The holiday season is a special time of the year and in particular Central and Western Europe offer a more authentic festive atmosphere. One of the countries that are worth a visit during Christmas is Italy, especially the Northern region. We went during the Christmas season to Milan and Como and the cities have beautiful Christmas spots. Altogether I would suggest two days around Milan and one day for Como. Furthermore, these cities are relatively close to each other, almost 30 km. Milan city is very accessible from other parts of Europe by plane, train or car. The three nearest airports, Milan Linate Airport, Malpensa Airport, and Milan Bergamo Airport, make it possible to reach Northern Italy from anywhere.
The list below shows the best Christmas spots in Milan and Como
Milan
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is the most iconic Christmas spot in Milan
This place is a very hot spot in Milan for the last few years and is easily reachable by public transport in Milan. Whenever you go there are always a lot of people taking pictures in front of Duomo. Furthermore, this cathedral is a symbol of Milan city and attracts many visitors. Around the square of the Duomo is located the beautiful classic Christmas tree. Its style passes very well with the Duomo architecture and is a great idea to snap a typical photo there. Christmas huts are installed around the square. They offer pretzels, sugar cans, and drinks. Piazza del Duomo is a good idea to enjoy the festive atmosphere surrounded by fine Italian buildings.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The main entry of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is direct at the Piazza del Duomo. This building is the most classic passage I have ever seen. There are shops from the most iconic fashion brands. It has two passages, perpendicular to one another. At the center is a huge Christmas tree decorated by Swarovski. This one has personalized the tree with swan symbols and other typic Swarovski ornaments.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a spot that should be not missed
Via della Spiga
Via della Spiga is a beautiful boulevard with fashion shops. It is located apart from the other spots. It is easily reachable by public transport. Close to it is the subway station Montenapoleone. By foot, it can take around ten minutes from Duomo. It is one of my favorites in Milan. Of course not for the prices though. It is quite calm compared with the other Christmas spots in Milan and Como. I am not a fan of places where you can not enjoy the spot. Can not take a photo or even worse, hardly move. So this one gives the calm and you can enjoy the Italian architecture and shops through the boulevard.
Via della Spiga, one of the best Christmas spots in Milan and Como, has fine Ralph Lauren decorations
Christmas decorations at Via della Spiga are quite simple but classic. During the boulevard are arc decorations between buildings from the two sides of the road. Also at the shop window are hung green leaves. All the elements have lights that create a festive atmosphere. The main décor is the big tree from Ralf Lauren. It is green and has yellow beautiful balls. It is a beautiful street to spend some time during holidays.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the main boulevard decorated for Christmas in Milan
It leads directly to Duomo. The place is decorated all from Dior in blue and yellow. Stellar and beautiful forms of decorations are placed through the passage between the buildings. As almost all central areas in Milan, at the boulevard are shops of some of the most prestigious firms in the textile industry. At the entrance is located a beautiful arc décor from Dior. For us, it was a great spot to snap some cool photos.
La Rinascente Milano
La Rinascente Milano is a large shopping mall in north Duomo. Its facade is decorated with brightened lights. The southern part of the facade, in front of the Cathedral, has an outside hallway. This is decorated beautifully by Gucci along its length. The dominant colors are red and yellow. The decorations here are a lot different from the other parts of Milan. You see quite unique and intense lights in the Gucci hallway.
Navigli
Navigli is a southwest zone of Milan city. It can be reached by different means of public transport. Close to Navigli is Milano Porta Genova train station. The area is known for its many restaurants and bars. They are located on both sides of the water channels of Navigli. The light decorations through the main passages create a festive and romantic atmosphere.
Navigli is not only one of the best Christmas spots in Milan but also a great place full of bars and restaurants
After numerous places to visit in Milan now, we are heading to Como. The town is mostly known for its lake but Como Magic Light Festival at Old Town is a must-visit during holidays.
Como
Como Magic Light Festival at Old Town
We were quite thrilled to visit the famous Como in Italy. What we had in mind was a wonderful lake. Unfortunately, the lake area in the city was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe it was the wrong time to visit. We will give it a try again in the future. What really surprised us in Como was Magic Light Festival. It is the highlight of the best Christmas spots in Milan and Como. It is located at the Old Town Como and afternoons they turn the light on and before you are projected magical views at old buildings. The main theme of the light is holidays. You can see big trees covered with snow, gift boxes, and much more. Each building has a different image and different colors. Very beautiful and unique.
Como from Milan is a perfect day trip during the holidays
In conclusion, I can say Milan and Como offer scenic pictures for holidays. Whether is the reason, shopping, eating, or just enjoying the atmosphere at the best Christmas spots in Milan and Como, the cities are highly rich with opportunities.
