What will the Advent markets be like in Milan this year? Program and important information in one place

Would you like to spice up your pre-Christmas season by visiting a place where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly? Do you like history, art, fashion, and good food?

The Christmas markets in Milan will not disappoint you. It will amaze all your senses.

When and where are they held? We will tell you everything in the following lines.

Advent Markets in Milan

Milan’s Christmas markets are among the largest and most visited in Italy.

Every year, many visitors (not only from various Italian regions but also from neighboring countries) do not miss them.

Milan at Christmas has an incredible atmosphere you will immediately fall in love with. Christmas decorations, lights, and the smell of typical Italian Christmas delicacies await you.

In addition, the Christmas markets in Milan are held in impressive historical settings, a short distance from famous monuments such as the famous Gothic cathedral Duomo or the La Scala Opera.

Piazza Duomo Christmas market

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Milan Christmas Market, a beloved Italian tradition.

Explore over 60 market huts nestled around the breathtaking Duomo, filled with a delightful array of Christmas treasures. From handcrafted ornaments and baubles to nativity scenes and Befana stockings, you’ll find everything to deck your halls with holiday cheer.

This vibrant market is a celebration of culture, tradition, and taste. Discover the artistry of artisans from various Italian regions as they create and showcase their unique wares.

A Taste of Italy’s Christmas Delights: Milan’s Piazza del Duomo Market

The “Mercatino di Natale” in Piazza Duomo is the most famous and largest Christmas market in Milan.

Imagine strolling through a festive wonderland, the majestic Duomo towering above, while the aroma of roasted chestnuts and sweet panettone fills the air. That’s the magic of Milan’s Christmas market in Piazza del Duomo.

A Culinary Journey

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through Italy’s diverse culinary landscape. Sample decadent chocolate pralines from Piedmont, savor the sweetness of Cremona’s nougat and indulge in the delightful confectionery from Campania. Discover the rich flavors of cheeses from Lombardy and Piedmont, and try the unique specialties from Bergamo and Umbria.

Don’t miss the Tyrolean delights, with their iconic pretzels and an array of candied and dried fruits, dates, chestnuts, saffron, and honey. And of course, no Italian Christmas market would be complete without a wide selection of typical sweets like panettone and pandoro, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Festive Fun and Entertainment

Beyond the culinary delights, the market offers a festive atmosphere with daily entertainment. Enjoy live music and theatrical performances while you shop for handcrafted gifts and admire the artistry of local artisans.

The Perfect Backdrop

The magnificent Duomo provides a breathtaking setting for this charming market. The combination of the stunning architecture, the festive lights, and the joyful atmosphere creates a truly magical experience.

Experience the Magic

Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, indulging in delicious treats, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, the Milan Christmas market in Piazza del Duomo is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season. It’s a feast for the senses, a celebration of Italian culture, and an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Family Fun & Festive Cheer

Bring the whole family for a day of fun! Enjoy engaging workshops, exciting entertainment for kids, and heartwarming charity initiatives. The Milan Christmas Market has something for everyone to enjoy!

Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market

The traditional fair around the Castello Sforzesco.

In the heart of Milan, a centuries-old tradition bursts to life each December. The “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” Christmas market, a beloved institution since the 16th century, fills the historic Brera district with festive cheer and the irresistible aromas of traditional Milanese treats.

The market’s name, a joyful exclamation in the Milanese dialect, perfectly captures the spirit of celebration that permeates the air. Wander through streets adorned with twinkling lights and festive garlands, and discover a treasure trove of delights at the charming stalls.

Feast on Tradition

Indulge in the iconic flavors of Milan, from the airy sweetness of Panettone to the nutty crunch of Torrone. Sip on steaming mugs of mulled wine and other warming beverages as you browse the handcrafted treasures, jewelry, and antiques on offer.

A Cultural Kaleidoscope

Beyond shopping and feasting, the “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” market is a vibrant celebration of Milanese culture. Enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance, and witness colorful processions and parades honoring the city’s patron saint, Saint Ambrose.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” market offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to step back in time, immerse yourself in Milanese traditions, and create lasting memories during the most wonderful time of the year.

The program of the Christmas market

On more than 25,000 m2 of the exhibition area around the Sforzesco Castle, there are approximately three hundred exhibitors, who allow lovers of Christmas markets to rediscover the authentic atmosphere of the past. Approximately two-thirds of the exhibitors are an expression of the Milanese tradition.

The specialty of this fair, which the locals call the traditional fair of St. Ambrose after the patron saint of Milan, is also a variety of gastronomic specialties. Visitors can also buy various decorations, accessories, handmade leather goods, scarves, and other gifts.

The unusual name of this Milanese Advent market, “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!”, is believed to originate from the delighted exclamations of Milanese children upon receiving gifts from the papal envoy, Giannetto Castiglione, during his 1510 visit.

This Lombard expression, roughly translating to “Oh, so beautiful! Oh, so beautiful!” in Italian, perfectly captures the spirit of joy and wonder that this market evokes even today.

Christmas Village of Miracles in Milan

The program of the village in Giardini di Porta Venezia

Since 2008, the Giardini Pubblici, named after the journalist Indro Montanelli, has hosted “Il Villaggio delle Meraviglie” or The Village of Miracles with an unmissable Christmas market and many activities for adults and children that take place in a magical atmosphere among centuries-old trees.

This year’s novelties will include a snowflake carousel, an elf farm, and for lovers of the social world, the “white elf social corner”.

Entrance to the village is free, only attractions and ice rinks are charged.

See what the Christmas wonderland looked like in past years.

Promo Villaggio delle Meraviglie

The Village of Wonders is a must-visit for anyone seeking a magical Christmas experience in Milan. Add it to your itinerary and create lasting memories with loved ones this holiday..

Ice Skating Extravaganza

A special “double” rink, partly covered and heated and partly outdoor, suitable for both adults and children. The rink has a respectable 1,000 m2. Performances on ice will also take place here.

The rink is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00, except on 24 December when it closes at 19:00, on 25 December it will be open from 15:00 to 20:00 and on 31 December from 10:30 to 18 :30.

Santa’s House: A Whimsical Delight

A visit to Santa’s House is a must for every child. Witness the wonder in their eyes as they marvel at Santa’s majestic chair and his sleigh, brimming with gifts ready to be delivered to children around the world.

Opening hours
weekdays: 15:00 – 18:30
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, December 7 – 8 and December 23: 10:30 – 12: 30 and 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
24. December: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
25. December: 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
26. December: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Entertainment and Activities for All Ages

Among the various events and attractions for small visitors, we should mention at least face painting, the Elf circus, crazy flying sleigh, a trip to the North Pole, a magical elf farm, a carousel with snowflakes, a 5D cinema or puppet and dance shows.

Other markets to explore

The East Market Milano Christmas market is held only on weekends and offers vintage and collectibles such as toys, clothes, and jewelry.

The Green Christmas market near Piazza Spotorno is dedicated to promoting a more ecological lifestyle. It offers organic products, food, and furniture.

Interesting places in Milan

Milan is the second largest city in Italy after the capital Rome. It is mainly known as a center of fashion and business, however, there are also many monuments in its center, for example, the world-famous La Scala theater. So what is worth visiting when visiting the Christmas markets in Milan?

Piazza Duomo with the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

Milan’s central square, where the Advent markets take place, is often considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The square is of course home to the famous Cathedral, or the Gothic Nativity of the Virgin Mary Cathedral, from the roof of which there is a wonderful view of the entire city.

Work on the Milan Cathedral began in 1386 and led to the creation of a majestic structure with magnificent stained glass windows and beautiful sculptural decoration. The beauty of the cathedral is completed by the main tower, on which reigns the famous “Madonna”, a four-meter-high gilded copper statue.

Gallery of Viktor Emanuel II.

From Piazza Duomo, you can enter this famous commercial arcade, which was supposedly built because the city enviously observed the urban development of the great European metropolises in the first half of the 19th century and wanted to match them. An international competition was therefore announced, which was won by Giuseppe Mengoni.

In 1865, work began with the laying of the foundation stone directly by King Victor Emmanuel II. Savoy and two years later the passage was inaugurated. During Christmas, you can admire the Christmas tree with Swarovski ornaments here.

Pinacoteca di Brera

One of the most famous Italian picture galleries was founded in 1776 as a collection of important works intended for teaching students of the Academy of Fine Arts. The collection contains some of the world’s most famous paintings, such as Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus after Mantegno’s Dead Christ or Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin Mary. You will also find works by Braqua, Modigliani, Picasso, Morandi, and many others.

Castello Sforzesco

The Renaissance castle of the Sforza family, not far from the picture gallery, has accompanied the history of Milan for more than 750 years. The building was ordered by Galeazzo II., but Francesco Sforza gave it its present form in the 15th century, hence its name.

Today, the castle is a place that serves to protect the evidence of Lombard art, you can find here, for example, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, or the Egyptian Museum. The castle also houses several masterpieces of Italian art, such as Michelangelo’s Pieta Rondanini, a fresco by Leonardo da Vinci, and an extraordinary cycle of tapestries depicting Twelve Months by Bramantino.

Whether you’re sipping on vin brulé under the shadow of the Duomo or marveling at handcrafted treasures in a charming piazza, let the magic of Milan’s Christmas markets fill your heart with warmth and joy this holiday season.

Buon Natale!