I mercatini di Natale a Milano – stampa per i tuoi ospiti

Christmas Market and events in Milano

In Milan, Christmas triumphs when the traditional “Oh Bej! Oh Bej! ” starts.  Whose name seems to derive from the exclamations of joy of the Milanese children who gladly accepted the gifts of Giannetto Castiglione, papal envoy, on the occasion of his entry into the city in 1510 (the Lombard expression” Oh bej! Oh bej! ”translates into Italian“ Oh belli !, oh belli! ”). An annual event for Christmas shopping, the “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!”, which brings a real crowd of enthusiasts to Milan, also from neighboring municipalities.

In the more than 25,000 square meters of exhibition around the Sforzesco castle there are over three hundred exhibitors that allow Christmas market enthusiasts to rediscover the authentic atmospheres of the past and the most representative product categories of the historic fair. About two thirds of the exhibitors are an expression of the Milanese tradition.

Once the market took place around the central square dedicated to Saint Ambrose – patron saint of Milan – and in the adjacent streets, but since 2006 it has been moved to Piazza Castello. Still in the historic center of Milan and under the gaze of the Madonnina, a hundred stalls full of gift ideas will be positioned behind the cathedral and in the square, on the side of the Rinascente.

A large Christmas tree will be installed in Piazza Duomo.

Since 2008 in the Public Gardens named after the journalist Indro Montanelli, there is “The Village of Wonders” with an unmissable Christmas Market and with many activities for adults and children that take place in a magical atmosphere among the centuries-old trees of the gardens.

There is even a free skating rink that is used for artistic performances with valence performances.

Suggestive location for the Green Christmas event held in the fascinating industrial archeology site of the Napoleonic Eugenia Foundry, in the heart of the old “Isola” district.

On November 6, the Banco di Garabombo returns, the largest fair trade and solidarity economy tent in Europe, organized by Altromercato onlus by Chico Mendes, Radio Popolare and Cooperativa Librerie in Piazza. The initiative, proposed since 1997, is recognized as a “Traditional Milanese Event” and sponsored by the Municipality of Milan.

The space of 400 square meters is organized in the parking lot in via Mario Pagano (MM1 stop). Inside the space it is possible to find food, fashion, cosmetics, household items, books and many gift ideas. All while respecting the cardinal principles of fair trade: direct relations with producers, payment of the fair price and fair working conditions.

In December, in via Guanella 11, the historic Christmas market of the Veronica Sacchi ODV (AVS) Association called La Boutique dei Nasi Rossi, now in its 18th edition, is scheduled.

All the proceeds go to train young clown volunteers who will bring smiles to children in hospitals, to the elderly in retirement homes and to disabled people in day care centers. In the Boutique it will be possible to find many gift ideas for a Christmas dedicated to solidarity, this year also a “Pack of Smiles” with products to choose from to support the individual projects of the association.

Enjoy your visit in Milan! Happy Christmas