Christmas in Milan is a magical experience that transforms the Lombard metropolis into an enchanting festive setting. The city is dressed in twinkling lights, inviting scents and a joyful atmosphere that captivates residents and visitors alike. The City Council and numerous private entities strive to offer a rich calendar of events and activities, making the Milanese capital a must-see destination during the holidays.
Let us guide you through 20 unforgettable experiences to enjoy in Milan during the Christmas season to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays.
Table Of Contents
- Light Cycles
- Attend a magical Candlelight Christmas concert.
- Take a step back in time
- Shopping at the Christmas Market in Cathedral Square.
- Exploring Milan's Nativity Scenes
- Visit The Magic of Christmas
- Stroll through the Village of Wonders
- Plan a trip to the Christmas markets.
- Going to the snow in Lombardy
- Going to see the village among the most beautiful in northern Italy
- Listening to the Christmas Concert at the Teatro alla Scala
- Browse through the stores in search of the most beautiful Christmas decoration
- Ice skating on rinks around the city
- Taking a trip to Leolandia with the little ones
- Stroll through the decorated Navigli.
- Participate in Santa Running 2024
- Warm up with a good hot chocolate or mulled wine
- Discover the Christmas decorations in the courtyard of the Ambrosiana Library.
- Purchase D'Om de Milan panettone.
- Admiring a work of art at Palazzo Marino
Light Cycles
Christmas means lights. Light Cycles is the perfect event to experience this season. The most evocative light and sound show ever, an unmissable, romantic and dreamy event that will enchant you.
It is located at the waterfront. Light Cycles evokes different realms of the natural world, seeking to amplify the voice of nature through light and sound.
From illuminating the intricate communication of trees to capturing the ethereal refractions of a sunset, each installation invites the viewer into the hypnotic universe of nature, oscillating between the seductive and the sacred. An enchanted nocturnal journey that will transport you into a fairy tale. Not to be missed. Buy tickets now before they run out.
Attend a magical Candlelight Christmas concert.
Be carried away by Christmas melodies in a unique and evocative atmosphere. Candlelight Christmas concerts in Milan offer an extraordinary sensory experience, where classical music blends with the enchantment of hundreds of flickering candles. These events take place in breathtaking locations, where they create an intimate and romantic atmosphere perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Book in advance to secure a seat at these concerts, which are always in high demand.
Take a step back in time
During the holiday season, travel back in time thanks to Dinos Alive – The Immersive Experience. Don’t miss the chance to walk among the dinosaurs. A fascinating journey into the world of dinosaurs. More than 40 life-size animatronic dinosaur replicas await you, including the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Velociraptor. made with great attention to detail and automation. A perfect event for the whole family. Here for tickets.
Shopping at the Christmas Market in Cathedral Square.
From Dec. 1 to Jan. 6, soak up the festive atmosphere by strolling through the stalls of the Christmas markets in the Duomo. At this market with an “Alpine” flavor, one of the most beloved Christmas events in Milan, you will find a wide range of handicrafts, unique decorations and gastronomic delicacies, typical of the Christmas season. It is the ideal place to find original gifts and savor the specialties of Lombard Christmas tradition.
Exploring Milan’s Nativity Scenes
Milan boasts a rich tradition of artistic nativity scenes that are worth discovering. From more classic ones to contemporary interpretations, you will see true works of art. Visit the city’s churches and museums to admire these representations of the Nativity, some of which are genuine masterpieces of craftsmanship and creativity. A list can be found here.
Visit The Magic of Christmas
Another Christmas paradise waiting to be discovered is La Mag ia del Natale at the Carroponte. Starting Nov. 8, 25 thousand square meters of location chock-full of magic, lights and enchantment. You will find the Elf Village, the Toy Factory, the village post office where you can write your letter for Santa, a double-decker horse carousel and then the ever-present Santa’s House. There are also magic shows, soap bubble shows, gospel choirs, ballet and musicals, as well as a Christmas market and a chocolate-restaurant.
Where: Carroponte, Via Granelli, 1
Stroll through the Village of Wonders
At the Indro Montanelli Gardens, the fantastic Village of Christmas Wonders returns from Nov. 16. The municipal park fills with rides, attractions, music, markets, skating rinks and much more to experience lighthearted moments of merriment.
Plan a trip to the Christmas markets.
What to do at Christmas in Milan? Why not consider opting for a magical out-of-town trip to discover the beautiful Christmas markets reachable by train from Milan? Lugano, Basel, Zurich and other perfect destinations. More info here.
Going to the snow in Lombardy
For those who want an escape from the city, the mountains less than two hours from Milan offer a perfect alternative. You can enjoy snowy landscapes, enjoy winter sports, snowshoeing or simply relax in an alpine atmosphere. Locations such as Bormio, Madesimo or Livigno are ideal destinations for a Christmas getaway. We have selected as many as 14 of them to go without fail.
Going to see the village among the most beautiful in northern Italy
Continuing with the outings, this time we move to the Aosta Valley where you will find one of the most beautiful villages in the North, Fontainemore. Under Christmas it becomes a crib town. Truly a gem in the midst of nature waiting to be discovered. Why not take a tour there just to oxygenate a bit and see a new place?
Listening to the Christmas Concert at the Teatro alla Scala
La Scala Theater, the temple of world opera, offers a sublime musical experience with its Christmas Concert. This year, under the baton of Maestro Daniele Gatti, you can attend a performance of Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solennelle” on Dec. 21. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in great music in a festive and solemn atmosphere.
Browse through the stores in search of the most beautiful Christmas decoration
What to do in Milan at Christmas? Have you decorated everything? Do you have everything in place? Do you like the idea of browsing around the various stores dedicated to Christmas? There are stores in the city and outside that really sell any kind of Christmas decorations. Ecliss for example, which becomes a Christmas paradise, or La Rinascente, which is worth a trip there even without buying anything for the variety of things you can see.
Ice skating on rinks around the city
Like every year, ice skating rinks arrive around the city. In addition to the two mentioned at the beginning, there are those placed around the city, such as in Piazza Gae Aulenti, Sempione Park, Central Station, Bagni Misteriosi or Piazza Città di Lombardia.
Taking a trip to Leolandia with the little ones
For families looking for beautiful places to visit at Christmas from Milan, Leolandia offers a magical experience. The amusement park is transformed into an enchanted kingdom, with Christmas-themed shows, festive parades and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. It is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with your children.
Stroll through the decorated Navigli.
The Navigli, already fascinating in itself, during the Christmas season turns into a veritable spectacle of lights and colors. Treat yourself to a romantic stroll along the canals, admiring the festive decorations reflected on the water. It is the perfect opportunity to take memorable photos with your loved ones, capturing moments of joy and sharing in a unique setting.
Participate in Santa Running 2024
For the more athletic and festive spirits, the Santa Running is a must-do event. This non-competitive run will see you hurtling through the streets of Milan dressed as Santa Claus. It is a fun and healthy way to get into the Christmas spirit, combining physical activity with collective fun. Start training now and sign up here.
Warm up with a good hot chocolate or mulled wine
What Christmas is without a good hot chocolate or a glass of hot spiced wine? The Christmas markets found in both Piazza Gae Aulenti and Duomo are perfect for mulled wine, but so are the various Christmas villages mentioned above. Besides lots of fun and things to do, there is no shortage of tasty offerings with which to delight and warm you from the winter chill. However, if you want a hot chocolate with flakes, you have to drop by Venchi, in the various stores in town, such as the one in Garibaldi or Cadorna, or by Marchesi, an iconic Milanese pastry shop, present in Galleria, Montenapoleone (where you can also go to Cova) and in Via Santa Maria alla Porta where you can also find Gay Odin nearby.
Discover the Christmas decorations in the courtyard of the Ambrosiana Library.
The historic Ambrosiana Library dresses up for Christmas, offering visitors a show of lights and decorations in its charming courtyard. This hidden corner of Milan is transformed into a magical place, where architectural beauty blends with the Christmas atmosphere, creating a perfect setting for a contemplative break from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, you can admire an emotional exhibition of nativity scenes in the dioramas inside the Crypt.
Purchase D’Om de Milan panettone.
For a unique gastronomic and cultural experience, don’t miss the opportunity to buy D’Om de Milan panettone. This specialty is not only a delicious dessert, but a real ticket to culture: each package includes two tickets to visit the Duomo Monumental Complex. A gluttonous and clever way to savor the Milanese tradition and discover one of the symbols of the city.
Admiring a work of art at Palazzo Marino
Palazzo Marino, the seat of the City Hall, is transformed into a temporary art gallery during the Christmas season. Each year, a masterpiece from other cities is displayed in the striking Sala Alessi for free. The work that Milan has chosen to host for the Christmas period is the Madonna and Child with Saints Simon and Judas, better known as the Madonna di San Simone.