I wanted to do a Milan Travel Blog for so long now, but I guess Christmas Holiday gives me the perfect opportunity since I consider Milan a true gem for winter decorations.
I have visited the city many times, but never in December. So, last year, I decided to get together with my high school friend and desk mate, Emma, who is now living in Switzerland. I have not seen her in ages and Milan was the perfect meeting point since she could drive till there and I could take a short airplane ride (and btw, cheap!).
I did not expect much from the city because I thought there was not anything new it could show me. I was just happy to explore it with Emma. But, Milan did prepare a magical surprise for us!
There we were, standing in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in front of the fairytale Christmas tree and it once again made me realize how rich travel makes me feel ❤
Way to go Milan!! Between Leonardo da Vinci and Fashion Week, you will now be recognized for one of the most beautiful Christmas decor ever. No, I did not forget about lasagna and pizza, do not worry! I could never do that 😀
The thing is when you check the internet about Christmas destinations, you always get to see London, Vienna, Prague or Nuremberg on the list, but never Milan. And, for real, I do not know why it is so underrated.
I hope these pictures will inspire you to put this magical city on your winter list. (For more December inspiration, click HERE and check out my previous travel blog: SIX DECEMBER CITYBREAKS IN EUROPE ❤)
That being said, let’s see what Milan has prepared for us with 10 REASONS TO VISIT IT IN DECEMBER!! ❤
- The Christmas tree at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This was the most magical moment in Milan for me last December and I suggest you start from here. Carols in the Galleria, Christmas lights and the perfect Christmas tree. Of course, I won’t lie to you; the place is packed with tourists, but I stopped there for a couple of minutes in front of the big tree and just enjoyed the moment. It made me feel like I was a child all over again and I will be waiting for Santa soon because I was a good girl.
If you want to soak up the atmosphere, you can choose one cute café inside the galleria and relax for a bit.
- Piazza del Duomo dressed for winter
This place is probably the most iconic tourist attraction is Milan and it will not disappoint you in December. I know summer nights here can be charming because you get to stay on the Duomo stairs enjoying a delicious gelato, but the piazza also dresses up for Christmas and it is beautiful both by day and by night. As a plus, you can survey the city from the Duomo roof for 9 Eur by foot and 13 Eur by lift.
- Christmas Shopping is always a good idea
I should start by asking all of the girls and women out there, when was shopping a bad idea, right? Well, Milan is sure known as one of the world’s fashion capitals, being home to some of Italy’s most renowned designer brands as well as a wealth of independent boutiques and international stores. And Christmas gives you the perfect opportunity to buy whatever you want and tell yourself it is a gift from Santa!
PS: Via Montenapoleone, Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II, Corso Buenos Aires and Corso Venezia are the most famous shopping streets in the city!
- Lasagna is as tasty as ever
I must admit lasagna is one of the reasons I could never say no to Milan. Many years ago, in 2010, if I recall correctly, I visited the city for the first time and fell in love with their lasagna recipe. The years have passed, I learned how to make the perfect homemade lasagna, but I still love to be back to the same restaurant and have one more bit!
- Outdoor heaters allow you to still enjoy the best view
Some of the best places in Milan are outdoor restaurants because you can enjoy a lovely view at every corner of the city. The good news is that cold weather won’t stop you since they provide outdoor heaters everywhere and cozy blankets! And if you are lucky enough, sun will still be with you in December <3
PS: In my next travel blog, I have prepared some good recommendations for you in order to get the best view of Milan.
- Snowy Milan looks like a fairytale
For true winter lovers, snow is mandatory! And Piazza del Duomo looks absolutely stunning with Christmas decorations and snowflakes. I must admit it was still warm, around 12-13 degrees Celsius, when I visit at the beginning of December 2016, but maybe you will be luckier. It looks like a winter fairytale!
PS: Don’t forget your fancy gloves at home!
- Spend 15 Minutes with da Vinci’s Last Supper
Cold weather gives you the perfect opportunity to stay inside and see Leonardo’s masterpiece. While in Milan, a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church to see “The Last Supper” is definitely a must, even if you are not such an art lover. Be aware though, getting tickets to see the famous fresco can be incredibly difficult since they strictly limit the number of people in the room at the same time, which limits the number of tickets they can sell each day. Be sure to book months in advance to be sure!
- Enjoy a lovely dinner in a historical tram
Discover Milan in different tour and have a memorable evening in the city while enjoying dinner on board of an historical tram. It also offers you a ride through the historic centre of Milan! Can you think of a better way to enjoy the Christmas lights than this one?
The ride lasts for two and a half hours and starts every day from at 8:00 p.m. from the Sforza Castle. The restaurant is called ATMOSFERA and the price will be 70 Eur/person for dinner with four dishes menu and beverages included (mineral water, one bottle of wine for two people and coffee).
- Cozy Brera restaurants are waiting for you
If you want to warm up while enjoying the perfect Italian pizza or a good portion of flavorful pasta, this is the place for you. Brera offers you a long list of restaurants to choose from where you can find the most delicious Italian dishes. Also, you can never go wrong with a glass of Italian wine. Yummy!
- Enjoy a classical Italian Aperitivo!
There is nothing Italians enjoy more than a good aperitivo. After work, they meet up in restaurants and bars with work colleagues or friends to enjoy a couple of hours for drinks and catching up. There are plenty of places that offer this concept in Milan meaning that cocktails will be a bit pricier, but you will get a free buffet to accompany your drinks.
It appears that in Milan this tradition started in the 1860s when Gaspare Campari moved to the city and opened up a café and to serve his home-brewed invention, the Campari liquor. And because drinks are always better with some snacks aside, this is how the Aperitivo Concept was born.
PS: I recommend trying Terazza Aperol for the best experience located right in the Piazza del Duomo!
I hope my 10 reasons to visit Milan in December will convince you to put in on the list next year or, why not, even this one! There is still time and airplane tickets are cheap and affordable, especially if you are flying from Europe.
In order to make your job even easier, I promise to post this week a Complete Travel Guide to Milan, with accommodation and flights tips, but also the best places in town!
For any other tips & tricks, I am waiting you on Facebook and Instagram.
See you soon,
Blonde around the World ❤
*** All pictures without the Blonde around the World watermark from this travel blog are from Google. All the credit goes to the rightful owners.
