Location: Milan, Italy
Great for: Singles, Couples, Groups, Families, and Honeymoons
Milan is considered one of Italy's most stylish cities and, of course, on fashionista's must-see lists. However, Milan is for everyone and at Christmas, Milan transforms into a magical place with it's many charming Christmas markets. If you're traveling to Milan this holiday season, here's a guide to a few Christmas markets you shouldn't miss. I've included dates if available, and what you should buy at each market.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Market
One of the oldest and most iconic Christmas markets in Milan, Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (meaning "Oh Beautiful! Oh Beautiful!" in the Milanese) dates back to the 16th century. Located around the historic Sforza Castle, this market celebrates the city's rich history with over 400 stalls selling everything from handmade gifts, toys, and local delicacies like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Don’t miss the opportunity to buy traditional Milanese sweets like panettone or torrone to take home as souvenirs.
Location: Piazza Castello (around Sforza Castle)
Dates: December 5 - December 8, 2024
Must-Buy:
Traditional Milanese treats like panettone or torrone
Handmade crafts
Vintage collectibles.
Milan Cathedral Christmas Market
Situated right at the heart of Milan, in the iconic Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral provides an amazing backdrop! Here you’ll find stalls brimming with Christmas ornaments, hand-painted ceramics, and high-quality leather goods. The food stalls are filled with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and delicious baked goods—perfect gifts for food lovers.
Location: Piazza del Duomo
Dates: November 25, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Must-Buy:
Artisanal gifts
Christmas ornaments and decorations
Gourmet Italian food.
Leather goods
Artigiano in Fiera
Artigiano in Fiera is not just a Christmas market but a massive international craft fair that attracts visitors from all over the world. This market showcases artisans from all corners of the globe, offering unique handmade products such as jewelry, clothing, home decor, and more. The event spans several days and offers a fantastic opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while exploring international cuisines. Make sure to check out the regional Italian stalls, where you can find specialty foods like truffle-infused oils and wines from local vineyards.
Location: Fiera Milano (Rho)
Dates: November 30, 2024 - December 8, 2024
Must-Buy:
Handcrafted goods from around the world, regional Italian delicacies.
Porta Venezia Christmas Market
Located in the bustling shopping district of Corso Buenos Aires, the Porta Venezia Christmas Market is know
own for its focus on fashion and lifestyle goods. This market is a great place to shop for high-quality Italian winter wear, scarves, and accessories. Food vendors also offer holiday treats like nougat and Italian pastries, making it an ideal spot to grab gifts and fuel up on festive snacks while shopping.
Location: Corso Buenos Aires
Dates: December 1, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Must-Buy:
Clothing, accessories, and local holiday snacks.
👨👩👧👦Villaggio delle Meraviglie
The "Village of Wonders" is a family-friendly Christmas market located in the Indro Montanelli Gardens, a large public park. Include these gardens in any trip to Milan but at Christmas, it's a must as a family friendly market with childrens activities. It features an ice skating rink, amusement rides, and entertainment for children, making it perfect for a family day out. While here, you’ll find stalls selling toys, handcrafted children’s gifts, and a wide array of Christmas decorations. Don’t forget to pick up some charming Christmas-themed souvenirs to remember your visit.
Location: Giardini Indro Montanelli
Dates: November 25, 2024 - January 7, 2025
Must-Buy:
Toys
Hand crafted children’s gifts
Christmas decorations
Christmas-themed souvenirs.
Bonus Tip: What to Eat at Milan Christmas Markets
No visit to a Milan Christmas market is complete without trying a few, if not many, of the local holiday treats. Here are a few to try:
Savory Delights
Panettone:Milan’s signature Christmas cake, soft and fluffy, studded with raisins and candied fruit. Look for artisanal versions at the markets.
Pandoro: A star-shaped, golden sponge cake dusted with powdered sugar. A simpler alternative to panettone, often served with mascarpone cream.
Polenta Taragna: A hearty dish made with a mix of cornmeal and buckwheat flour, often served with melted cheese or a rich meat sauce.
Cotechino and Lentils: A festive Italian sausage paired with lentils, symbolizing luck and prosperity for the new year.
Grilled Sausages and Polenta: Found sizzling on open grills, these pair perfectly with a glass of mulled wine.
Casoncelli: A type of stuffed pasta, often found at food stalls serving warm traditional dishes.
Sweet Treats
Struffoli: Small, deep-fried dough balls coated in honey and topped with sprinkles, perfect for snacking. (A personal favorite growing up)
Torrone (Nougat): A chewy or crunchy treat made with almonds, honey, and sugar, sometimes dipped in chocolate.
Castagnaccio: A chestnut flour cake often enriched with raisins, pine nuts, and rosemary.
Chocolates and Pralines: Artisanal chocolates, including truffles and gianduja (hazelnut chocolate), are widely available.
Drinks
Vin Brulé (Mulled Wine): A warming spiced wine, perfect for cold evenings.
Bombardino: A rich, hot drink made with eggnog liqueur and brandy, often topped with whipped cream.
Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate): Thick and velvety, often served with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Local Specialties
Risotto Alla Milanese: Golden saffron risotto, sometimes offered in smaller, easy-to-eat portions for market-goers.
Frittelle: Fried dough balls, sometimes filled with custard or jam.
From the historical charm of Oh Bej! Oh Bej! to the international flavor of Artigiano in Fiera, Milan’s Christmas markets offer a unique shopping experience, delicious treats, and a festive atmosphere. Be sure to include these markets on your next winter trip to Milan and take home a piece of Milanese holiday magic.
Note: It is always best to check dates and markets and they may change.
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