Milan at Christmas hums with festive buzz, lights draped over grand arcades and the Duomo standing as a living symbol of the season. Milan's Christmas markets pop up across the centre and spill into elegant gardens and canal-side streets, each with its own flavour.
Milan Christmas Markets in 2025
December in Milan is anchored by a run of some of the top Christmas markets in Italy. They typically begin in late November and continue into early January, with one historic fair clustered around 7–8 December. Entry to the markets is usually free, while paid elements tend to be ice rinks and fairground rides.
Piazza Duomo Christmas Market 2025
1st December to 6th January, 2026
Right in the heart of the city, the Duomo market sits beneath the cathedral’s spires and beside the Galleria’s grand arches. The setting is the crowning jewel of Milan’s festive cityscape, with a big tree and crib scene creating a proper sense of occasion. It’s the place to browse design pieces, wooden ornaments and woollens, then warm up with vin brûlé or a slice of panettone.
The switch-on of Milan's Christmas lights often follows soon after the market opens, drawing big crowds and adding drama to the nightscape.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! 2025
5th to 8th, December 2025
Milan’s most storied fair wraps around the Sforzesco castle walls during Sant’Ambrogio week. It channels old-school revelry with a mix of antiques, crafts and proper street snacks.
Daytime sees families and browsers, while evenings ramp up with a festive crowd. Don't leave without trying firunatt, strings of smoked chestnuts that are a traditional
Banco di Garabombo market 2025
1st October to 6th January 2026
This long-running fair-trade market sits under a heated marquee and offers a thoughtful alternative to mass-produced gifts. Expect food staples, coffee, chocolate, textiles and homeware with clear sourcing, which makes it a good bet if you’re shopping with sustainability in mind.
This ethical Christmas market is calmer than the centre and a welcome respite on cold or wet days.
Winter Wonderland 2025
15th November to 6th January, 2026
Set among the graceful paths of the Indro Montanelli Gardens, this family-friendly festive village brings skating rink sessions, fairground rides and a cluster of food courts. You can skate, hop on a gentle ride, then thaw out with hot chocolate before a stroll up to Porta Venezia. It’s a softer, parkland take on Milan’s festive cheer, framed by trees and period villas.
Entry to the village is free, and you can also enjoy Christmas shows and children's entertainment without charge. However, going ice skating, visiting Santa's grotto, and trying out the rides will cost you, and it's good to buy tickets in advance.
Navigli Christmas markets 2025
1st December to 6th January 2026
Down by the Darsena canal, markets and pop-up fairs cluster on select December days, especially at weekends. Lights reflect off the water, and the area comes into its own after dark when you can fold in an aperitivo and watch the neighbourhood life unfold.
The vibe is more artisan and independent, with stalls selling prints, ceramics and small-batch treats.
Bergamo and Como Christmas markets near Milan
If you’re keen on a quick escape, Bergamo and Como deliver Alpine-tinged scenes and smaller crowds.
Bergamo’s Città Alta pairs medieval streets with warm, low-key markets, while Como’s lakefront lights and stalls feel scenic and relaxed on crisp evenings. Both are easy to reach, making them simple add-ons to a Milan base.
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