Table Of Contents
- Acquaworld's Aquatic Christmas Village
- Candlelight Concert: Milan illuminated by a thousand candles
- Hot spa with a skyline view
- A journey over space
- Afternoons at the coziest literary cafes
- Experience a real trial: The Jury Experience
- "Hot" aperitifs in winter cocktail bars
- Winter snacks in iconic pastry shops
- Covered shopping at CityLife Shopping District
- Soft stroll in the parks-if the snow really comes
The latest snow forecast for Milan speaks for itself: temperatures will drop sharply in the coming days, with a new pulse of arctic air arriving from Friday, according to 3Bmeteo.
The cold front will bring showers, some more intense phenomena and the possibility of rain mixed with snow on the plains, although-at least for now-real flakes are expected only between 300 and 600 meters above sea level.
In the city we may have to make do with a few quick sprinkles, but the weather will still be perfect for experiencing a “Milanese-style” winter weekend of lights, events, art, unusual experiences and warmth (strictly indoor).
And since when it comes to things to do in Milan when it snows the imagination often gets stuck, here is a curated list of activities-original, warm, romantic, fun-that turn the cold into an occasion.
Acquaworld’s Aquatic Christmas Village
Ten kilometers of lights wrapping around pools heated to 30-31 degrees, giant illuminated slides and Christmas decorations flush with the water. This is Acquaworld’s Christmas Village Acquatico, the first and only one in Italy. Here you can experience the most beautiful contrast of winter: outside frost and snow, inside tropical atmosphere and Christmas trees up to 5 meters high.
Plus, on December 20 comes the Christmas Foam Party, with DJ sets and snow made of foam. A great plan for families, couples and groups of friends.
Candlelight Concert: Milan illuminated by a thousand candles
If the cold is biting and you want to take refuge in an intimate atmosphere, a Candlelight Concert is among the most romantic activities to do in winter as a couple. Held in historic locations such as Spazio FIlippetti or Casa Cardinale Ildefonso Schuster, these concerts reinterpret classical music, soundtracks, pop and rock amidst a sea of LED candles.
The experience is perfect even when it’s snowing outside: it feels like being inside a movie.
Hot spa with a skyline view
One of the most enjoyable winter activities to do is to retreat to a spa, preferably a scenic one. Several facilities in the Porta Nuova and Repubblica areas offer outdoor hot pools, whirlpools and saunas with skyline views. Among the most striking options is definitely Milano Verticale | UNA Esperienze, a contemporary hotel in the heart of Porta Nuova, with suites offering panoramic terraces overlooking the skyline and the Alpine arc, complete with private Jacuzzi. When it snows, it’s a crazy experience: steam, city lights and falling flakes.
A journey over space
Is it snowing outside and cold? Take it and get a 360-degree immersion in space with Space Dreamers, more than 18 installations await you to enjoy with family, friends and colleagues. More info and tickets here.
Afternoons at the coziest literary cafes
Milan in winter is at its best in its café-libraries. From Ècate to Long Song Books & Café, via Bokok and La Feltrinelli Café, you can spend hours reading, working, chatting and… watching the snow fall.
Experience a real trial: The Jury Experience
At the Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster House, you can participate in The Jury Experience, an immersive theater show where the audience becomes a jury. It is a courtroom drama built like a real trial, with professional actors, interrogators and twists and turns.
It lasts about 90 minutes and works great as an idea for something to do on a Saturday night with friends in the winter. Intriguing, different than usual, perfect when it’s cold outside and maybe already snowing.
“Hot” aperitifs in winter cocktail bars
Many Milanese bars already prepare real winter menus in November: mulled wine, hot toddies, gourmet chocolates, spicy cocktails served steaming hot .From Eppol to Moebius, via Rita & Cocktails, you can discover an extremely cozy Milan, far from the typical hustle and bustle of the city. An idea for a winter plan, perfect for couples and friends.
Winter snacks in iconic pastry shops
When it’s freezing outside, Milan responds with sweets that warm the soul. At Marchesi you’ll find panettone as per tradition, at Pavé buttery brioche that perfumes the whole place, while Clivati and Giulia churn out winter cakes, velvety mousses and dense hot chocolates to be eaten almost with a spoon. Perfect for a sweet, rejuvenating break after a stomach-opening walk in cold temperatures.
Covered shopping at CityLife Shopping District
If the cold is biting but the urge to shop won’t go away, CityLife is the solution. Zaha Hadid’s futuristic architecture houses a two-level shopping mall that is completely indoor. You can stroll through fashion, design and technology stores without suffering the elements. And if it stops raining or snowing, you can go out into the surrounding park to admire the skyscrapers (the Straight, the Crooked, and the Curved) soaring up, perhaps shrouded in typical Milanese fog, creating a sci-fi movie scenario.
Soft stroll in the parks-if the snow really comes
If the flakes come down, even for just half an hour, Milan’s parks become magical: Parco Sempione, Biblioteca degli Alberi, Montanelli, Villa Litta . Going to photograph the snow-covered city is one of the easiest and most beautiful experiences of winter, especially in the early morning hours.