - Ice skating

5. Skate at famous ice rinks

Glide across the ice surrounded by Milan’s skyline and glittering holiday decor. These open-air rinks bring a joyful, family-friendly vibe to the city, perfect for warming up winter days with laughter, music, and lights.

Go ice skating at these famous rinks:

Christmas in Milan - Milan restaurants

6. Have a feast at Milan's best restaurants

Nobody can say no to good food, especially when it's at the best restaurants in Milan. Get your group together, wear loose pants and dive into lip-smacking Italian delicacies on Christmas day. After all, Christmas always calls for a huge feast, right?

What and where to eat in Milan during Christmas:

  • Creamy Risotto, Ossobuco or Vitello Tonnato at Ratanà | Find on Map
  • Tonnato, Tartare and Vitello at Trattoria Trippa | Find on Map
  • Prosciutto, Fajitas and Tortelloni at Seta | Find on Map
  • Seafood at Langosteria | Find on Map
Christmas in Milan - High-end stores

7. Shop at high-end stores

One thing you can never go wrong with in Milan is fashion. It is one of the four fashion capitals of the world, where you will find luxurious Italian and world-renowned brands. Treat yourself this Christmas with a visit to these stores, dress up for the festival, and feel your stunning self.

Visit these stores at Ponte Vecchio:

Christmas in Milan - Milan's bakeries

8. Taste Italian desserts at Milan's bakeries

Got a little bit of a sweet tooth? Don't forget to indulge in some Italian desserts during Christmas and treat your taste buds. Milan's bakeries are famous for their sweet delicacies with recipes that have been consistent for years. And what better time to enjoy them than Christmas?

Visit these bakeries in Milan:

Christmas in Milan - Museums during Christmas

9. Visit museums during Christmas week

Italy has many renowned museums visited by people all over the world. Milan, being the capital city, is home to many such museums. While they are closed on Christmas Day, you can still visit them on other days around 25th December and learn more about arts and culture.

Recommended tickets: Pinacoteca di Brera Entry Tickets

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Tourists on Milan Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with Milan Duomo in view.

Christmas Eve (24 December)

Morning: Start at Piazza del Duomo to soak in the festive atmosphere and shop for souvenirs at nearby stalls.

Afternoon: Visit Sforza Castle and the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! market for crafts and local snacks.

Evening: Attend the Christmas Eve mass at the Duomo, followed by dinner at a cozy restaurant serving seasonal dishes like ossobuco and risotto alla milanese.

Recommended tickets: Sforza Castle & Rondanini's Pieta Tickets

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II illuminated at night in Milan, Italy.

Christmas Day (25 December)

Morning: Begin with a leisurely breakfast and stroll through Brera’s quiet streets.

Afternoon: Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and enjoy a festive lunch at Ristorante Savini.

Evening: End your day with a Christmas concert or a walk through Darsena to admire the city lights reflected on the canal.

Metro passenger exiting train at station, route to Arsenal FC Stadium, London.

Know before you go

  • Weather: December temperatures range between 1°C and 8°C. Expect chilly mornings and occasional fog. Dress warmly with layers, scarves, and comfortable shoes.
  • Crowds: The city gets busier from mid-December till New Year’s Eve, especially near the Duomo and major shopping streets.
  • Restaurants: Many restaurants close on Christmas Day, though upscale hotels and select spots like Ristorante Cracco and Savini remain open with festive menus.
  • Transport: Metro and buses run on reduced schedules on December 25. Consider walking to soak in the city’s atmosphere.
  • Shopping hours: Most stores close early on December 24 and remain closed on December 25.
  • Local tips: Try vin brulé (mulled wine) at street markets and explore hidden courtyards around Brera for beautiful decorations away from the crowds.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in Milan

Is Christmas a good time to visit Milan?

Christmas is a really special time to visit Milan as the whole city celebrates the festival in a grand way. The streets are sparkling with lights and decorations, and there are local Christmas markets at every public square that sell festive goodies.

What's open here on Christmas?

Christmas is a public holiday in Milan. Most places and restaurants are shut on Christmas Day. But you can go to the Duomo Cathedral to attend Midnight Mass, along with other churches in the city.

Does Milan have an Xmas market?

Yes! Milan has several Christmas markets, the most famous being the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Market near Sforza Castle. It’s a festive Milanese tradition filled with handmade crafts, ornaments, and delicious winter treats.

Are restaurants open on the festival?

Most restaurants in Milan close on Christmas Day, but a few stay open with special festive menus. You’ll find options in major hotels and upscale spots like Ristorante Cracco or Savini Milano 1867 in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Reservations are strongly recommended.

What are the best places to stay?

San Babila, Brera, Porta Nuova, Porta Venezia and Isola are the best places to stay in Milan on Christmas. They have the best restaurants, celebrations and attractions in the city.

Where can I see the Christmas lights here?

All parts of the city are lit up with decorative lights during Christmas. Via della Spiga, Via Dante, Via dei Mercanti and Via Monte Napoleone are some areas in Milan that you should visit.

What are some Christmas traditions in the city?

Milan has many Christmas traditions like Christmas markets, decorating the city with lights, setting up a giant Christmas tree at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, organising an annual fair called Oh Bej Oh Bej and making the best Italian desserts at bakeries.

Can I save on attraction entry fees during this time?

Yes, with a Milan City Card you get discounted access to many attractions, as well as unlimited public transport—perfect for holiday sightseeing.

What's the best way to get around the city during the holiday season?

Milan’s Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are a convenient way to explore the city’s festive sights, including illuminated streets, markets, and iconic landmarks.