Christmas in Milan: Neighbourhood Guide for International Students
by Beniamina Cassetta
Reading time: 4 minutes
Spending Christmas in Milan as a student at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore means discovering a city full of winter charm. Christmas lights, winter markets, ice skating and live music: December in Milan is full of things to do that are affordable and easy to reach by metro. And if you are freezing half the time, we’ve got you covered: for every area we’ll suggest not only what to see, but also cosy cafés and chocolate spots where you can warm up again.
This guide is written especially for Università Cattolica international students (or anyone looking to experience Milan like a local!) and organised by neighbourhood (quartiere) so you can quickly plan your evenings: where to go, what to do, and exactly where to hide from the cold with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
1. Duomo & Centro Storico
Metro: M1 / M3 Duomo
If you imagine Christmas in Milan, you’re probably thinking of this area: Piazza Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the streets around them. Just a 15-minute walk or three metro stops from Università Cattolica’s main campus, the Duomo area is a favourite after-class hangout during December.
Things to do around Duomo at Christmas
- Piazza Duomo Christmas Tree and Market
In front of Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), there is a huge, decorated Christmas tree and a traditional Christmas market. Wooden chalets sell Italian street food, regional products and gifts. The market usually runs from early December until 6 January.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Christmas Lights
Just across from the cathedral, the Galleria’s glass dome is covered with Christmas lights and a big designer Christmas tree stands in the middle. It’s busy, but it’s also one of the most iconic Christmas spots in Milan.
- Palazzo Marino Christmas Exhibition
Behind Piazza della Scala, Palazzo Marino hosts a free Christmas art exhibition in the Sala Alessi every year. It’s a nice cultural stop right in the centre and perfect for students on a budget. This year on show there’s one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance: the Monte San Martino Polyptych by Carlo and Vittore Crivelli.
Where to get hot chocolate near Duomo
- Venchi – Duomo area
Famous Italian chocolate shop known for dense hot chocolate and a photogenic “chocolate wall.”
Student tip
Visit Duomo and the Galleria on a weekday evening for fewer crowds and beautiful photos of the tree and lights.
2. Porta Venezia & Giardini Indro Montanelli
Metro: M1 Porta Venezia
While Porta Venezia isn’t directly next to Università Cattolica’s main campus, it’s just a quick metro ride (M1 red line) from Cadorna, making it a popular neighbourhood for students seeking festive lights, ice skating, and seasonal shopping – all without venturing too far from familiar ground.
Things to do in Porta Venezia at Christmas
- Villaggio delle Meraviglie – Giardini Indro Montanelli
Inside the public park Giardini Indro Montanelli, near Porta Venezia, you’ll find a Christmas village with ice skating rinks, rides, food stands, and Santa’s house. Entrance to the park is free; you pay only if you want to skate or try attractions. The village usually runs from mid-November until around the Epiphany (6 January).
- Corso Buenos Aires Christmas shopping
From Porta Venezia you can walk straight to Corso Buenos Aires, one of Europe’s longest shopping streets. In December it’s full of Christmas lights, chain stores and winter sales. It’s a classic destination for student-friendly Christmas shopping.
Where to get hot chocolate near Porta Venezia
- Zàini Milano – Viale Piave area
Historic chocolate and coffee shop with a vintage feel. Their hot chocolate is intense and often served with seasonal sweets.
Student tip
Best plan: go to Villaggio delle Meraviglie before sunset, enjoy the rides and skating, then head to Corso Buenos Aires after dark for lights, shopping and food.
3. Navigli & Darsena
Metro: M2 Porta Genova / M2 Romolo / M2 Assago Forum
If you ask Università Cattolica students about their favourite places in Milan, Navigli usually shows up in the top three. At Christmas, the canals and the Darsena get a festive upgrade.
Things to do in Navigli at Christmas
- Darsena Christmas Market and Lights
Around the Darsena (the dock area near Porta Genova) you’ll usually find wooden stalls, Christmas lights and small attractions (especially on the weekend).
- Christmas along Naviglio Grande
Follow Naviglio Grande and Ripa di Porta Ticinese for more lights, small markets and the classic Milanese aperitivo scene. In December, many bars add mulled wine (vin brulé) and seasonal snacks. The lights reflecting on the water make it one of the most atmospheric places to walk on winter evenings.
- If you want something more active, leave the canals and jump on the metro to Assago, just outside Milan: Discoghiaccio at Unipol Forum Assago is an ice-skating event that feels like a nightclub on ice: music, lights and a big ice rink instead of a dance floor.
Where to get hot chocolate in Navigli
- Cioccolatitaliani Navigli
A chocolate-focused café on Ripa di Porta Ticinese. Ideal stop when you’re freezing after walking along the canals but still want dessert instead of another cocktail.
Student tips
Go have a walk on a clear evening; the reflections on the water of the Navigli make the lights look amazing.
4. Isola & Blue Note Milano
Metro: M2 Garibaldi FS / M5 Isola
Just across the railway tracks from Porta Nuova, Isola offers a more local, alternative atmosphere with street art and independent shops, and one of Europe’s most famous jazz clubs. Università Cattolica’s students love the creative vibe of Isola, especially during Christmas time.
Things to do in Isola at Christmas
- Green Christmas: Fonderia Napoleonica Eugenia
On a weekend in mid-December, the old Fonderia Napoleonica hosts Green Christmas, a sustainable Christmas market with eco-friendly gifts, local designers, natural cosmetics and workshops. It’s especially interesting if you study or love design, sustainability or fashion.
- Blue Note Milano Christmas concerts.
Right in Isola, at Via Pietro Borsieri 37, you’ll find Blue Note Milano, the only European branch of the famous New York jazz club. It’s a jazz club, restaurant and live music venue with a full calendar of December concerts. A special Harlem Gospel Choir concert on 26 December brings American Christmas gospel to Milan – think powerful voices, Christmas songs and a lot of energy.
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Where to get hot chocolate in Isola
- Many local bars and cafés in Isola serve good hot chocolate. Some vegan or health-focused spots offer plant-based or raw versions, like Ko Bo Vegan.
Student tip
If you’re looking for edible souvenirs, stop by Eataly Smeraldo – Piazza XXV Aprile, where you can browse regional products while warming up with a cup of tea or a nice espresso.