Milan Christmas Markets 2023

Milan Christmas Markets 2023

Famous for its glorious Duomo, impeccable sense of fashion and world-class shopping, Milan hosts some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets and a diverse culinary scene. Events typically begin in late November – awaiting dates for individual markets.

• Are you visiting Milan for Christmas? Stay close to the markets at the Room Mate Giulia, steps from the Piazza del Duomo and rated “Superb” by guests. The hotel features stylish rooms, a modern gym and delicious breakfasts.

The Markets

• Discover ten markets across Milan, each offering a unique experience and style.
• Milan’s markets offer visitors a big city vibe with great shopping and incredible food and specialities.
• Enjoy world-famous Panettone (a sweet bread-like cake), Saffron Risotto and Barbajada, a hot drink with coffee and chocolate and topped with whipped cream.
• Here are the most popular markets.

Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Duomo (Piazza Duomo Christmas Market)

• From late November – Milan’s most picturesque Market is in front of the city’s stunning landmark, The Duomo.
• Visitors can browse from over 50 wooden chalets selling handmade gifts and treats. Open from 9 am to 9 pm.
• The Market is spread out along Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II and around the Duomo and is one of the most extravagant in Europe.
• After shopping, visit the Duomo,admire its splendid hallowed interior, and ascend to the roof terraces to take in breathtaking views over the city.
• Stay close to the Market at the ODSweet Duomo Milano Hotel, rated “Wonderful” by guests with the perfect location, overlooking The Duomo Square.
• The Market is a 9-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the gay bars along Porta Venezia.

Fiera degli Oh Bej! Oh Bej!

• Awaiting dates – The ‘Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair‘ held at Sforza Castle is locals’ most popular Milanese Christmas market.
• The fun name translates loosely to ‘Oh so lovely! Oh, so nice! Fair’ and features several stalls selling handicraft items and delicious foodie treats.
• Oh Bej! Oh Bej! is also known as the Fiera di Sant’Ambrogio in honour of Milan’s patron saint, Saint Ambrose and is located in one of the city’s most beautiful locations.
• The Market starts on the day of Saint Ambrose, December 7th, with the official lighting of the Christmas tree and lasts until the following Sunday each year.
• Sforza Castle is a 10-minute walk from the Market at the Duomo.

Villaggio delle Meraviglie (Village of Wonders)

• Mid November – The Village of Wonders is held at Giardini Pubblici di Indro Montanelli (Indro Montanelli Public Gardens) in Porta Venezia, close to the city’s busy gay bars.
• Village of Wonders is famous for its skating rink, food and festive program of shows.
• The festival is open right through to New Year and to the holidays of the Epiphany (January 6th).

Fiera dell’Artigianato Milano (Milan Artisans Fair)

• Awaiting Dates – Milan Artisans Fair is a must-visit Christmas Market in Milan for those who love to shop.
• This indoor Market at Fieramilano Rho-Pero is spread across 150,000 square meters with over 3000 exhibitors.
• Milan Artisans Fair is a 30-minute drive from The Duomo.

Piazza Portello Magic Christmas

• Throughout December – Piazza Portello is a cosy Christmas experience offering a German-style Christmas experience.
• The Market is one of the most romantic in Milan, with stalls selling high-end handmade gifts and traditional German and North Italian dishes.
• Piazza Portello is a 25-minute drive from the Market at The Duomo.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Cordusio

• Known as Milan’s “Grand Drawing Room”, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is home to the famous Swarovski Christmas Tree, decorated with hundreds of Swarovski crystals shimmering under the illuminated vault ceiling.
• Linger a while to admire the luxury brand boutiques, the iconic shops and bookstores, restaurants, pasticcerie and bars that have defined a certain Milanese taste that has always kept in step with the times.

Navigli

• Piazza XXIV Maggio is home to one of Mian’s most beautiful Christmas trees, surrounded by a small winter village with non-stop events and entertainment each evening.
• Take a stroll along the Darsena, Milano’s ancient port, with its covered market, and explore the banks of the Naviglio Grande, illuminated by rows of twinkling lights.
• Navigli is famous for its canals. Take the perfect Instagram pic from one the bridges that cross the canal, complete with Christmas lights reflecting on the water.

A Gay Christmas in Milan

Unsurprisingly, the most festive of markets is located just steps from the city’s gay bars in Porta Venezia. Enjoy some festive fun at the following bars.

• Leccomilano – un Buco di bar is one of the city’s top gay attractions. Its creative cocktails with allusive names are made from biological products by expert bartenders. The bar is a hot spot, especially at weekends when it hosts several theme parties with guest DJs.
• Mono Bar – Retro gay cocktail bar with an international allure as visitors chill on vintage furniture, enjoy excellent cocktails and listen to curated music by local DJs.
• NoLoSo – Located in Northern Loreto, NoLoSo is a colourful gay bar featuring a nightly aperitivo buffet, Sunday brunch & weekend DJs.
• Club Plastic – Iconic gay disco since the 80s known for its posh vibe and alternative artists and stars.

Bar Basso – The hottest bar in town for everyone. Neither new nor trendy, its pink interior, mirrored walls and chandeliers remain unchanged for decades. Famous for its Negroni Sbagliato, a twist on the classic. In place of gin, though, the Sbagliato version uses sparkling wine.

Where to stay?

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Hotel Manzoni,    Château Monfort,    Worldhotel,    NH Milano