On December 7th, Milan celebrates St. Ambrogio, the saint patron of the city.
The tradition wants that, during this day, the people of Milan start coping with pines, garlands and snowballs. Here there are, then, on December 7th the first doubts.
Are my decorations too 90s? Is that pine too mangy? And, most of all: what shall I give to my family and friends?! No worries: if you happen to be in Milan, from the day of S. Ambrogio onwards, you’ll see hundreds of Christmas markets popping out here and there, where you’ll find the perfect decorations and gifts.
Piazza Duomo, during Christmas, becomes full of shimmering colours while the huge Christmas tree dominates the square. From December 9th to January 6th, the tree overshadows the central Christmas market, made of small tree houses decorated with green and red. Each tree house treasures regional products, coming from the entire Italy: from strudels to Christmas balls, you’ll find something for sure!
Every month, a historical Milanese firm in the Design District of Lambrate colours itself with the East London hues and opens its doors to the most hip vintage market of Milan, the East Market. During Christmas, the East Market celebrates the joyful spirit with a special edition: on December 12, 13 and 20 from 10.00 till 21.00, the East Market will be full of handmade Christmas decorations, gifts and vintage items. www.eastmarketmilano.com
Imagine an old factory, where church bells and squares statues used to be built. A factory that today is closed and that opens from time to time to host events and celebrations. A factory that, on December 12th and 13th will be decorated with lights and snowmen. La Fonderia Napoleonica, in the Isola district, celebrates a green spirit, made of organic products and artisan creations.
www.fonderianapoleonica.it/greenchristmas
Flea markets in Milan don’t mean dust and fuss: they mean quiet and neat places full of hidden gems. And during Christmas this is particular true.
On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December, the Magazzino76 in via Padova cherishes stands decorated and full of unique vintage items. Two holiday days in which you’ll buy gifts, listen to great live music and sip some vin brûlé!
La Stecca is the Milanese association of artisans, particularly attended in the post war period. Now, it lives again thanks to the Boeri Studio, a design studio famous in Milan for the construction of the innovative Bosco Verticale. The Studio has created a unique space where artisans can gather as they used to, the La Stecca 3.0, near Porta Garibaldi. Its windows will host Italian artisans and, from December 12 to December 13, it will expose their creations that will embellish any Christmas tree. www.lastecca.org
When you feel tired of shopping around and all you wish is to spend some time enjoying your second most favourite Christmas activity, eating, then you have to stop at the Cascina Cuccagna. The farmstead will open to show its delicious organic products, which will enrich your break or your Christmas baskets. www.cuccagna.org