Things to do in Milan in December 2025: the top 10 events not to be missed

In December, Milan transforms into an enchanting stage where soft lights, glittering shop windows, and urban art installations redefine the city’s winter charm. For you traveling from afar, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore a unique blend of unmatched fashion, culture, and Christmas tradition.

From major international events to emerging art exhibitions, and from artisanal markets to soulful gospel concerts, Milan offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. In this article, you’ll discover the 10 best things to do in Milan in December 2025—handpicked to help you experience the city like an insider, immersed in art, flavor, and atmosphere.

Visiting Milan in December offers the chance to discover a city dressed in its most elegant and radiant attire of the year. With daytime temperatures averaging between 39°F (4°C) and 46°F (8°C) and evenings that can get quite chilly, be sure to pack warm, layered clothing, waterproof shoes, and a comfortable coat.

Getting around is easy thanks to the city’s extensive network of subways, trams, and buses. Book tickets in advance for the most popular museums and exhibitions, take advantage of weekdays to enjoy a calmer atmosphere, and balance indoor experiences with evening strolls under the Christmas lights.

A great travel companion is the Milano City Pass, which offers discounts on transportation, attractions, and guided tours.

Don’t limit yourself to exploring by day — Milan shines at night, with its festive lights, aperitivo culture, and lively Christmas markets that come alive after sunset. The city feels warmer and more welcoming than ever.

Below, we’ve handpicked the 10 must-do experiences in Milan in December 2025.

In December, Milan becomes a true urban light show, where artistic installations, festively decorated boulevards, and rejuvenated historic corners transform the city into a one-of-a-kind stage. In its most iconic districts — from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, all the way to CityLife — the Christmas lights envelop monuments and elegant walkways in a radiant glow.

The art of luminous design comes alive through creative LED displays and chromatic effects that give each place the atmosphere of a cinematic photograph.

You, traveler, can stroll among golden reflections and illuminated façades, be amazed by interactive installations, and capture glimpses of a city artfully transformed. Grab your camera, wear comfortable shoes, and experience one of the most enchanting highlights among the best things to do in Milan.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, CityLife – all December 2025

Start your day with a visit to the Duomo di Milano, the true symbol of the city. Wander through its magnificent Gothic aisles, climb up to the panoramic terraces for breathtaking views, and uncover the fascinating details of the Duomo Museum.

Then, dive into the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Markets in Piazza Duomo: more than 60 wooden chalets showcase local craftsmanship, traditional sweets, and charming Christmas decorations from Lombardy, all set against the backdrop of the cathedral beautifully illuminated at night.

Piazza Duomo – December 1, 2025 / January 6, 2026

Immerse yourself in Milan’s tradition with the historic Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair, an event that has officially marked the start of the Christmas season in the city for over five centuries. Its origins date back to 1510, when the people of Milan joyfully welcomed a papal envoy, exclaiming “Oh bej! Oh bej!” (“Oh beautiful! Oh beautiful!”) at the gifts he brought for the city’s children.

From December 5 to 8, 2025, the area surrounding Castello Sforzesco and Piazza Castello will transform into a lively open-air village with more than 300 stalls showcasing local crafts, Lombard delicacies, traditional sweets, vintage toys, and festive decorations.

Let yourself be captivated by the scent of mulled wine, the smoky flavor of roasted “firòn” chestnuts, and the joyful music that fills the air as people laugh and browse handmade treasures. Pro tip: visit the fair in the morning, when the streets around the castle are quieter and bathed in the soft winter light. It’s one of the best things to do in Milan in December 2025, capturing the city’s warm, authentic, and communal spirit.

If you’re looking for a place to experience the true magic of Christmas in Milan, the Villaggio delle Meraviglie at the Giardini Indro Montanelli is an unmissable stop among the best things to do in Milan in December 2025. In this large park in the heart of the city, the air fills with lights, scents, and smiles.

The indoor ice-skating rink, one of the largest in Italy, welcomes visitors of all ages to glide and twirl to festive music. Nearby, Santa’s House enchants children with elves, games, and creative workshops, while colorful rides and live shows bring the holiday spirit to life.

Take a photo among the sparkling decorations, taste traditional sweets and hot chocolate, and let yourself be carried away by the fairytale atmosphere of the village. It’s a place where winter turns into pure joy — perfect for families, couples, and travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable Christmas experience.

Giardini Indro Montanelli – November 30, 2025 / January 7, 2026

Get ready to experience something truly out of the ordinary at the Museum of Senses Milan. It’s a destination that combines fun and wonder — an interactive museum that stimulates all five senses through surprising optical illusions, tactile installations, and environments that challenge perception. In the heart of December, when the air is crisp and the days are shorter, it’s the perfect choice for an engaging indoor experience.

The Museum of Senses is ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends looking to add a touch of originality to their trip. It’s a place where science meets imagination, where even the most logical observer can’t help but be amazed.

Museum of Senses Milan, Viale Monte Grappa 10 – Milan

Immerse yourself in the heart of Milan’s winter concerts—unmissable, soul-stirring events that elevate your list of things to do in Milan in December 2025. The annual Christmas Concert at the Duomo di Milano returns as a majestic tradition: on 12 December 2025, the vast Gothic nave resonates with canticles and sacred music performed by the Cameristi della Scala and the Cappella Musicale della Cattedrale. 

Then, on 26 December 2025 at 17:00, prepare for a radically different auditory journey with the sensational Dream Gospel Choir from Harlem at the Teatro degli Arcimboldi. This acclaimed gospel ensemble from New York delivers blazing rhythms, deep-souled voices and pure joy in a concert described as “a rhapsody of gospel and soul” by critics. 

Whether you prefer the solemnity of the Duomo or the vitality of American gospel music, both concerts represent two complementary sides of the city: the Milan of tradition and the city of contemporary excitement.

Duomo di Milano – 12 December 2025

Teatro degli Arcimboldi – 26 December 2025

One event you absolutely can’t miss is the prestigious Opening Night at La Scala on December 7, 2025, an evening that marks the start of Milan’s opera season on the feast day of Sant’Ambrogio. Inside the theater that has shaped the history of opera, you’ll have the chance to witness an exclusive production. This year’s performance features Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District,” on stage at 6:00 p.m. on December 7, 2025.

You can also choose from the winter performances that enrich the theater’s seasonal program. Make sure to check ticket availability well in advance, book early, and take advantage of the theater’s central location for a delightful post-show dinner nearby.

La Scala Theater – December 7, 2025

Love art? Discover the exhibitions taking place in Milan this December — an unmissable opportunity to experience the city through a fresh creative lens. One of the highlights is the exhibition dedicated to Leonora Carrington at Palazzo Reale: from September 20, 2025, to January 11, 2026, you can admire over 60 works by the Anglo-Mexican surrealist, in a journey that explores dream, myth, and magic.

Alongside it, Palazzo Citterio hosts “Nobu at Elba Redux” by Giovanni Frangi (from October 30, 2025, to January 18, 2026), transforming the Stirling Room into an immersive experience that blends monumental painting with evocative sculpture.

Palazzo Reale – September 20, 2025 / January 11, 2026

Palazzo Citterio – October 30, 2025 / January 18, 2026

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Milan means diving into a night filled with energy and anticipation. On December 31, the city hosts its traditional New Year’s Eve concert in Piazza Duomo, one of the most awaited events of the year. Amid dazzling lights, spectacular stage designs, and performances by national and international artists, you’ll ring in the new year surrounded by music and celebration.

If you prefer a quieter or more refined experience, many restaurants and hotels in the city center offer gala dinners and exclusive soirées, perfect for welcoming 2026 with style and flavor. From elegant venues overlooking the Duomo to rooftop parties with live music, every option offers a unique perspective on the city’s most sparkling night.

Book early — the best spots fill up quickly — and plan your transportation in advance. This way, you can enjoy the last night of the year with ease, elegance, and a touch of glamour.

Piazza Duomo – December 31, 2025 / January 1, 2026

Conclude your Milan journey with a taste of the city's authentic flavors and culinary excellence, which make it irresistible in December. The undisputed star is the artisanal panettone, best enjoyed at historic pastry shops like Marchesi 1824, Cova Montenapoleone, or Cucchi, where butter, candied fruit, and natural leavening come together in an unmistakable aroma.

In traditional restaurants, let yourself be tempted by timeless classics: the creamy, golden saffron risotto, the slow-cooked ossobuco alla milanese, and the spiced mulled wine that fills the city center with its warm scent. Every bite tells the story of a city that knows how to blend tradition and innovation—especially at the table.

For a truly multisensory experience, join a food and wine tour through one of Milan’s lively neighborhoods. You’ll start with a glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine in an elegant setting, followed by a five-course tasting menu where each dish is perfectly paired with selected wines. The tour also includes a stop at an artisanal cheese shop specializing in unpasteurized varieties, a genuine treat for gourmet enthusiasts.

Milan city center – all December 2025