Christmas in Milan

Christmas in Milan - Vibrant Christmas markets
Milan is one of the least traditional cities in Italy, yet still offers a wonderfully atmospheric festive experience for visitors. Unsurprisingly, shopping features highly during Christmas in Milan and nowhere in the city is more rewarding for shopaholics than the Saint Ambrosia festive market which is a great place to search out those last minute Christmas gifts. It features a warren of quaint market stalls selling everything from delicious Italian snacks, hand crafted shoes, fashions and hand made souvenirs. Plenty of kids activities and traditional decorations are sure to put anyone into the festive mood. Another shopping alternative is the nearby L’Artigiano craft fair where gifts of every description can be found along with plenty of vibrant street entertainment, music and fabulous street cafes.

Christmas in Milan - Thrilling festive sporting activities 
Christmas Eve sees the Milanese flock to local churches for midnight mass with services at the commanding Duomo cathedral especially evocative for practising Catholics. Winter sports lovers can enjoy thrilling pursuits without leaving the city during Christmas in Milan at the Piazza del Cannone snowpark - specially constructed for the busy festive season. Short course skiing, snowboarding and tubing is available that is extremely popular with families and offers an unique Alpine atmosphere in the heart of the city. There are also two open air ice skating rinks for a less energetic few hours of fun. Even more unique is the famous Christmas family fun run through the city streets where all participants are required to wear Father Christmas outfits. It is a rather surreal spectacle but great fun for all ages and large crowds gather to watch the action.

Christmas In Milan - Romantic Christmas illuminations
A Milan Christmas also coincides with the start of the celebrated Milanese opera season with the world famous La Scala opera house hosting lavish productions and special gala evenings in the run up to Christmas. The famed Picolo Theatre is also highly recommended as an inspiring night out for lovers of drama. A short break to Milan for Christmas will highlight extremely artistic street decorations and illuminations which really show off the city's beauty. A stroll among the beautiful nativity scenes of the Via Montenapoleo shopping district or along the torchlit canals of Naviglio Grande offer a truly romantic image and the perfect place to sample the gastronomic delights of Milanese cuisine.