Milano Super Christmas 2019

Introduction

Being an international student who recently moved to Milan for higher studies, I am excited about this year long adventure. But I was more excited about experiencing Christmas in Europe! The city of Milan did not disappoint, with their Milan Super Christmas 2019 event spread throughout the city. Awe-inspiring christmas markets, sparkling christmas trees, beautiful light decorations on every street, and of course, the famed hot chocolate and Arancini! 

What to see

The month long celebrations start in late November-early December. The famous centres of Milan like Centrale, Garibaldi, Piazza del Duomo, Navigli-Darsena, etcetera all boast of great Christmas markets and many other things to do! 

1. Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II

The best one is undoubtedly the one at Piazza del Duomo, spread around the Duomo Cathedral. The christmas market comprises of small huts offering everything from food and spices (Brezels, Arancini, hot chocolate, etc.) to woollen accessories (berets, hats, gloves and socks) to other beautiful accessories, like wood carved showpieces, photo frames, artifical jewellery and christmas decor.

The Milano Super Christmas tree is one sight you cannot miss (it is erected up till 6 January 2020). It is an entire tree made up of lights! Accompanied by christmas-themed music playing on speakers located around the tree, the lights change as in a show, automated with the beats of the music. You can even go inside the tree, and see the light show from underneath - it is a one of a kind visual illusion! Just remember, no food or drinks are allowed inside the tree. 

The Duomo cathedral is also open for visitors, so be sure not to miss it! It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and has the most number of statues in the world! It's a beautiful cathedral with a long, rich and cultural history, so do make it a point to enter and admire the works of European artisans of the days gone by. The Leonardo Da Vinci-painted "Last Supper" is also nearby, and you can buy tickets to view both, the cathedral and the painting. 

At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, under the central dome is another Christmas tree lit up with sparkly decorations, this time erected by the company of Swarovski. It isdiamente,signifying a frosty Christmas! Surrounded by top luxury brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etcetera, it is literally the epitome of luxury. 

Another sight to not be missed here is the light decoration done by La Rinascente on their building. Next to the christmas market, the one stop luxury shopping destination is a unique sight in itself. White and off-white lights hung on the external facade change colours giving a look of sparkly rain droplets falling on the building. Accompanied by snowflake-shaped decor hanging from the ceiling in the aisle along the entrance, the sight is another one to behold. 

What to do: Reach Duomo by underground or tram/bus, and then just roam around and take it all in! Visit the Milano Super Christmas tree from inside, roam around the Christmas market while gorging on a Formaggio Brezel (Cheese pretzel). Buy a Gelato from Amorino and binge on the dessert while window shopping and admiring the Swarovski tree at Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. La Rinascente has amazing Jesus and Mary themed window displays as well so be sure not to miss them! And lastly, be sure to check out the Christmas sales at your favorite stores!

2. Darsena/Navigli 

The Navigli canal is one of my favorite spots in the city. It is vibrant and calm at the same time. You can sit on the wooden decked banks and while away your time sipping on a cocktail and admiring the hustle bustle of the city, or the changing colors of the sky.

This time around, Darsena has its own version of Christmas celebrations. There is an average sized ice skating rink that is open till 10 pm usually, which is fun for both children and adults. There is also a Vodafone Aqua Light Show which is a beautiful sight to behold. It is a 15 minute light and fountain show, starting at 6 pm every day and repeating every hour, till 6th January 2020.

There is also a small christmas market, along with a beautifully decorated canal street which boasts of a number of cafes that have great outdoor seating with heaters. 

What to do: Reach Darsena by underground and bus/tram, then roam around the main canal! You can pick up a yummy cocktail at either of the two bar/restaurants at Darsena and sit on the wooden deck and sip it idly, watching the hustle bustle go by. Take a round at the ice skating rink, walk along the lit up smaller canal and have a bit at any of the number of cafes along the canal street. If you are able to go in the evening, try reaching at 06, 07 or 08 pm to watch the 15 minute light and fountain show.

(Centrale, Garibaldi and Repubblica's christmas market and village will be updated soon!)

Photo gallery