Christmas in Milan – Top Tips for Visiting Milan at Christmas (By a Local!)

Planning to visit Milan at Christmas time, but not sure what to expect? You’ve come to the right place!

I was born in Milan and have lived there until the age of 18. Even after I moved away, I still used to come back to Milan for Christmas, as my whole family lives there.

As such, it’s safe to say I know a fair bit about spending Christmas in Milan. In this article, I have put together everything you need to know about spending the festive season in the City of Fashion.

Including the best things to do in Milan during the Christmas period, as well as logistical tips like how to get around, what weather to expect, what traditional Christmas dishes to try and much more!

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and start planning your perfect Christmas trip to Milan!

Weather in Milan at Christmas

If someone told you winter in Italy is temperate and it’s a great winter sun destination, it’s most definitely not Milan that they’re thinking about.

In Milan in December, temperatures are typically cold. The average daily temperature for the northern Italian city sits around 4°C, with highs not reaching any higher than 7°C, and lows of 1°C.

Needless to say, this is a cold time of the year! It can feel pretty gloomy, too, with a lot of rain and cloud cover.

Daylight hours are shorter during this time of year. Sunrise is around 7:45AM and the sun sets at around 4:40PM, making for approximately 9 hours of sunlight.

Rain also makes an appearance during the month of December in Milan, with around 3 to 8 days affected by showers throughout the month. On average, 42mm of rainfall is expected for December.

You’ll need to bring an umbrella and some warm clothing to keep that cold at bay. It may even snow during your visit (but that’s totally a plus, as Milan under a blanket of snow is simply magical!)

But with all of that winter weather, it’s the perfect backdrop to a cosy Christmas in Milan. There’s no better way to spend your December in this northerly city than seeing the city come alive in festive cheer!

Milano Christmas period

Obviously we all know when Christmas is (25th of December!), but apart from this main event, there are other dates in the calendar for Milan during the Christmas period.

Decorations and attractions may start popping up around town as early as November, as the city gears up to enter festive mode.

But officially, the city of Milan starts the Christmas celebrations on the 7th of December with the Feast of Sant’Ambrogio, the patron saint of Milan.

The celebration is often marked by a long weekend that Italians call a Ponte (The Bridge), with special masses held across the city. The famous market, Fiera degli Obei Obei, takes place from the 7th to the 11th of December. 

Christmas then goes on right up until La Befana, observed on the 6th of January. So if you feel like spending a merry Christmas in Milan, you can do so for almost an entire month!

Best things to do in Milan at Christmas

See the Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo

Christmas officially kicks off on the 7th of December in Milan. It’s on this date that the impressive Christmas tree outside the city’s main landmark cathedral in the Piazza Duomo is lit up in all its glory.

This tree looks particularly magnificent on the backdrop of the cathedral. It usually stands 25 metres high and in the past has been decorated with 80,000 lights, 800 baubles, and 60 bows.

Visiting Piazza del Duomo is a must-see on any Milan itinerary, regardless of the season, but at Christmas time when the square is lit up with that beautiful Christmas tree, it becomes even more alive.

See the Christmas tree in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The other impressive Milan Christmas tree can be found not far from the Duomo, in the city’s landmark Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

Soaring elegantly towards the famous shopping mall’s glass atrium, the tree brings some real festive cheer to shopping in Milan at that time of year.

It’s 12 metres high and is amazingly decorated with Swarovski crystals, thousands of lights, and crowned with a star.

See some of the main sights without the crowds

It may not be Christmassy, but this time of year is actually a good chance to see some of Milan’s top sights without the crowds that usually go with it.

The city may be busy, but that’s the locals shopping and getting ready for Christmas.

Winter in Milan is the low season, so you’ll be able to tick off the city’s most famous attractions from your Italy bucket list – like the Duomo, Cenacolo and more – with far fewer queues than at other times of year.

A great way to get around at Christmas is by hopping on the city’s historic tram; choose either tramline 1 or 2, and you’ll be taken through the historic streets of the city.

The public tram regularly stops, and these two lines specifically pass near important sights, and you’ll get to see Milan lit up for the holiday season along the way!

Even if you’re visiting at Christmas, and the tourist crowds are smaller, you should still purchase entrance tickets for attractions online beforehand. The queues might be smaller, but it’s pretty cold outside!

You don’t want to waste any more time than you need to standing outside in the cold, maybe even under the rain! Save yourself the hassle, and purchase your entrance tickets or tours below, and skip the queues.

Fast Track Milan Cathedral & Terraces Guided Tour – Visit the Duomo Cathedral and its beautiful rooftop with a local guide and fast track entrance!

Click here to purchase your fast track entrance to Milan Cathedral and its roof terraces!

Da Vinci’s Last Supper Tour – Discover one of the most famous and beautiful pieces of art in Italy with this tour of Da Vinci’s Last Supper!

Check out prices and availability for your Last Supper tour!

La Scala Theatre & Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket – La Scala is the most famous theatre in Milan, this tour gives you the opportunity to discover it without the crowds.

Click here to purchase your entrance ticket to La Scala Theater & Museum!

Explore the best Christmas markets in Milan

Christmas markets in Milan are the best places to get whipped up in the festive spirit of the city. The most famous of these is Mercatino di Natale and can be found in the Piazza del Duomo.

Here you’ll find over 60 huts and stalls selling a variety of Christmas gifts, decorations, and crafts. There’s also a wide selection of food on sale, representing different regions of the country.

This market takes place from late November to early January. Other markets can be found across the city, such as at Piazza Gae Aulenti.

See the Christmas decorations and beautiful lights

One way to really get into the festive spirit when you’re in Milan at Christmas is to simply wander around taking in the city’s decorations.

In every piazza and shopping street you’ll find strings of lights, Christmas trees, and plenty of shining ornaments, painting the city in all colours of the holiday season.

Regardless of whether you’re visiting Milan as part of a longer Italy itinerary, or just as a festive weekend getaway, discovering its streets lit up for the holidays is always a must-see.

Go ice skating

One of the best ways to spend your Milan Christmas is to go ice skating.

In fact, even if you’re not in Milan for actual Christmas, you’ll be able to enjoy a spot of ice skating as these attractions open usually around late November.

One ice skating rink opens up at Piazza Gae Aulenti, but an arguably more charming spot is at the Giardini di Porta Venezia.

One particularly cool place to go ice skating is at the Daresena Ice Rink, which is near Navigli, meaning you can go ice skating and then finish up your evening with a few drinks in this canal district.

Other ice skating options include Largo Beltrami, where you get to zip around on the ice with Sforza Castle illuminated as the backdrop.

There’s also Bagni Misteriosi, which is a nice option if you’re a beginner or travelling with children.

If you want to try more winter snow sports, don’t forget that Milan is just a few hours drive away from the mountains, some stunning lakes and some of the best ski resorts in Italy!

If your Milan itinerary is quite long, it might be worth getting out of the city.

Explore Navigli 

Milan’s famous Navigli, the city’s canal district, is well known for its nightlife. This vibrant neighbourhood with its man-made waterways boasts layers of history, with storied buildings lining the waterside. 

This canal district has become synonymous with having an aperitivo – a pre-dinner drink – and no matter what time of year you head there, you’re sure to see the best of Milan at night and have a good time.

But over the Christmas period, Navigli bursts into festive life, with decorations, lights, and plenty of Christmas market stalls.

The tiny bars and restaurants here transform into cosy hangouts, so wrap up warm and take a stroll along the water’s edge, joining the locals to dine on cheese boards and red wine. Sounds pretty festive to me!

Shop at the Obei Obei Christmas fair

The Fiera degli Obei Obei (also known as Oh Bej Oh Bej) takes place in front of Castello Sforzesco for several days from Sant’Ambrogio Day (7th of December).

It’s Milan’s Christmas market by definition, as well as one of the biggest markets in Milan. It’s also perfect if you’re not in Milan for actual Christmas, but want to experience some of the seasonal joy for yourself.

This traditional Christmas market has a long history; though it has its roots in 1288, this particular type of fair or market dates back to 1510.

This fun Milan Christmas market is a unique event where you find everything from food to locally made toys.

Eat delicious local food

If you’re in Milan during Christmas, one thing you should definitely do is try some local food.

You may already associate Christmas in Italy with the panettone, a Christmas cake (more of a sweet bread), which is originally from Milan. However, there’s another Christmas cake, the pandoro, which is from Verona.

Some Italians opt for panettone for their Christmas dinner; others say it’s all about the pandoro instead. Either way, both are delicious and can be found at Milan’s traditional bakeries.

Personally, I’m a team pandoro fan. For me, the Christmas holidays don’t really start until I’ve had some pandoro for breakfast!

Other foods to look out for when you’re spending Christmas in Milan include roasted chestnuts, a typical wintry street food, and ravioli served in a warming broth.

Lenticchie e cotechino (pork sausage and lentils) is typically eaten at New Year’s Eve, supposedly to bring good luck for the new year. Homely and hearty is the order of the day.

See a show at La Scala

Milan’s famous opera house, La Scala, provides the perfect venue for a Christmas celebration.

This luxurious concert hall, which opened its doors back in 1788, plays host to a selection of ballets, operas, and concerts throughout the Christmas period.

One of the highlights of the theatre’s seasonal offerings is the Christmas Concert, a special event that sees a medley of classic pieces of music brought to life in this storied setting.

The concert is so famous that it’s shown on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day across Italy.

It’s definitely something you should do if you’re a fan of music and spending Christmas in Milan – but make sure to book your tickets way in advance as it’s super popular.

Should you visit Milan at Christmas?

Definitely! Visiting Milan in winter is already a great idea if you’re looking to see the city with fewer tourists clogging up the city’s famous sites.

So if you’re already thinking of visiting in the off season, Christmas is the time to pinpoint your trip.

It’s a beautiful time of year: the city comes alive, people are busy Christmas shopping, meeting with friends and family, food becomes even more of a focus than it is already… The perfect recipe to forget the cold weather!

It’s obviously not the idyllic Italy summer trip, when you can visit some awesome beaches near Milan, but it’s still a magical time of year, where you can make the most of the fewer crowds and cheaper prices.

Where to stay in Milan at Christmas time

Choosing where to stay in Milan can be tricky, since there are so many amazing properties all over the city. I have listed below some options for every budget.

Budget: Ostello Bello – There are two hostels of this chain around Milan and both are good budget options, with a lively atmosphere, spacious dorms and convenient central locations.

Click here to book your stay at Ostello Bello in Milano!

Mid-range: Ibis Milano Centro – Part of the Ibis chain, this is a good mid-range hotel, with a guaranteed standard of room set up and a great central location.

Check out prices and availability for Ibis Milano Centro here!

Luxury: Galleria Vik Milano – If your Italy travel budget allows for it, this is the place to be. It’s a fantastic property at any time of year, but with its position inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and direct views of the beautiful Christmas tree, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself to a magical stay.

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Galleria Vik Milano here!

What to pack for Christmas in Milan

Besides the usual travel essentials and whatever is already on your Italy packing list, there aren’t many specific items to pack for Christmas in Milan.

It’s a good idea to bring plenty of layers. That way you can stay warm when you’re outside, but strip off a layer or two when you head indoors where there’s heating.

A good pair of shoes, ideally with some level of waterproofing, will help for when you’re strolling around sightseeing or shopping.

Considering the rain you’re very likely to encounter in Milan, bringing along a raincoat and an umbrella is also a good idea.

Besides clothing, some useful accessories you can pack are a refillable water bottle, so you can refill at the water fountains dotted around the city. Not only does this save money, but it saves on plastic too.

I always suggest also bringing a power bank, so that you can ensure your phone is always charged and ready to go, both to map your way around the city and snap gorgeous photos of it!

Also, don’t forget to purchase your Italy travel insurance before setting off on your trip! You don’t want a travel mishap to ruin your Milan Christmas trip.

Final thoughts on spending Christmas in Milan 

There you have it, the ultimate guide to visiting Milan at Christmas! Have you been to Milan before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

I’m originally from Milan, so I’m obviously biased in my opinions about this city, but I genuinely believe it’s one of the most beautiful places in Italy during the Christmas season.

The already stunning architecture is made even more unique by the Christmas lights and decorations dotted around the city. Add to it the festive cheer and atmosphere, and you have a winner!

If you have a longer Italy itinerary and are spending a while in Milan, you could even get out of the city, like on a day trip to Lake Como (or maybe even spend 3 days in Lake Como!) and enjoy the Christmas spirit in other Northern Italy destinations.

I hope you have found this guide useful in planning your Christmas trip to Milan. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed reading about my Milan Christmas? Pin it!