Christmas in Northern Italy is a time of deep-rooted tradition, festive markets, and cozy charm. While cities across the region offer their own unique seasonal celebrations, there’s one event that stands out as especially significant in Milan, the Feast of St. Ambrose, the city’s patron saint. This holiday marks the start of Milan’s Christmas season, blending spirituality, culture, and festivity in one unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while exploring the beauty of Northern Italy, here’s why Milan should be at the top of your travel list, especially during the Feast of St. Ambrose.
The Feast of St. Ambrose: A Milanese Tradition
Every year on December 7th, Milan honors its patron saint, St. Ambrose (Sant’Ambrogio). This day is not only a religious holiday but also one of the city’s most cherished cultural events, kicking off the festive season in grand style. St. Ambrose, the bishop of Milan in the 4th century, played a crucial role in shaping the city’s Christian heritage and remains one of its most revered historical figures.
For Milanese locals, the Feast of St. Ambrose is a time to celebrate both faith and tradition. The highlight of the day is a special mass at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, a stunning Romanesque church dedicated to the saint himself. Many residents attend this service as a way of honoring their city’s heritage, while visitors are welcome to experience the spiritual and historical significance of this beautiful event.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Market
Coinciding with the Feast of St. Ambrose is Milan’s most famous Christmas market, Oh Bej! Oh Bej!—a name that translates to “Oh beautiful! Oh beautiful!” in the local Milanese dialect. This traditional market has been a beloved fixture of the city’s Christmas celebrations for centuries, dating back to the 16th century when it began as a modest fair in honor of St. Ambrose.
Held from December 7th to December 10th, the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! market fills the streets surrounding Castello Sforzesco with a festive atmosphere. Over 300 stalls offer a wide range of gifts, artisanal crafts, seasonal foods, and holiday treats. You can browse for unique Christmas presents, from handmade decorations and vintage items to local delicacies like panettone, a rich, sweet bread that originated in Milan and has become a staple of Italian Christmas traditions.
While wandering through the market, warm up with a cup of vin brulé (mulled wine) or sample local favorites such as roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages, and fritters. The Oh Bej! Oh Bej! market provides a perfect opportunity to experience Milan’s festive charm and is a must-visit for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit.
The Opening of La Scala Opera Season
Another major cultural event that takes place on December 7th is the opening night of the La Scala Opera Season. Considered one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, Teatro alla Scala kicks off its season on St. Ambrose’s Day with a highly anticipated performance. This grand occasion attracts opera lovers from around the globe, and tickets are often sold out well in advance.
Even if you can’t attend the opera itself, the atmosphere around La Scala is electric. Locals and visitors alike gather to watch the elegantly dressed guests arrive, and the city’s streets are abuzz with excitement. For those looking to experience Milan’s cultural heart, the opening of La Scala’s season is a true spectacle of the city’s dedication to the arts.
Milan’s Christmas Traditions and Festive Lights
In addition to the Feast of St. Ambrose, Milan embraces the Christmas season with festive decorations that light up the city. Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Milan, is transformed with twinkling lights and an enormous Christmas tree, creating a stunning backdrop for holiday photos. The square is also home to Milan’s other major Christmas market, offering more opportunities to find unique gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the joyful atmosphere.
Milan’s neighborhoods, such as Brera and Navigli, also come alive with festive cheer, offering a more intimate way to experience the city’s Christmas traditions. Strolling through these beautifully decorated streets, you’ll find cozy cafes and boutique shops that capture the essence of Milanese elegance during the holiday season.
For those interested in religious art and culture, a visit to Il Presepe (the nativity scene) is a must. Nativity displays are an important part of Christmas in Italy, and many churches throughout Milan set up intricate, hand-crafted scenes depicting the birth of Christ. The Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is home to one of the most impressive nativity scenes, a beautiful addition to the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of this iconic landmark.
Northern Italian Christmas Highlights Beyond Milan
While Milan is undoubtedly a highlight, Christmas celebrations across Northern Italy offer plenty of other unique experiences. Just a short trip from Milan, you can visit Lake Como, where the charming lakeside villages are decorated with twinkling lights, and Christmas markets take place against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Alps.
In Turin, you’ll find the magnificent Luci d’Artista, an artistic display of light installations that illuminate the city’s historic streets and squares. The elegant arcades and grand piazzas make Turin one of the most atmospheric places to celebrate Christmas in Northern Italy.
Meanwhile, the city of Bologna comes alive with its famous Fiera di Santa Lucia, one of Italy’s oldest Christmas markets. Here, you can indulge in local delicacies and browse handmade gifts in the picturesque setting of the city’s medieval streets.
Christmas in Northern Italy is a magical experience, and Milan shines at the center of it all with its celebration of the Feast of St. Ambrose. From the historic Oh Bej! Oh Bej! market and the festive lights of Piazza del Duomo to the cultural richness of La Scala’s opera season, Milan offers a Christmas experience that is both elegant and deeply rooted in tradition.
Whether you’re drawn by the food, the culture, or the festive cheer, Milan and Northern Italy are the perfect winter destinations for those looking to experience the true spirit of an Italian Christmas.
