Christmas in Milan

“Oh Bej! Oh Bej” Market

Castello Sforzesco (December 7- 12)
Saint Ambrose’s market begins on December 7th, when the city of Milan celebrates its beloved Patron Saint. This market dates back 1288) and attracts the best of the best from across Italy with handicrafts and many culinary delights. Make sure to drink a cup of the unofficial beverage: vin brulé (mulled wine). The name of the market comes from the dialect: Oh belli, Oh belli (Oi beautiful! Oi beautiful!) which is shouted by stallholders to attract the attention of passersby.

L'Artigiano in Fiera

Rho Fiera. (December 5-13) 10 am-10:30 pm, Dec. 9-10-11 3:00 pm-10:30 pm.
More than 3,000 exhibitors from all over the world fill 140,000 square meters of exhibition space where you can find handicrafts and regional products from every region of Italy and beyond. Crafts from Lombardy and Sicily sit alongside products from the Americas and Africa. Over 3 million visitors attend the fair which in recent years has focused on eco-friendly products. Entrance is free.

Orticoline d’inverno

Museo Diocesano. ?C.so di Porta Vittoria, 95 – MILANO (December 12, 13)
10:00 am-5:00 pm.
This horticultural show is a smaller version of the huge Orticola fair which takes place every year in May. Enjoy the displays or Orchids and other winter flowers as well as the masterpiece by Lorenzo Lotto, la Natività which on display at the museum until January 17 2010.

Mercatino di Natale e dell'artigianato

P.zza Argentina (December 1-24) 10:00 am-8:00 pm.
Organized by the association Il Mulino dell'Arte this market prides itself on the quality and originality of the handicrafts displayed here.

Villaggio delle Meraviglie

Giardini Pubblici Montanelli (December 64 - January 6)
This annual food fair and Christmas theme park for children is held in a public park. During the holidays it becomes a magical place where you can visit Babbo Natale’s (Father Christmas) house along with other attractions like a toy factory, a rollercoaster, a crystal palace and an ice- skating rink where you can enjoy offering free skating sessions. http://www.villaggiodellemeraviglie.com/

Apart from Christmas markets, December is the beginning of the Opera season at La Scala or if you are in Milan on January 6th you can celebrate Epiphany with the Procession of the Three Wise Men. This costumed parade goes from the Cathedral to the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio. Keep an eye out for Befana, a good witch who traditionally brings candy and toys to good Italian children on the eve of Epiphany. Naughy children can expect to receive a lump of coal. Look out for ‘coal’ cakes’ at the pastry shops around this time.