With December finally here, Tis the season to experience the warmth of a festive holiday market. As experts in Gay Italy, Quiiky Magazine has a roundup of the most popular Christmas Markets to visit in the city of Milan. So no matter who is on your naughty or nice list, you won’t need to look far to find the perfect holiday gift!
Why do we love Christmas markets so much? First, they’re a fully immersive way to experience the local Italian culture. Shop products made locally by artisans, experience holiday traditions that may differ from your own, and taste local dishes and treats that are typical of the region you’re visiting. From unique lights, colors, decorations, unique scents and flavors, you never know what you’ll find just around the corner in the next stall.
Gay Italy: Our List of The Best Christmas Markets to Visit in Milan
Christmas in Gay Italy | The Christmas market in Piazza Duomo
1 December 2022 – 6 January 2023
In the shadow of the Madonnina there will be the characteristic wooden houses with the Christmas foodie excellences of various Italian regions and the best of Christmas crafts, including ornaments, nativity scenes, stockings, and more. Over 60 stalls will remain open around the Duomo from 9am to 9pm daily. The Milan Christmas market in Piazza Duomo showcases Italian tradition, modern culture and taste. Many local artisans display and sell their work at the fair. The highlight of the Christmas market in Piazza Duomo is the traditional Milanese Christmas tree, which is lit during the opening ceremony.
Christmas in Gay Italy | Oh Bej Oh Bej
December 7-10, 2022
Oh Bej! is back again this year! The most traditional and popular of the Milanese holiday events, the markets include sweets, surprises and curiosities of all kinds. Located around the Castello Sforzesco and in the Sempione Park, you can find products of all kinds and for all budgets: in fact, vintage antiques, florists, artisans, tradesmen, sellers of prints and books, iron works, copper and brass, toy makers, and pastries.
Christmas in Gay Italy | Village of Wonders
19 November 2022 – 8 January 2023
Visit Santa Claus’s House, the Carousel Tree, Christmas attractions, and the Elf Market at the Village of Wonders, with typical flavors of the holidays. Hosted in the Indro Montanelli Gardens in Porta Venezia, visitors can skate on an ice rink of over 1,000 square meters, which will be even bigger than previous years, including an area entirely dedicated to children.
Christmas in Gay Italy | EMERGENCY Home Market
26 November – 24 December
For those looking to shop while supporting a great cause, the EMERGENCY Christmas market is back this year in via Santa Croce 19. Notably this year, a stall will be reserved for hand-crafted products from Afghanistan, in a time in which, after 20 years of war, their community needs the greatest possible support. The funds raised from the sale of the products will be used to support all EMERGENCY projects. The market will be open every day from 11 to 20. On December 24th it will close at 2pm.
Christmas in Gay Italy | Banco di Garabombo Market
5 November – 6 January
In Milan’s Piazza Pagano, we find the largest Christmas tent in Europe, organized with local crafts, cosmetics, food and wine, textiles, furniture, ceramics. The best part: everything sold here is certified fair trade.
Christmas in Gay Italy | La Boutique dei Nasi Rossi
1 December – 24 December 2022
In its 19th year, this boutique is a great idea for a Christmas dedicated to solidarity. Each gift purchased will help train young clown volunteers who will bring smiles to children in local hospitals, to the elderly in nursing homes, and to disabled people in day care centers. Open every day from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, the Boutique will offer food specialties and organic tastes including wines, spirits and craft beers; new and vintage clothing for adults, kids and pets; jewelry, bags, accessories and handcrafted creations, in collaboration with other businesses; and also body care products, cosmetics, household items, books, juggling and magic tools, games and toys.
Christmas in Gay Italy | Christmas Village
7 December 2022 – 8 January 2023
The Christmas Village in City Life will consist of 5 completely covered holiday themed areas, four of which are inspired by a different Disney Franchise, and the fifth, in the heart of the village, will be represented by an area dedicated to the charity partner Make-A-Wish®. The daily schedule for the village will include a series of playful and educational activities dedicated to families including the Tree of Wishes, about 10 meters high and made of synthetic material to reduce its environmental impact. The activities can be booked for free online.
