8 highlights of Christmas in Milan

1. Milan Cathedral

The cathedral is Milan’s pride – and even more beautiful during the brooding Christmas season. From the terrace of the Duomo there is a magnificent view of Milan at Christmas. Of course, there is also the possibility to attend the midnight service in the cathedral. On December 24, Mass with the Archbishop begins at 23:30. It is recommended that you be there at least two hours in advance to find a seat.

2. Christmas pepper «Villaggio delle Meraviglie»

The “Villaggio delle Meraviglie” in Milan is a special event. The sweetly decorated Christmas pepper is a highlight for families. Christmas elves in disguise run around the village and play games, Santa Claus wanders around and takes the children in his arms. Big and small can have fun on carousels and roller coasters in their Christmas look. World of Christmas Wonders is open from 19th November to 8th January.

3. Christmas panorama from Highline Galleria

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk on the roofs of a city? Milan makes it possible! A unique panorama of Milan stretches from the Highline Galleria.

4. Ice skating at Gae Aulenti

Ice skating is just part of Christmas. Milan has a wide variety of ice rinks. At the ice rink in Gae Aulenti, young and old can glide between noble skyscrapers and artistic Christmas decorations. Plus: There’s ride assistance for the little ones (and big) who are still unsure of how to skate. The ice rink is open from 10:00 am to midnight from 4 December to 30 January 2023. More information here.

5. Ice skating at Bagni Misteriosi

In summer you can swim in Bagni Misteriosi, in winter the pool can be turned into an ice rink. Combined with the festive ambiance of the nearby Christmas market, this is a unique experience. The ice rink is open from 7 December to 8 January.

8. Shopping in Milan

• Christmas market in Piazza Duomo: While in Milan, you cannot avoid visiting the Piazza Duomo. At Christmas, a 30-metre tall Christmas tree adorns the cathedral square, which is surrounded by stands of Mercantino Natale, stocked with regional specialties and Christmas gifts. Beneath the glass domes of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 12-metre high Swarovski tree adds a magical touch to the elegant Art Nouveau interior.

• Milan is a true shopper’s paradise. Quadrilatero della Moda is a square surrounded by the streets of Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. Here are the showrooms of fashion designers such as Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace and others. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the covered connection of Piazza della Scala, starts at the Duomo Square. Besides restaurants and bars, there are also great fashion boutiques here.

8. Eating and drinking

• Seta palate tickle: Italian cuisine with a special twist – the stylish restaurant with two Michelin stars seduces guests with the best ingredients, even at Christmas.
  Reservation.+39 02 8731 8897. More info here.
• Noble Christmas in Terrazza Gallia: Terrazza Gallia pampers guests with a thoughtful ambiance and surprises with its magnificent view.
  For: couples and romantics. Special Christmas menu (5 courses, 180 €) on 24 and 25 December
  reservation: +390267853514 More info here.

• Uncomplicated at Osteria Brunello: Osteria Brunello represents classic Milanese cuisine with a trendy elegance. The decor is trendy, the atmosphere relaxed and lively.
  For: young and young at heart. a la carte
  Reservation: www.osteriabrunello.it
• L’Osteria Grand Hotel: Anyone who appreciates classic, uncomplicated yet high-quality cuisine is in the right place at L’Osteria Grand Hotel.
  For: Down to earth and couples. Special Christmas menu on December 25 (4 courses, €80)
  Reservation: +39 02.89511586 – 02.89516153 | More information here.

• Chinese delicacies: Most restaurants and shops will be closed for Christmas. You don’t have to resort to fast food at Christmas anyway if the luck hasn’t been on you: Via Paolo Sarpi is packed with authentic and affordable Chinese restaurants that are normally open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve. For example, Jin Yong on Via Paolo Sarpi offers excellent Chinese cuisine at a reasonable price.

• The Largest Panettone in Milan: On behalf of the city, Pasticceria San Gregorio and master confectioner Said bake a giant panettone as a gift to Milanese every year. 10 kg of sourdough, 69 kg of flour, 27.6 liters of water, 15 kg of egg yolk, 27 kg of butter, 18 kg of sugar, 18 kg of raisins and 11 kg of orange peel sugar. If you want to catch the best panettone in Milan, head to the shop at Via S. Gregorio, 1 on the corner of Corso Buenos Aire. More information here.

8. Museums and places to visit

• Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper: The fresco by the Italian painter was made in the name of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan between 1494 and 1498 and is considered to be the most important part of his artistic work. The Last Supper was created using the precision plaster technique. To protect it from environmental influences, only a limited number of people are allowed to like the work each day. The Last Supper is in the Cenacolo Vinciano Museum. Tickets must be ordered in advance.
• Novecento Museum: The Museum of Modern Art displays the diversity of styles and artistic movements in Italy in dialogue with other European artists of the 21st century. Formerly known as the Palazzo dell’Arengario, the building was dedicated to Fascist art. Today the museum takes a critical look at the role of art in fascist Italy and sheds light on the resistance of other, particularly socialist, art movements. The highlights of the exhibition are the avant-garde works of Lucio Fontana, who created a sensation with his cross-sectional visuals.
• Sforzesco Castle: In 1450, Francesco Sforza I commissioned Italy’s top architects, including Da Vinci, to build a fortress on the ruins of the ancient fortress of the Visconti family. Since then, the castle has been one of Milan’s landmarks. There is also a museum in the carefully restored towered castle. In addition to paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries, there is a special collection of handicrafts and musical instruments.
• Milan Triennale: The Design and Art Museum in Parco Sempione reflects Milan’s architectural identity in its cycle of destruction and reconstruction, and deals with the importance of art in everyday life.
• Brera Palace: The impressive baroque castle is considered an important center for history, science, art and culture. In addition to its lush and magnificent architecture, one of the most important Renaissance collections in Italy can also be found in the Pinacoteca di Brera.
• Royal Palace: The royal palace fascinates with its history: the Habsburgs once ruled from here. The Palazzo is just a short hop from the Duomo and the Museo del Novecento. In addition to the neoclassical interior design commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa, modern and contemporary art is also on display.
• Scala Theatre: The birthplace of opera, Italy has an incredible appeal for musicians and music lovers worldwide. Built in the neoclassical style favored by Empress Maria Theresa, the Milan opera house is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. In order not to miss this unique opportunity, it is necessary to make a reservation in advance.
• Night visit to Chiesa San Sepolcro cellar: Below Chiesa San Sepolcro is the oldest underground church in Milan. The tomb was described by Leonardo da Vinci as the original center of the city. After a long absence of 50 years, Cripta San Sapolcro has reopened to the public and is the only attraction in Milan that is only open at night. Medieval architecture dating from 1030 as well as contemporary artists are on display.

More information www.turismo.milano.it

(chj)