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December in Milan is a time when the city transforms completely. Lights, decorations and familiar winter scents make everything feel festive. If you’ve never been there, this is the perfect moment for a trip. From mid-November until Epiphany, the whole city is in holiday mode, with events, concerts and plenty of Christmas markets everywhere.
Christmas markets are one of the main reasons people come to Milan in December. They bring together everything we associate with the season: traditions, handmade crafts and good food. Each market has its own style – from large, well-known events to smaller, cosy ones, and even full Christmas-themed parks. In this guide, I’ll take you on a short tour of the most interesting holiday attractions across the city.
Milan Christmas Markets
Below you will find a carefully prepared list of the best Christmas markets and events in Milan, which will allow you to fully experience the festive spirit of this unique city. Each of these places hides something unique, making the holidays in Milan truly magical.
Mercatino di Natale on Piazza Duomo – the main Christmas market in the heart of Milan
Na Piazza Duomo co roku ustawia się ponad 60 drewnianych chatek, które tworzą jeden z najbardziej rozpoznawalnych świątecznych jarmarków w Mediolanie.
You can walk between the stalls with a cup of hot chocolate or vin brulé, listen to street music and see the large Christmas tree set up on the square for the season. It’s a place that draws both locals and visitors every year.
What can you see at the Christmas market on Piazza Duomo?
Christmas stalls
In the stalls you’ll find handmade decorations, gifts from local artisans and regional products from different parts of Italy. It’s a good place if you’re looking for something genuinely Italian.
Santa’s House and the nativity scene
In a dedicated area you’ll find Santa’s House, where children can hand in their letters. Right next to it stands a life-size nativity scene, one of the more traditional elements of the market.
The Olympic Christmas tree – lighting ceremony
In the centre of the square stands a large tree, and its decorations change every year. For 2026, the theme highlights Olympic and Paralympic values and the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
The official lighting ceremony takes place on 6 December at 5:00 pm, the day before Milan’s patron saint celebration. St. Ambrose , the feast day of the city’s patron saint.
All of these attractions are part of the market and are open from 1 December to 6 January, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
After visiting Piazza Duomo, you can continue your walk and discover the history of the oldest Christmas market in Milan.
A trip into the past: the “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” market and the charm of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan
Jeśli Piazza Duomo kojarzy się ze świątecznym centrum miasta, to Fiera degli Oh Bej! Oh Bej! can be seen as its most traditional part. This market has a very long history – the first edition took place in 1510. The name “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!”, meaning “Oh, how lovely!”, is said to come from the reaction of children who received small gifts from the papal envoy.
The market takes place near Castello Sforzesco and has a completely different feel from the one on Piazza Duomo. It’s larger, more local and definitely louder. Around 400 exhibitors take part, and the whole event draws heavily on old city traditions.
A practical tip: it’s best to come in the morning, when it’s easier to walk between the stalls and see the market as it starts its day.
At “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” it’s worth trying firunatt – smoked chestnuts strung together, considered a symbol of the market. Alongside the food stalls you’ll find craftsmen showing traditional skills, from ironwork to classic handmade toys. It’s a place where you can do your holiday shopping and also get a closer look at local traditions.
Entry to the Fiera degli Oh Bej Oh Bej is free, making it an event accessible to all who wish to experience the authentic holiday atmosphere in Milan. The market will run from 6 to 9 December.
Villaggio delle Meraviglie – Christmas Village of Miracles
Winter fun for the whole family is starting in Milan’s Giardini Montanelli park. From mid-November until Epiphany, the Villaggio delle Meraviglie will be open there – an amusement park with a festive atmosphere.
“Villaggio delle Meraviglie” is a holiday village in Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli near Porta Venezia, where ice rinks, children’s activities, carousels and a small market appear each year. There are two large ice rinks on site – one covered and heated, the other outdoors – along with skate rental and the option to book short lessons with instructors.
Children can visit Santa’s House, meet “Mrs. Claus,” and in January also Befana, the traditional holiday witch. Throughout the day there are animations, small shows, circus acts and games led by the elves.
The village also includes the “Mercatino degli Elfi,” with decorations, handmade items, toys and a small street food area. Nearby, food stalls offer snacks and holiday sweets.
There are also carousels, small festive trains and a mini amusement area for the youngest visitors. Most zones are free to enter, and only selected attractions such as the ice rink or carousels require a ticket. Tickets can also be purchased online.
The village is pet friendly and operates from 15 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, every day from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
(24 and 31 December: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, 25 December: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm).
Santa’s House opening hours:
Weekdays: 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Weekends and the holiday period: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
24 December: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
25 December: 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Piccolo Mercatino Nordico
Piccolo Mercatino Nordico is a small Christmas market inspired by the culture of the Nordic and Baltic countries. This is its ninth edition, organised by the Invasioni Nordiche group in collaboration with the Ambrosianeum Foundation. For two days, right in the centre of Milan, you can experience a holiday atmosphere that brings together traditions from Finland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia and Lithuania.
At the stalls you’ll find handmade decorations made from natural materials, ceramics, wooden items, textiles and jewellery. There are also typical Nordic pieces such as warm sweaters, hats, wool socks and home accessories. Alongside them are stands with Nordic sweets and Christmas treats, which you can either take away or try on the spot.
For children there are art workshops such as Nordic crafts, making garlands and wreaths, simple embroidery and macramé. Most activities are free, with only the specialist workshops requiring a fee, usually around 15 € for adults and 10 € for children up to 12.
It’s a calm spot for pre-Christmas shopping and family visits. The market is small and welcoming, making it easy to find an original gift or discover some of the less familiar Nordic traditions.
It will take place on 29 – 30 November 2025, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, at the Fondazione Culturale Ambrosianeum on Via delle Ore 3, just next to the Duomo. Entry is free.
Mercatini di Natale Francesi
Every year, a French Christmas market appears on Piazza Gae Aulenti, turning this modern part of Milan into a small corner inspired by Paris. In the wooden chalets you can buy French cheeses, wines, oysters, fresh bread, sweets like macarons and crêpes, as well as Provençal textiles, perfumes from Grasse and small handmade items.
In the evenings there are wine tastings and small meetings with the exhibitors, and you can hear French Christmas songs in the background. In some years there is also an oyster and champagne corner, a seasonal ice rink and light installations that fit well with the surroundings of Porta Nuova and the Bosco Verticale.
At the market you can try French specialties, pick up small gifts and walk among the holiday lights in a more international atmosphere than at the traditional Milan Christmas markets.
The market is open from the end of November 2025 until 6 January 2026, usually from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Entry is free.
Wunder MRKT – Christmas edition
The Christmas edition of Wunder MRKT takes place at Spirit de Milan, a former factory turned into a characterful meeting space. In December, on three consecutive Sundays, the market brings together more than a hundred exhibitors from across Italy: handmade creators, designers, upcycling brands, vintage sellers and collectors of vinyl and posters. It’s a good place to find an unusual gift, from ceramics and illustrations to clothing, jewellery or small furniture.
One of the highlights of the event is the music. Throughout the day there are jazz, swing and Christmas concerts, while the evenings end with DJ sets and open jam sessions. The industrial setting of Spirit de Milan, with its ivy-covered courtyard and lights hanging overhead, gives the whole event a unique atmosphere.
There is a food area offering Lombard dishes and classic holiday snacks, from risotto alla milanese to panettone. Children have their own small corner with simple workshops and activities, and young design brands often present their new collections here.
The event takes place on 7, 14 and 21 December 2025, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, at Via Bovisasca 57/59 in the Bovisa district. Entry is free.
Other Christmas events in Milan
Artigiano in Fiera – Artistic Craft Festival in Milan
Artigianato in Fiera is an international craft exhibition now reaching its 29th edition. It showcases items from many parts of the world, including home decor, fashion, design and everyday objects. The aim is to highlight originality, quality and authentic craftsmanship from around the globe. The event also focuses on natural materials and more sustainable production methods.
It brings together nearly 3,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries. People often say it feels like “seeing the world in one day.” Besides crafts and home products, you’ll find a full range of food, from international dishes to Italian specialties perfect for holiday meals.
It takes place at Fieramilano Rho, about 20 minutes from the city centre. The event runs from 6 to 14 December 2025, every day from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm. Entry is free, and you only need to register online in advance.
Tram Storico with Babbo Natale – the Christmas Tram
The Christmas Tram with Santa is one of Milan’s most charming holiday events. It’s a ride on a 1920s historic tram decorated for the season. The route starts at Via Cesare Cantù 3, right next to the M1 Cordusio station by Piazza Duomo.
During the 45-minute route, the tram passes through the city centre: Piazza Duomo, Piazza Castello, Brera and Cordusio. On board, children meet Babbo Natale and the elves, who lead simple games, sing Christmas songs and hand out a small gift to each child. Seeing the city after dark adds a nice festive touch to the ride.
It’s an attraction mainly for families with children, but it will also appeal to anyone who enjoys Milan’s historic trams and city architecture. Booking is online only, places are limited and tickets usually sell out quickly. You can change the date up to eight days before the ride. Bring something warm to drink.
Green Christmas – Fonderia Napoleonica Eugenia (Isola)
Green Christmas is a holiday market focused on eco-friendly and sustainable products. It takes place in the historic Fonderia Napoleonica Eugenia, a former foundry in the Isola district, which gives the event its industrial atmosphere. This is the 12th edition, known for its well-curated list of exhibitors and its consistent, environmentally minded approach.
At the fair you’ll find fashion inspired by slow design: clothing, jewellery and accessories made from recycled materials, natural fibres or production leftovers. The design section includes decorations, ceramics and everyday items made from wood, glass and plant-based materials. A large part of the offer focuses on natural cosmetics such as soaps, creams, candles and perfumes, all handmade from certified ingredients. There are also eco-friendly toys and small gifts for children.
The fair promotes a circular economy and local craftsmanship. Many products are made specifically for this weekend using materials given a second life. The programme also includes short educational workshops and zero-waste demonstrations. It attracts families, people looking for responsible gifts and fans of sustainable design.
Green Christmas will take place on 14 – 15 December 2025, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, at Via Thaon di Revel 21. Entry is free.
Banco di Garabombo
Banco di Garabombo is the largest covered fair trade market in Europe. For 28 years it has appeared in Milan before Christmas as a place for ethical holiday shopping. The large tent, covering about 400 square metres, stands right next to the M1 Pagano metro station, making it easy to reach.
The market offers a wide selection of organic and fair trade products: certified coffee, cocoa, spices, honey, pasta, olive oil, sweets and teas from around the world. A distinctive feature here is the range of “anti-mafia” goods, produced in areas reclaimed from criminal organisations, as well as items made by Italian social cooperatives. There is also a “bio-cantina” with craft wines and beers.
In addition to food, you’ll find ethical fashion, jewellery, accessories, natural-fibre textiles, ceramics and upcycled items. The cosmetics section focuses on natural and organic products. It’s a good place for gifts, from ceramics and candles to books and children’s items.
The market runs from 31 October 2025 to 6 January 2026, every day from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, on Via Mario Pagano. Entry is free.
Christmas Trees in Milan
Christmas trees in Milan, though often overshadowed by Christmas markets, are an integral part of the city’s holiday landscape. In the center of Milan, especially in Piazza Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, these majestic trees not only decorate but also tell stories of creativity, art, and culture. Each Christmas tree, from the monumental ones to smaller but equally captivating installations in different corners of the city, has its own unique character and story.
The Christmas tree on Piazza Duomo
The main Christmas tree in Milan is set up every year on Piazza Duomo and marks the start of the holiday season. In 2025 it will be a 27-metre spruce from Folgarida, an area located at about 1,300 metres above sea level. The tree is around 120 years old and was selected because it had become unstable and needed to be removed. Instead of discarding it, the city chose to give it new life as Milan’s central Christmas tree.
This year’s decorations are inspired by the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The tree will feature Olympic-themed ornaments, including the mascots Tina and Milo. The official lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 December 2025 at 5:00 pm. At the base of the tree there will also be a small activity area created together with partners such as Coca-Cola and Samsung.
The Christmas tree in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The second most famous Christmas tree is set up in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In 2025 it will be sponsored by Dior Parfums, with decorations in the elegant gold style the brand is known for. The tree will stand more than 14 metres tall and will be adorned with around 1,900 elements, including decorative flowers and Dior’s signature star.
Holiday lights will also illuminate the central part of the gallery, in the well-known Ottagono. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on 4 December at 6:30 pm.
Christmas trees in other parts of Milan
In addition to the two main trees, a total of 27 Christmas trees will be placed across the city as part of the holiday lights. Some of them, also sponsored by Dior Parfums, will appear in selected locations managed by the municipal districts.
Christmas trees will be placed in several areas, including Piazza della Scala, Piazza San Babila, Piazza Modotti, Via Giacosa, Piazza Cordusio, near Teatro Arcimboldi, as well as Piazzale Archinto, Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Olivetti and Largo La Foppa. Spreading them across different districts means the festive atmosphere will be felt not only in the city centre but also in more local neighbourhoods.
What else is there to do in Milan during the holiday season?
Ice skating – rinks in Milan (winter 2025/2026)
During the winter season, several ice rinks appear across Milan, but two of them are considered the most reliable and popular: the large rink at Villaggio delle Meraviglie and Gae Aulenti On Ice. The other locations often depend on confirmation from organisers, but they’re still worth keeping in mind.
Ice rinks at Villaggio delle Meraviglie (Porta Venezia)
The ice rink in Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli is one of the main attractions of the Villaggio delle Meraviglie. It is partly covered and heated, so you can skate even when the weather isn’t ideal. Lessons with an instructor are available on site. Entry to the village is free, while the rink itself is paid. It operates from mid-November 2025 until 6 January 2026.
Next to the main rink there is also a smaller, covered one designed for young children. It’s mainly for kids up to about eight years old (or beginners up to ten), always with a parent present. It’s a good place for a first try on the ice.
Gae Aulenti On Ice (Porta Nuova)
The ice rink on Piazza Gae Aulenti covers about 600 m² and operates from November 2025 to February 2026. It sits among the Porta Nuova skyscrapers, giving it a very urban, modern feel. In December, a Christmas market takes place right next to it. Entry is paid, roughly 10 euros with skate rental included.
Piazza Città di Lombardia (Palazzo della Regione)
There is also a winter ice rink next to the Regional Palace. It’s a regular location, though smaller in scale than Porta Venezia or Gae Aulenti.
Villa Litta (Affori)
In past years, a large ice rink was part of the “Natale in Villa Litta” event at Viale Affori 21. The organisers are expected to confirm the 2025 edition.
Bagni Misteriosi (Porta Romana)
A seasonal ice rink often appears at Bagni Misteriosi. It’s one of the more atmospheric spots, with a winter setting that fits well with the character of this historic complex.
San Babila, Sempione and Duca d’Aosta
Ice rinks are also planned in three busy locations: Piazza San Babila, Piazza Sempione and Piazza Duca d’Aosta in front of the main station. Final confirmation usually comes closer to the start of the season.
A walk along the canals
Navigli, one of Milan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, which has regained its former splendor in recent years, becomes even more enchanting during the holiday season. Illuminated by thousands of lights, it creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Until January 6, Darsena transforms into a Christmas village, full of events, stalls, colorful lights, and street food. It’s a place you should definitely visit to feel the unique holiday mood of Milan.
Panettone tasting
During a holiday stay in Milan, you shouldn’t miss the chance to try panettone, the traditional Italian Christmas cake that was born in this very city. Panettone is considered a symbol of Christmas across Italy, and knowing it originated in Milan gives it an even stronger local touch.
This fluffy, aromatic pastry, filled with candied fruits and raisins, is not only a taste but also part of a rich Milanese tradition. Tasting panettone in one of Milan’s historic pastry shops is an experience that combines taste with cultural heritage, an integral part of the holiday celebrations in this unique city.
Not only shopping
Milan during the holiday season is not just about shopping; it’s a time when the city feels alive, and everyone can share in the joy, community spirit and winter warmth. Whether you live here or are visiting for the first time, the Christmas markets in Milan are something you shouldn’t miss. I invite you to join this festive journey and celebrate the best parts of the season together – joy, togetherness and a bit of magic. Buon Natale!
I lived in Milan for 18 years, and it was there that I came to know the city’s daily life best - not just its landmarks, but also its rhythm, its habits, and its less obvious sides. Today I live in Wrocław, but I still return to Milan regularly.