10 Things to Do in Milan in Winter

Milan is a city that, despite the low temperatures of the winter season, does not stop its tourist activities. On the contrary, you will find plenty of things to do outdoors, whether it is walking the streets of the city, visiting historical sites or joining one of the tours and excursions to discover the natural wonders of this region. The important thing is that you will always have something to see and do in Milan during your visit.

Certainly, this is usually the tourist destination of hundreds of people, who enjoy walking on a blanket of snow, while admiring the architectural beauty of the Italian city, tasting its gastronomy and living the local traditions. For this reason, we present you some of the activities you cannot miss during your visit to Milan in winter.

The start of the cold season in Milan coincides with the start of Christmas, making December one of the best times for sightseeing in the city. You'll find street markets and fairs to buy Christmas decorations, souvenirs, handicrafts, antiques and much more.

You can wander through the streets of the city and head to the Piazza Duomo. There you will find a majestic Christmas tree, which will immediately catch your attention due to its large size and illumination. Also, in the surrounding area you will find some markets with many interesting objects and products.

Another option is the O'Bej O'Bej Christmas fair which, for a month (from 7 December to 7 January), brings together an average of 400 artisans in the vicinity of the historic Sforzesco Castle.

Also, if you find yourself in Milan during the last and first month of the year, you will have to go to the district of Pagano, where the Banco di Garabombo takes place. This is an innovative exhibition that offers locals and tourists a host of eco-sustainable products.

But, if you've come to Milan with children and want to bring them some fun, then your must-visit destination is Porta Venezie, where the annual Villaggio delle Meraviglie flea market is held. You'll find souvenirs, food, a skating rink and Christmas attractions for the kids.

Practical info

• Opening hours: The markets and fairs are open every day from the first week of December until the first week of January. You only have to go from 10:00 to 21:00.
• Price: Admission to the markets and fairs in Milan is free.

During your winter visit to Milan, don't miss the incredible sale season in shops and boutiques all over the city. You'll find designer clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. All at unbelievable prices. So you can add new pieces to your wardrobe.

You should know that the winter sale is scheduled for the months of January and February, the former being the most recommended. This is because there is more variety in clothes and products. However, in the second month of the year the prices are even more favourable.

You can visit shops of renowned brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Versace, Armani, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, among others.

Just head to the city centre and you will find the Quadrilatero della Moda, made up of the streets Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Via Sant'Andrea. Venture into this district and you'll find fashion, an elegant atmosphere and fascinating architecture.

Take a stroll along Corso Buenos Aires and Corso Vittorio Emanuele or, if you wish, head to the shopping centres on the outskirts of the Italian city.

You also have the option of shopping in smaller shops which, while not selling world-famous brands, offer quality products.

In Milan, ice skating is a very popular activity during the winter season. No matter if you are a kid or an adult, the rinks are waiting for you. So, think no more about what to see and do in Milan in 2 days and incorporate this visit to your list of activities, I assure you that you won't regret it!

You can head to Mediolanum Forum, Piazza Gae Aulenti or Piazza Primo Maggio. In any of these places you will find beautiful skating rinks that, for a price of less than 10 euros, will allow you to live a fun experience that you will hardly forget. All you have to do is rent skates outside the rink, put them on and start gliding across the icy surface.

Remember that it doesn't matter if you are not a professional skater, you will always be able to glide at your own pace. Similarly, if it's your first time on ice and you're feeling a little scared, you can take advantage of the winter scenery and lighting to take some souvenir photos.

Practical information

• Address: Mediolanum Forum, located in Via Giuseppe di Vittorio; Piazza Gae Aulenti in Porta Nuova and Piazza Primo Maggio in Sesto San Giovanni.
• Opening hours: The ice rinks are usually open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm.
• Price: The average ticket price is from 10 euros.

If you are a lover of design, trends and fashion, you can't miss the chance to visit the Italian city during the winter period. Attend two of the most important events in men's and women's fashion, where the autumn-winter collections are presented.

The calendar for the presentation of the autumn-winter collection usually takes place during January and February, in the women's and men's categories. Thus, it is expected that you can see more than 100 fashion shows at the Milan fashion week.

You will have the honour of seeing haute couture garments, belonging to famous brands: Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada, Armani, among others. Likewise, you won't be able to take your eyes off the coats, jumpers, jackets, suits, trousers, shirts and winter accessories, presented by the country's emerging talent with international projection.

And while attending all these shows, you will have the opportunity to admire the architectural beauty of the city.

This is because the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana holds the events in various iconic locations in the city such as Piazza della Scala, Bocconi University, the Fondazione Prada and the Quadrilatero d'Oro.

Practical information

• How to attend: Attendance to this pair of events is by invitation only, meaning that you will need to register on the site of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion. There, you must meet certain requirements that certify that you are a blogger, photographer, stylist, fashion journalist, among others.
• Price: The events of the autumn-winter fashion week are free of charge.

On your trip to Milan during the winter season, there is nothing better than venturing out to enjoy its gastronomy accompanied by an exquisite wine. You can also warm up with a cup of coffee or bubbling chocolate. Restaurants, bars, patisseries and cafés are located in the various districts of the city.

Start your gastronomic tour in the paticcerias of the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle. There, you will get a delicious panettone, which is a dessert originating in Milan, traditionally used in the Christmas feast in many countries around the world. Also, if you have the chance, you should visit Viale Coni Zugna street, where you will find pastry shops and cafés with a delicious espresso.

If you pass through Porta Ticinese, Navigli, Milan's Chinatown or the Arco della Pace area, you will come across a number of restaurants and bars, where after 19:00 and until 20:00 you will find a variety of snacks.

And if you want to eat the traditional Milanese stuffed potatoes, you'll have to go to the Naviglio Grande neighbourhood. But if you are interested in wine, the obligatory stop is in Via Corsico, where you will find the most important wine-producing cellars and some places where you can taste the beverages.

The gastronomic options in this Italian city are definitely varied. You just have to know how to choose the place where you will eat and, thus, you will not only enjoy real delicatessen with the tradition of Milan, but you will also be able to do it while observing a wonderful view of the city.

If you've decided to visit Milan during the winter months, it's because you love snowy landscapes and enjoy the characteristic cold of the season. So venture along the famous Bernina Express railway route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This way, you can travel from the Italian city to Switzerland and admire all the natural beauty that this region has to offer.

To start this excursion from Milan to the Swiss Alps, you must travel by bus to Tirano, the closest town to the border between Italy and Switzerland.

From there you will depart on board the so-called Little Red Train, from whose carriages you will have an unparalleled view of the Bernina Pass, Lake Como and finally the Swiss Alps.

When you reach the town of St. Moritz, you'll get off the iconic train to begin your tour of the elegant streets of St. Moritz, sip a cup of Swiss chocolate and sample the local gastronomy. All this while admiring the majesty of the glacial lakes and imposing mountains.

Practical information

• Where: You can board a bus at Milan's train station in Piazza Duca d'Aosta and upon arrival in Tirano connect with the Bernina Express.
• Duration: The transfer from Milan to Tirano takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, while the journey on the Bernina Express to San Moritz takes approximately 4 hours.
• Price: The ticket for the bus from Milan to Tirano costs approximately 12 euros. The average ticket price for the Bernina Express is €40.

The Museo Teatrale alla Scala is a must-see destination among the top 10 things to do in Milan in December, when the theatre season starts.

You'll enjoy opera, ballet and theatre in the only historic site in the city dedicated to these genres. The halls of the Museo Teatrale alla Scala are an indescribable combination of architectural beauty and history, dating back more than four centuries.

By attending the recitals, you will not only be treated to a unique spectacle, featuring prodigies of the famous genre of melodrama and dance. You will also have the opportunity to admire the delicate ornaments inside the building, as well as oil paintings depicting the evolution of opera and ballet.

Practical information about the Swiss Alps

• Where: The Teatro alla Scala is located via Filodrammatici 2 Milano.
• Opening times: Recitals at the Teatro alla Scala are usually held between 20:00 and 21:00.
• Price: The average ticket price for recitals starts at 70 euros.

Lake Como, considered to be the third largest lake in Europe, attracts annually a large number of tourists who, like you, want to enjoy its stunning natural beauty.

Join one of the Lake Como excursions from Milan and see the region 's distinctive alpine scenery as you tour the picturesque surrounding villages.

Once in the town of Como you'll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained for an unforgettable day out:

• Walk along the shores of the lake while detailing the fragile layer of ice formed on the surface of the water. In addition, you will find the boats at a standstill and covered in snow waiting for the change of season.
• Climb the Voltiano Lighthouse and get a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. You can also catch a glimpse of the famous Swiss Alps on the horizon.
• Take a funicular ride from the village of Brunate and when you reach the viewpoint you can enjoy the scenery even more.

Depending on how much time you have, you can walk through the surrounding villages to admire the predominant Renaissance architecture and even stay overnight. This way, you will not only enjoy the alpine and panoramic view of the lake, but also taste the local gastronomy and interact with the locals.

Although the dates may vary from year to year, a very attractive plan if you go to Milan during the months of February or March is to participate in the Ambrosian Carnival. It is a historical-religious celebration, held in honour of St. Ambrose and appreciated by all Milanese.

During your tour of Milan at this time of year, you will see a picturesque atmosphere in Piazza Duomo and the surrounding districts. In addition, you will be able to have fun with the series of activities organised by the locals and city leaders:

• Street performances.
• Dance shows.
• Musical concerts.
• Parades in colourful costumes.

You will find various street stalls selling food, handicrafts and antiques. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to taste some typical seasonal foods, such as chiacchiere, a fried dough covered lightly with refined sugar. You can also buy a souvenir of your time in Milan at these markets.

If you're in Milan on New Year's Eve, you won't want to miss the traditional New Year's Eve concert, held in Piazza Duomo. This is a free event, where you can enjoy the performance of Italian singer-songwriters and international guests. In addition, the atmosphere is complemented by classical music and some DJ sets.

When you approach the Piazza Duomo and its surroundings, you will get a colourful and lively panorama. Hundreds of Milanese and tourists gather, stalls with typical food of the celebration, wines and other beverages to taste.

Definitely, a good plan for you to spend the winter in Milan is to welcome the year in its bosom. Therefore, you should not miss this concert during your stay in the city and incorporate it among the 10 things to see and do in Milan's Piazza del Duomo, you won't regret it!

Practical information

• Where: Piazza Duomo in the historic area of the city of Milan.
• Hours: From 9pm.
• Price: The activities are free of charge.

Winter in Milan begins around 22 December and lasts until 21 March. During this time, temperatures can range from -1 to 9 degrees Celsius, with some precipitation. Snowfalls are also recorded, so temperatures can sometimes drop to negative levels.

Another peculiarity of the winter season in the city of Milan is that the days are much shorter compared to other times of the year. This is due to the late sunrise in winter. Therefore, each day begins at about 8:00 a.m. and by 5:00 p.m. there is no more sunlight in the surrounding area.

When talking about winter prices in Milan, there are significant differences. In the month of December, some activities, tours, excursions and transfers between the airport and Milan tend to be more expensive. This is due to the moderate influx of tourists during the Christmas period.

January and February are the low season months and are therefore days of great discounts in all shops and tourist attractions in the Italian city. For this reason, winter is the best time to visit Milan from an economic point of view for those who love cold weather.