2025-10-03
Here’s everything you need to know about the Christmas Markets in Milan, Italy.
Find out which Christmas markets I recommend visiting in Milan, what to expect at each one, the dates and opening hours, as well as their location.
I’ve also included suggestions for where to stay in Milan to make the most of the Christmas markets. In other words, hotel and apartment options with a good location.
Finally, in this article you’ll find a list of what to do in Milan at Christmas. After all, Milan’s Christmas celebrations don’t end with the Christmas markets alone, and there are other very interesting activities in the city.
Very importantly, all the Christmas markets I visited in Milan are free.
There are others with paid admission, but with so many beautiful places to see for free, on this trip I didn’t think it was worth it.
So, to be clear, the information I share in this article corresponds to my experience and the Christmas markets in Milan I visited.
✔️Where to stay in Milan to enjoy the Christmas Markets: If you don’t have time to read the whole article, then know that I recommend the Hotel Rio (3 stars), next to the Duomo, perfect for those who want to leave the hotel and immediately immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Christmas markets. Another great central option is the Aparthotel Dei Mercanti, ideal for those who prefer the flexibility of an apartment. If you’re looking for something more economical but still comfortable, the Ibis Milano Centro (3 stars) is a good choice, even if it is a little further from the heart of the city.
Discover the Christmas Markets in Milan
Christmas Market in Piazza Duomo – Christmas in the Heart of Milan
This is the city’s most famous Christmas market and is located around Milan’s Duomo. In all, there are 60 chalets with Christmas gifts, handicrafts but also food and drink stalls.
The highlight of this market is the traditional Torrone di Cremona or nougat, whose oldest and most historic brand in Milan is Rivoltini.
Piazzo del Duomo is also home to Milan’s traditional Christmas tree.
Dates: not confirmed, however, last year it took place from December 1 to January 6.
Opening hours: every day 8:30-22:00.
Location: P.za del Duomo, Milan.
Christmas Market Oh Bej! Oh Bej!: The Charm of the Feast of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan
This Christmas market next to the Castello Sforzesco is over 500 years old and is a favorite among Milanese.
It is only open on the day of Sant’Ambrogio, or St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, which is celebrated on December 7th.
Although the stalls are varied, with handicrafts and artisan products, traditionally the best seller is chestnut necklaces. In fact, this product has a specific name, which is “Firunatt” or “Firun”.
Did you know that the name “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” means ‘Oh beautiful, Oh beautiful’ in Milanese dialect? It is said that it was the children’s cries of joy when they saw the products on display at the fair.
Another story links the name to 1510, when Giannetto Castiglioni, an envoy of Pope Pius IV, brought gifts for Milanese children. The tradition of the fair is so old that it dates back to the end of the 13th century.
Dates: not confirmed yet, but expected to be around December 7-8, 2025.
Opening hours: from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Piazza del Cannone, 20100 Milano MI, Italy.
Christmas market at Banco di Garabombo: the ethical market in Milan
I believe that giving Christmas presents from fair trade is a more relevant choice than ever.
So if you’re looking for sustainable alternatives, such as food products, cosmetics or handicrafts with a reduced environmental impact, the Banco di Garabombo Christmas Market is an excellent choice.
There you’ll find gift suggestions for all tastes, from accessories and ethical fashion to books and household items. There are also national and international delicacies, such as couscous and Medjool dates.
In addition, at 7pm the aperitif is offered by ènostra, a non-profit electricity supply cooperative
that only sells renewable electricity to its members.
Dates: not yet confirmed, however, last year it took place from November 2 to January 6.
Opening hours: 9:00-20:00.
Location: Via del Burchiello, 1, 20145 Milano MI, Italy.
Christmas Market in Piazza Gae Aulenti
In the heart of Milan’s trendy Porta Nuova district, this Christmas market has two main attractions.
On the one hand, it is the French Christmas Market in Milan, with typical offerings from that country. Another tourist attraction is the PoP XMAS Tree. There’s also an ice rink, but you’ll find several in Milan.
So, in Piazza Gae Aulenti, you can’t miss the PoP XMAS Tree, which is 13 meters tall and has five interactive rooms.
At the stalls in the French market, you can choose from traditional handicrafts such as jewelry, soaps, perfumes and Provençal tablecloths.
When it comes to food, I recommend the typical French sweets, starting with macaroons and crepes, but not forgetting chocolates and mulled wine.
You can also enjoy oysters and champagne, a typical French aperitif.
Take the opportunity to take a look at the Vertical Forest, a building with plants, as well as the Puorta Nuova.
Dates: not yet confirmed, but last year it took place from November 30 to January 6.
Location: Piazza Gae Aulenti.
Accommodation in Milan (to see the Christmas markets)
If you want to make the most of Milan’s Christmas markets, it’s important to choose a central hotel.
So my suggestions are the Hotel Rio (3 stars) and the Aparthotel Dei Mercanti apartment, if you want to stay near the Duomo.
If you’re on a bit of a budget, the Ibis Milano Centro (3 stars) is further away from the center, but it’s still a good choice.
To see other accommodations in Milan, explore the map below:
Top Things to Do in Milan This Christmas
Experience the Magic of the Teatro alla Scala’s Season Opening
December 7 marks the start of the season at the Teatro alla Scala, or La Scala, as it’s known to the locals.
The show that opens La Scala’s season has its own name – Prima Diffusa – and, as I mentioned, it’s always on December 7, the day of St. Ambrose and patron saint of the city.
So if you’re lucky enough to be in town on this day, don’t miss out.
Since 1951, this event has been a mix of music, culture and glamor. High-profile Italian figures and celebrities from all over the world make a point of attending.
Those who can’t get tickets can watch the opera live in Milan’s cinemas, theaters and cultural venues, including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, near the Duomo.
In fact, this only proves the importance of the prima for the Milanese.
That’s where I saw the show, and it was very enjoyable, although the acoustics weren’t great.
Don’t Miss the Christmas Tree Lighting in Milan’s Iconic Piazza Duomo
The lighting of the Christmas tree in Milan’s Piazza Duomo is a magical moment, much anticipated by locals and visitors alike.
This is because every year, the huge tree is decorated with thousands of sparkling lights and ornaments, transforming the square into a dreamlike setting.
This event usually marks the official start of the Christmas season in the city, with a ceremony that often includes music and live performances.
But if you can’t make it to the Christmas lights switch-on event in Piazza del Duomo, you can take the opportunity to see the lights in the following weeks.
So it’s a must for anyone visiting the city at this time of year.
Stroll Through the Festive Glow of Navigli’s Christmas Lights
It’s a little further from the center, to be sure, but Milan’s Navigli canals take on a special charm during the Christmas season.
Can you imagine Christmas lights illuminating the banks of the canals? Well, this neighborhood is usually picturesque, but it gets even more charming with these lights.
So add the famous cafés, restaurants and boutiques of Naviglio to the Christmas lights and you have a magical setting.
Discover the Christmas Tree at Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan is one of the most iconic places in the city, and at Christmas time it becomes even more dazzling with the majestic Christmas tree that adorns its interior.
This tree, usually sponsored by renowned brands, is decorated with refinement and sparkle, complementing the luxury and grandeur of the gallery.
So expect to see an exuberant tree in shades of white and gold rising towards the gallery’s dome. Not to be missed!
Celebrate St. Ambrose’s Day in Milan: A Tradition of the City
St. Ambrose’s Day, December 7th, marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Milan.
So there’s nothing better than taking advantage of this day to explore the festivities at the basilica dedicated to the saint: the Basilica of St. Ambrose, where the saint’s remains rest.
Events take place throughout the day, especially between 10am and 11pm.
Location. Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 15.
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