The feast of St. Ambrose in Milan in 2025: from traditions to typical dishes

Saint Ambrose is a heartfelt feast for the Milanese population, rich in splendours and fascinating legends. Although it looks towards the future, the enchanting and futuristic Milan is very close to its millenary history, magnificent artistic and cultural heritage, and to Lombardy’s ancient traditions.

For instance, during the Advent season, Milan is tinged with a magical and muffled atmosphere, embellished by multi-coloured lights and Christmas decorations. Here you will find a detailed travel guide concerning the rituals, events, and gastronomic specialities related to the celebration of the Milanese patron saint.

Are you curious to know about the beginnings of Saint Ambrose, an eminent and charismatic religious figure? First of all, he was a very well-read theologian and one of the Doctors of the Catholic Church, the protagonist of various legends and tales concerning prodigious events.

Saint Ambrose was born in Trier, in Gaul, in 339 AD. He belonged to a prominent Roman senatorial family that converted to Christianity. His father held the position of praetorian prefect. After his classical studies in Rome, he performed his duties in the public sphere as a lawyer, a praetor, and governor of the Vicariate of Annonary Italy at the service of Emperor Valentinian I. Thus he acquired notoriety, authority, and credibility thanks to his exceptional dialectics, diplomacy, and know-how as a skilled and eloquent orator. He distinguished himself through his wisdom, sense of fairness, and justice for the care of the common good.

On December 7th, 373 AD Saint Ambrose was acclaimed as the successor to Bishop Aussentius, by the consensus of the jubilant crowd. During the exercise of his pastoral office, he adopted a lifestyle characterized by asceticism and practices of charity for needy people. With this purpose in mind, Saint Ambrose became a much-loved personality among the Milanese people. If you are an art lover, take the opportunity to visit the magnificent Basilica of Saint Ambrose, built between 379 AD and 386 AD. It is one of the most archaic and symbolic places of worship in the historic centre and an architectural masterpiece dating back to the Paleochristian and Medieval ages. It’s also less than one chilometer from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the famous Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci is kept.

Evidently, for the Milaneses, this feast day, with its dual religious and popular significance, is the moment that opens the Christmas season. In summary, to match the celebrations concerning Saint Patron, Milan dresses up for the festivities. The spectacular Cathedral Square in Milan, the city's cozy and characteristic living room, is the setting where the mayor switches on the illuminations of the fabulous Christmas tree. It is the ideal stage for hosting numerous musical, artistic, and cultural events. You will be pleasantly enchanted by the beauty and grandeur of the Gallery, and even more by the monumental Duomo, a majestic Gothic cathedral with five naves, built from 1386 onwards. It is embellished with marvellous stained glass windows and encircled by impressive and mysterious gargoyles, silent guardians of its magnificent treasures.

In addition, winter sports enthusiasts get the chance, taking advantage of the long festive period, to inaugurate the ski season.

If you are fond of popular traditions, folk events, and picturesque traditional markets, we recommend visiting the characteristic so-called Oh Bej Oh Bej local fair. As a matter of fact, it is one of the oldest festivals in the town, whose origins date back to 1288. The name of this event derives from the exclamation of astonishment and happiness used by children at the sight of sweet delicacies. So, in the late Middle Ages, a festival was held to celebrate the patron saint of Milan, similar to the current one, in the area overlooking the ancient Cathedral of St. Maria Maggiore.

Previously, stalls were set up in the streets adjoining the early Christian Basilica of Saint Ambrose, built in the Lombard Romanesque style. Then, they changed location and were transferred next to the magnificent Sforza Castle, one of Milan's most emblematic monuments and one of Lombardy’s best castles. The first thing to remember is that the roots of the fair date back to 1510. This was the epoch when Giannetto Castiglione, Grand Master of the Knightly Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, arrived in the city. He was designated by Pope Pius IV to revive the faith of Ambrosian citizens in the saints.

From this moment on, the Oh Bej Oh Bej fair began to be planned, with stalls full of toys, clothes, and culinary specialities in view of the feast of Saint Ambrose. The typical chestnut cake, mostarda and 'firon', special chestnut delicacies smoked through baking and flavoured with white wine, were very appreciated dishes. This speciality was tucked into traditional long strings, to be offered to customers.

It’s among the best Christmas markets in Lombardy, where you can find all kinds of products and take inspiration for Christmas gifts: from antiques to handicrafts to food and wine. Furthermore, you can taste some delicious roast chestnuts accompanied by an energizing mulled wine.

On the occasion of the feast of Saint Ambrose, the Golden Ambrogino award ceremony takes place. Basically, it is the highest recognition awarded by the Lombardy City Council to worthy citizens, organizations, and associations that have contributed significantly to the common good.

To deserve the recognition, citizens need to distinguish themselves thanks to solidarity and charitable actions, or to give prestige and prominence to the city of Milan.

December 7th is a day with multiple values and meanings. It is very relevant to the cultural landscape of the city. The premiere of the famous La Scala theatre, designed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini and inaugurated in 1778, takes place on this date as well.

The theatre itself, together with the nearby Brera Art Gallery, constitutes one of the city's major cultural centers.

In brief, this is a renowned event of international importance, that opens the opera season, attended by leading figures from institutions, fashion, show business, and the jet set.

The Artisans' fair is another eagerly awaited event, which takes place close to the Feast of Saint Ambrose, in the Rho-Pero exhibition centre. It is a well-known kermesse dedicated to the handicrafts sector, typical products, regional specialties, and gastronomic traditions, attended by exhibitors from every corner of the globe.

Milanese families get ready to celebrate the Feast of St. Ambrose by setting up mouth-watering tables, laden with delicious Lombard traditional recipes. Firstly, let yourselves be allured by typical hors d'oeuvres. For instance, you can begin sampling delicious 'mondeghil', tasty meatballs made with boiled meat and fried in butter, and beef 'nervetti' salad, and continuing with Milanese-style risotto, flavoured with saffron. Besides, among the typical main courses, Rostin Negàa, veal knots flavoured with butter, wine, and sage, are preferred.

According to tradition, people are used to tasting the first classic Milanese panettone, in combination with a rustic sweet from peasant tradition, garnished with raisins, cocoa, macaroons, and pine nuts.

The delicious Ambrosiani, the traditional biscuits of the Milanese festivity, is a traditional recipe made of flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. Moreover, they are one of the ideal sweets to celebrate Milan's patron saint.

If you decide to visit the enchanting city of Milan, take the opportunity to try these delicious shortbread biscuits. Their preparation marks the opening of the Christmas festivities. In addition, there is also a tasty version of this recipe, which makes this delicacy even more delicious, by adding dark chocolate icing and some pistachio or hazelnut grains.

Did you know that December 8th is a national holiday in Italy? This means that St Ambrose 2025 will be a long weekend, perfect for enjoying all the beauties of Milan at your leisure, with museums, shops, churches and even the surrounding areas, such as the villages decked out for Christmas.

If, instead, you're unsure how to plan a trip to Milan on the day of Sant'Ambrogio only, here's an itinerary that includes all the must-sees.

Start the morning right in the heart of the city, at the Duomo di Milano; let yourself be enchanted by its majestic interior and climb to the terraces for a stunning view. Soon after, stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, enjoy the elegant shops and take the chance to stop at one of the glamorous bar in the area, for a true italian aperitif.

Now walk along via Dante to reach the Sforza Castle, only one kilometer away from the Cathedral and maybe take a small detour to find a typical restaurant where to taste the famous risotto. Filled up on energy you can now dedicate the afternoon to the Castle itself and to the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! fair, held just around the manor.

It’s almost Christmas and you are in Milan so your afternoon break can only be panettone-based, and since night is approaching, it’s time to put on your best evening attire and attend the premiere of La Scala. For St. Ambrose 2025 the show is dedicated to a drama by Šostakovič.

Alternatively, if you forgot to pack your Armani, you can always spend your night strolling through the Brera district or enjoying Milan's nightlife along the Navigli canals. Brera is less than ten minutes away from the Castle on foot, and the Navigli are also quite easy to reach by metro Linea 2, from Lanza to Porta Genova.

With the Christmas lights on and St. Ambrose festive atmosphere in full force, you’ll fall in love with the unique allure of these iconic city landmarks.