Celebrate a fashionable festive season in Milan

Christmas in Milan

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Yes we keep saying it, Christmas is great but it’s just that it’s our favourite time of year and when all the major cities are at their very best being so stunningly decorated in all their festive finery. Plus, there is nothing better than taking some time out during this time of year and experiencing Christmas traditions in other countries, escaping with your partner or going for a fun-packed holiday with your friends or family. There are a large number of cities and destinations that are guaranteed to offer you a fabulous festive holiday however, how would you like to spend your Christmas in a place with style that just speaks chic, and offers you the chance to get some fabulous gifts for your loved ones, as well as offers you a fun but traditional experience? We’ll take that as a yes. We therefore recommend the beautiful Italian city of Milan, and that you head down to the following three events:

Held on the 5^th to the 8^th of December this Christmas market comprises one of Milan’s top events, held on the feast day of the city’s patron saint, Saint Ambrose. It is more commonly known by the locals as Oh Bei, Oh Bei meaning ´How Beautiful, How Beautiful `, which is sometimes used by vendors to attract customers. The streets around the piazza just throng with people sampling the festive food on offer in this exciting market including pancakes, roast meat, chestnuts, cheese, salami, traditional cakes, and mulled wine, and there are stalls selling crafts, and antiques, ethnic items in addition to a huge array of gift ideas to take back to your loved ones. The stalls are illuminated well into the evening and visitors can also contemplate the silver statue donated to the city from Goldsmiths as a gift, which is exhibited on this day in the Duomo Cathedral and where a special morning service is held in the Saint Ambrose’s basilica in his honour.

Also in honour of Saint Ambrose, their patron the La Scala world renowned opera house kicks off the Christmas season on the 7^th of December, the same day as St Ambrose’s Day with feather boas and black ties for La Scala’s first night of the season. This season’s schedule promises to be an exciting one with 20 productions including fourteen operas, and six ballets. Nine of the operas are by Italian composers, and feature some of the world’s finest singers. This December, this stunning opera house will also be hosting Prime Delle Ballet Conferences, a cycle of talks that La Scala offers to the public as an invitation and preparation to the shows on stage. They will be taking place a few days prior the performances and comprise knowledgeable experts who will be discuss the works about to be staged, and which is a great learning experience and opportunity to learn about lesser-known works and to get to know the more famous ones in detail. Entrance is free for all those that would like to attend, however the venue is limited to 150 seats.

The Fiesta de San Silvestro or New Year’s Eve is a big event in Milan. The city goes all out with parties, erotic shows, as well as live music in addition to dazzling firework displays as you ring in the New Year. It is a breathtaking sight to watch and you can enjoy this whilst trying some spumante or prosecco (Italian sparkling wine), a perfect way to start your New Year. And the celebrations don’t just stop there as on the 6^th of January, the Italians celebrate the Epiphany which is also known as La Befana, after a kind-hearted witch who is said to bring presents to well-behaved children and coal to naughty ones. Crowds turn out for the morning procession of the Three Wise Men from the Duomo to the church of Sant’Eustorgio, where their relics are said to be kept.