Milan in December: Best Holiday Activities, Food, & Shopping

Italy in December is great! And while each Italian city has a lot to offer during the holidays, Milan in December has its unique stylish charm. The elegant northern city is the best place to spend the Christmas holidays. Go to finish your Christmas shopping in Italy’s premier shopping city, enjoy the cool temperatures from the Alps and really soak in Italian Christmas.

There are so many amazing events happening in Milan in December and so much to see, your biggest problem will be choosing between them. So bundle up and check out the top December events.

Milan In December

O Bej O Bej, and The Feast of Saint Ambrose (5 Dec – 8 Dec)

Photo by Gina Mussio

Milan’s traditional Christmas market, the O Bej O Bej is held in the days around the feast day of the city’s patron Saint, Saint Ambrogio (Ambrose) which is on December 7th. Once held in piazza Sant’Ambrogio, the piazza of the namesake church, it has grown so large that it has recently been moved in front of the Castello Sforzesco.

A firm Milan tradition, even the name of the festival comes from the Milanese dialect used by the children when they saw the market, meaning “Oh beautiful, oh beautiful!”

Go to shop at booths selling artisanal crafts, art and traditional winter street food like chestnuts, mulled wine and roasted sliced meats.

La Scala – Season Opening Night – 7 Dec

The Teatro alla Scala, or Theater at the Stairs, was inaugurated in 1778. Photo by Lelli and Masotti

Milan’s most famous theater, Teatro alla Scala is a true cultural treasure in the heart of the city. After selecting the perfect outfit along the high-fashion Via Montenapoleone, get ready for opening night on December 7, when La Scala celebrates its glittering season premiere. This inaugural performance is one of the most prestigious and emotionally charged social events in Milan, and beyond.

Even if you don’t have tickets, it’s well worth taking a stroll near the entrance. You’ll see crowds gather as celebrities from the worlds of fashion, politics, and entertainment arrive for the grand Prima, turning the theater’s doorway into one of Italy’s most glamorous red-carpet moments.

Since it’s inauguration, La Scala has served as the drawing room of the elite, as well as a stage for some of the world’s best  composers. Photo by Lelli and Masotti

Since it’s inauguration, La Scala has served as the drawing room of the elite, as well as a stage for some of the world’s best  composers. Photo by Lelli and Masotti

Festa degli Artigiani, until 8 Dec

The largest international fair dedicated to craft and art, the indoor Festa degli Artigiani fills the pavilions at the Rho fair grounds with stands, companies and artisans from the entire world.

The fair is divided into continents and then further divided by countries, displaying and promoting the creativity, art and culture of the individual nations through its products and food. Free to attend, it could be just the solution to your Christmas shopping!

Duomo Christmas Tree and Galleria Lights

Milan is December is stunning with the floodlit Duomo and giant Christmas Tree covered in lights. Photo by Gina Mussio

Any visit to Milan requires a stop at the massively impressive Duomo. After any of the above events, make your way to the city’s numero uno cathedral to see it all dressed up for Christmas, with its annual Christmas tree decorating the piazza. Want to know more about Milan’s Duomo? Read here about Milan Duomo Facts.

Then loop to the neighboring Galleria, Milan’s oldest shopping mall, to see it in lights. Christmas lights and storefront decorations give the historic center a festive atmosphere and an even more beautiful glow!

New Year’s Eve in Lugano, 31 Dec

Traveling on New Year’s can be tough, but a massive outdoor celebration can definitely help the travel blues. Actually, Lugano is in Switzerland, but it’s not as far as it sounds. Approximately an hour north of Milan by highway, the city is easily accessible by car, train or even bus.

The New Year’s Eve festivities begin in Piazza della Riforma around 11 pm with people dancing, singing and celebrating before the New Year. Bringing together tourists and locals alike in a massive New Year’s celebration, there is also a light and picture show and music throughout the night.

How to get there:
The easiest option is to go by train from Milano Centrale Train Station. There are multiple trips per day and the journey lasts about an hour. Tickets cost from 19 to 23 euro.

FAQs – Visiting Milan in December

What’s the weather like in Milan in December?

December in Milan is cold but atmospheric, with temperatures usually ranging between 2°C and 8°C (36°F–46°F). Expect crisp mornings, chilly evenings, and the occasional fog. Warm layers, a good coat, and comfortable boots are essential for enjoying outdoor markets and evening events.

What if I can´t speak any Italian?

The official language is Italian, but Milan is an international city, and many people in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas speak English. Learning a few simple Italian phrases—like grazie (thank you) and per favore (please)—is always appreciated.

How much do things cost in Milan during December?

December is a busy festive season, so prices for hotels and flights can be higher than average. Booking early is the best way to secure more affordable rates.

• Hotel rooms: mid-range accommodations from €120–€200 per night
• Meals: €12–€20 for casual dining; more for aperitivi or sit-down dinners
• Events & attractions: Many Christmas markets are free, while museums and La Scala tours have fixed ticket prices

Where should I stay in Milan for December events?

For easy access to markets, shopping streets, and holiday lights, consider staying in neighborhoods such as:

• Centro Storico (Historic Center): close to the Duomo, Galleria, and Christmas tree
• Brera: charming streets, boutiques, and restaurants
• Porta Venezia: beautiful architecture and convenient metro access

All three areas put you within easy reach of Milan’s major December festivities.

The crisp air, small crowds and views like this during winter are reason enough to visit Milan. Photo by Luca Mascaro

Ready to experience Milan in December the way it should be experienced, stylishly, effortlessly, and with a local expert leading the way? Join our Private Welcome to Milan Guided Tour: Fashion Icons, Historic Highlights & Aperitivo and discover the city’s chic boutiques, legendary landmarks, and timeless elegance at your own pace.

From the glamour of the fashion district to the stories behind Milan’s most iconic sights, this private tour is the perfect introduction to Italy’s style capital. And of course, we’ll finish with a classic Milanese aperitivo, because you deserve it. Start your Milan adventure here!