Milanese Christmas traditions: what to do and what to enjoy

Christmas has always been a symbol of tradition and identity; it is a holiday that brings with it not only the most social values, such as family and togetherness, but also aspects more related to the identity of each country or, even, city.

Milan is undoubtedly one of the Italian cities with the greatest Christmas tradition as, during the most beautiful time of the year, it not only lights up and colors itself with many different shades, but is literally the center of a series of events, culinary and otherwise, entirely dedicated to Christmas.

The Panettone

On the list of things that, in the Milanese tradition, can never be missing is him, the undisputed king of the Milanese Christmas: the Panettone.

With its traditional dome shape, which reaches a resounding peak of 30cm, it is a rather simple dough (in composition, but not in making) composed of yeast, butter, eggs, and flour and garnished, traditionally, with candied fruit and raisins. Purists consume it on its own, but over time various accompaniments have gradually been added, among which stand out, mainly: pastry creams, chocolate, mascarpone, and zabaglione. Finally, it is nice to see how, over the years, panettone has become a true symbol of Made in Italy in the world, brightening up tables all over the world during the Christmas season.

Christmas trees in city squares

As anticipated in the opening, the city of Milan is, by tradition, one of the most populated with Christmas trees during the period.

From unique, original, and multicolored styles they illuminate and brighten up the city throughout the festive season.

The most renowned trees, as well as the most coveted by numerous brands, are those found on the Galleri Vittorio Emanuele II and in Piazza del Duomo.

The former this year will be made by Gucci and composed of seventy-eight gift boxes of different sizes that, stacked on top of each other, will create a tree just over 8 meters tall.

The second one, on the other hand, will be dedicated this year to the city’s most important event, planned for 2026, namely the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. At the base of the tree, which is about 28 meters tall, will be placed a hall of fame aimed at honoring the 221 Italian medalists in the history of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Other trees scattered around the city include, without a doubt, the one in Piazza della Scala made by Sephora, the one in Galleria del Corso made by Victoria’s Secret, the one in Corso Garibaldi made by A2A, and finally the tree placed in Piazza Gae Aulenti donated to the city by Distretto Portanuova and Warner Music Italy.

Christmas markets

On this point, too, Milan confirms itself as one of the most active cities during the Christmas season as scattered throughout the city, it is possible to find countless markets dedicated not only to Christmas traditions but also to local and national crafts. Among the main ones, the following undoubtedly stand out:

Piazza Duomo market

Scheduled from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6, it takes place all around the city’s iconic cathedral and features traditional wooden cottages hosting artisans from all over Italy selling not only delicious food, sweet and savory but also clothes, handicrafts, and cosmetics.

Oh Bej Oh Bej! Fair

On the other hand, from December 7 to 10 takes place perhaps the most traditional of Milan’s markets. Located near the Castello Sforzesco, where it has now been held for nearly five centuries, it too features countless stalls offering visitors products of all kinds. A traditional item, a must-try, is the “Firunatt” or the traditional necklace of smoked chestnuts perfect for defending against the cold that, in winter, rules the city

Artigiano in Fiera

It is undoubtedly the most anticipated, as well as the most renowned, event of the Christmas season. Artigiano in Fiera, as the word itself implies, is a real trade fair event that involves, at Fieramilano Rho, about 2,600 exhibitors represented from 86 different countries. It is a real journey around the world that takes visitors to explore the beauty of distant countries while discovering local flavors and traditions.

Christmas Concerts

From a musical point of view, Christmas also represents, for the city of Milan, a time of great tradition since there are just as many concerts of various kinds taking place around the city. Outstanding among them all are the concerts of the Teatro della Scala, which, as per tradition, will open its season on December 7 with the grand premiere, a highly exclusive event as well as a very glam moment for the Milanese jet set.

Less exclusive but just as glamorous are the concerts at Milan Cathedral, which, just as traditionally, offers a couple of totally free ones that will take place on December 18 and 19, respectively.

Shopping on the city streets

Last but not least, shopping. Could the city of fashion ever lack one of the Milanese’s favorite pastimes? Of course not.

So off, these days, to the hunt for a gift on the streets of the city. Whether it be among the exclusive fashion streets of the center, the alleys of Brera for something more vintage/recycled, to places dedicated to technology such as Piazza Gae Aulenti or Piazza Liberty.