Christmas’ Markets 2016

Shopping, tradition and Christmas atmosphere

Christmas and the so-loved Christmas Markets in Milan are coming. Christmas Markets mean the official start of the festive atmosphere that every year involves many people loving this tradition with great passion!

The traditional Christmas Market "Oh Bej! Oh Bej" begins on 7 December 2016 and goes on until 10 December 2016. The origins of this Milanese tradition come back to 1288 when, in honor of the patron of the city, Saint Ambrose, the fair took place in Piazza dei Mercanti; in 1886 the fair was then transferred in front of the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, and then after 120 years, in 2006, it was moved again in the area of the Castello Sforzesco, where it is still held nowadays.

The name "Oh Bej! Oh Bej!", comes from the exclamations of joy showed by the children in Milan who accepted happily the gifts of Giannetto Castiglione, delegate of the Pope, in occasion of his entrance into the city in 1510 (the Lombard expression "Oh bej! Oh bej!" can be translated in "Oh beautiful!, Oh beautiful!").

This event brings together almost 400 exhibitors giving some atmosphere of the bygone days to the historical center of Milan. You can find here gift ideas, crafts, ornaments and gastronomy of every kind. Creations and unique pieces are accompanied by the performance of street artists.

The Christmas calendar of Milan also includes:

• l'Artigiano in Fiera, Fiera Rho: from 3 to 11 December 2016;
• Green Christmas nella Fonderia Napoleonica : 17 and 18 December 2016;
• Babbo Running - La corsa di Natale: 10 December 2016  at ore 3 pm;
• Il Villaggio delle Meraviglie in Corso Venezia:from 3 December 2016 to 8 January 2017;
• Coca Cola Christmas Village in Darsena: from 29 December to 6 January;

But Christmas is not in Milan, don’t miss Christmas Markets in South Tyrol:

• Bolzano/Bozen - from 24 November 2016 to 6 January 2017;
  The Christmas Market in Bolzano is the largest and most famous in South Tyrol. Every year thousands of visitors loving Christmas Markets pour out in Piazza Walther to get out fill of this evocative atmosphere typical of the county seat of South Tyrol. Piazza Walther is the center of the medieval city, dominated by the gothic cathedral, the legendary hotel Città, many bars and restaurants.  Christmas Market in Bolzano is a true jewel impossible to forget.
  
  
• Bressanone/Brixen - from 25 November 2016 to 6 January 2017; 
  People going to the Christmas Market in Bressanone will remain enchanted by an atmosphere of great charm, typical of this gracious city of bishops. The historical center hosts the baroque cathedral, the magnificent porticos and picturesque little shops. The Christmas Market in Bressanone takes place in the romantic Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city. A carousel makes the children happy, the carriages drawn by horses run for the lanes and the choirs, accompanied by wind instruments, sing Christmas carols.
  
  

• Merano/Meran - from 25 November 2016 to 6 January 2017 (chiuso il 25 dicembre 2016); 
  The Christmas Market in Meran is located along the promenade of the River Passer. The Kurhaus, thermae and elegant Art Nouveau style hotels overlooking the river in the weeks leading up to Christmas, thanks to the frame of lights and decorations, make this area seem as if it is the wonderland.

• Brunico/Bruneck - from 25 November 2016 to 6 January 2017 (chiuso il 25 dicembre 2016);
  The castle of Bruneck, in medieval style and recently renovated, the picturesque streets of the center with shops, bars and typical restaurants, and then the enchanting arcades, that every year host the traditional Christmas market in Bruneck. The Christmas market in Bruneck gives particular importance to the South Tyrolean traditions and local handicrafts. In Piazza Tschurtschenthaler there is an area, where local craftsmen display and sell their. Groups play with the wind instruments and the choirs sing Christmas carols in front of the bonfires and nativity scenes. The Christmas market in Bruneck is also known for the initiatives of charity.
  
  
• Vipiteno/Sterzing- from 25 November 2016 to 6 January 2017 (closed on 25 December 2016):
  The Christmas Market in Sterzing enjoys a particularly idyllic location. In the square, where towers the magnificent Torre delle Dodici dating back to the medieval epoch, are hosted the lovely booths of the Christmas Market. In the period of Advent, the entire Old Town shines with a festive charm that transmits the joy of Christmas. Sterzing is known for the traditional procession of San Nicolò, famous for the fearsome little devils that animate the historical center. Some hotels have already prepared attractive offers and packages for all those who wish to visit the Christmas Markets in Sterzing.  For sure here you will find what you are looking for!

Vip Limousine has a Call Center, working 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and will offer you for the Christmas period in Milan or out-of-town a car rental service with driver. We provide high quality services under all the professional profiles, organization and planning included, and for different types of services:

• transfers to and from airports Milano Linate, Milano Malpensa and Bergamo Orio al Serio;
• transfers to and from the Central railways Station of Milan;
• long range transfer;
• many other services.

We remind you that with Vip Limousine it is possible to rent a luxury car with driver who will drive you in the best places, restaurants and shops in Milan.

For further informations about the Fashion District and other locations please refer to our page about shopping in Milan.

For quotations or other informations please refer to our contact page.