Milan, Italy is a metropolis known for being the country’s fashion and design capital. Visitors come from all over the world to shop in its high-end shops and eat in its upscale restaurants. It is also rich in art and culture as evidenced by its Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and it’s Santa Maria delle Grazie convent which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

With Milan being so high fashion, it makes perfect sense that you will want to visit the city around Christmastime. It’s many Christmas markets are sure to be selling unique items you may not find in its boutiques and restaurants. Here are some you won’t want to miss.

Cascina Cuccagna Christmas Market

This Christmas market is located in the historical Cuccagna farmstead. It has an environmentally friendly theme. As such, it is the perfect place to find naturally sourced presents and organic, locally made foods and produce.

Artigiano in Fiera

This market takes place at Fiera Milano in Rho, about 20 minutes outside of the Milan city center. It hosts international products and it one of the most diverse markets you will find in the area. It is a great place to find homemade goods that typically fall into one of three main categories; furnishings, fashion and creative passion.

It runs throughout the second week of December. It is open to traders and the general public.

Green Christmas at Fonderia Napoleonica Eugenia

This market takes place over the course of a weekend in mid-December and promotes a greener, more natural lifestyle. It’s a great place to find eco-friendly fashions, biocosmetics and products designed with the environment in mind.

In kicks off with an Apertif in Hemp where visitors can learn about products derived from cannabis seeds including hemp to eat and wear. There is also an eco-wedding section dedicated to those who want to enter a pact with their partner for a greener lifestyle. It offers a variety of ideas for getting married in an eco-friendly fashion.

The market also hosts conferences in the morning and workshops in the afternoon where guests can learn more about going green. Individuals will have the opportunity to visit museum spaces and learn about ancient work environments.

Winter at Bagni Misteriosi

Bagni Misteriosi is a public swimming pool that has been open since the 1930’s. In the winter, it converts into an ice-skating rink with little shops and food stalls set up around it. It’s the perfect place to spend a winter day.

Mercantino di Natale

Mercantino di Natale is one of the largest and most popular markets in Milan. It is set in Piazza Duomo, and it features over 60 huts selling a variety of goods including nativity cribs, Christmas decorations, a variety of ethnic goods and more.

Banco di Garabombo

This market sits opposite the underground station making it the perfect location to grab goods on your way to and from work and other destinations. It specializes in products made from local raw materials and the craftsmen represent various countries around the world including Asia, Africa and South America. It is the perfect place to find a variety of handmade items including clothing, food, books, cosmetics and more.

“Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” Milan Traditional Fair

This market is held in honor of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. It is translated to “How Beautiful! How Beautiful!” In English. It lives up to its reputation as it is set against the backdrop of the magnificent Sforza Castle. It’s wonderfully decorated huts further enhance the aesthetic.

The market dates back to 1510 and is one of the oldest in history. It’s a terrific place to find local products, Milanese dishes and wines, scarfs, souvenirs, handmade items and more. It runs over the course of a weekend in early December.

Darsena Christmas Village

Darsena is one of the newer markets in Milan, but it has quickly caught on with locals due to the variety of goods sold. These include wood sculptures for the home, decorations, handcrafted artwork and delicious local food items. It is located in Milan’s renewed area of Darsena.

Il Villaggio delle Meraviglie

This market is a must go destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. Vendors sell a variety of dessert items including cotton candy, sugar pancakes and churros with a variety of spreads.

There are also plenty of entertaining activities to enjoy. Guests can take a turn around the ice-skating rink or bring their kids to meet Santa.

Creativa Artigiana

This National Show of Italian Arts and Crafts focuses on the rediscovery of traditional Italian craftsmanship. Products can be purchased directly from producers who can provide information on how the item was designed and crafted and how it can be used. The market also hosts a variety of workshops and live performances.

Christmas Market at East Market Milano

This East London inspired market is a terrific place to find vintage and secondhand products, toys and old vinyl as well as street food. It takes place every weekend, but it really comes alive during the holiday season. Live deejays add to the festive vibe.

Milano always provides a terrific shopping experience, but it’s even better during Christmastime when many markets are set up in the area. Which of these will you be visiting first?

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