With less than a month to go for Christmas (eek!), it’s time to dive into the festive traditions – if you haven’t already begun to do so. Afternoon teas, hot chocolate, Christmas markets, shopping and a glass of mulled wine (or two). We have wrapped up a selection of our favourite activities and experiences you can do in Milan this season, so be sure to wrap up warm and enjoy this festive season.
1
Afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental, Milano
While the days get colder, there’s no better way to spend your days than cosying up indoors with a cup of hot tea. At the Mandarin Oriental, Milano, the Afternoon Tea has taken a festive-y guise. With your favourite loose-leaf tea (we loved the creamy Oolong), comes a spread of sweet and savoury delights signed Pastry Chef Marco Pinna. Beef Tartar buns are followed by coffee scented treats as well as a slice of panettone served with mascarpone. WEBSITE
2
Visit Palazzo Magia – the Vincenzo dascanio pop-up
It’s as if you’re stepping into Father Christmas’ workshop; a place that only one could dream of visiting during this festive season. Here, you’ll find every-little-kind of Christmas trinket, from decorations to gifts, foods to flowers, all spread across three floors in Via Pietro Verri 5. It’s signed Vincenzo dascanio, renowned entrepreneur, creative mind, and party designer behind some of the most glamorous events worldwide. On the top floor, there’s an all-day-dining and café outlet where you can take a seat amid lights and wreaths, and enjoy a warm hot chocolate or aperitif with a selection of sweet delights made by Imma Iovine, the Pastry Chef behind one of Milan’s most valued cafes: Cucchi.
3
A visit to the newly launched Chocolate Factory
Enrico Rizzi, a Milanese pastry chef and gelato maker, has inaugurated a chocolate factory, housed within a late-18th-century historic stable. This is the city’s first “bean to bar” factory offering an immersive experience. The journey begins in the sensory room, where visitors can explore a cacao plantation in Peru through VR. The visit continues to the roasting room and workshop area, where you’ll witness the full transformation process of cacao beans, from shell separation to slow stone grinding, which can last up to 80 hours. The experience concludes with an exclusive guided tasting of three or five single-origin chocolates, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and flavour. WEBSITE
4
Afternoon Chocolate Time at Park Hyatt, Milano
This year, the Park Hyatt Hotel is following a ‘Chocolate Factory’ theme, with three giant lollypops and two chocolate towers that lure you in at the hotel entrance. A maximalist display in collaboration with Pastry Chef Enrico Rizzi: gold sequins cover the walls and ceilings, a large sculpture in the form of assorted chocolates on your way to the lobby and small items of decor from baubles to gingerbread houses displayed around the hotel. But it’s not just the aesthetics; the Park Hyatt has launched thematic experiences with chocolate including the ‘Afternoon Chocolate Time’, where you can drink hot tea with a selection of chocolates and other festive treats. WEBSITE
5
live music in a Romantic, candle-lit atmosphere
What better way to spend a crisp winter evening than in a cosy room filled with candles and music? The Candlelight Concerts are taking Italy by storm, with on-going events across Milan, Rome and Florence. During the Christmas season, various tributes will take place, including Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, Queen and of course, the very best of xmas tunes. WEBSITE
6
Dinner whilst watching a movie at the Cinema Anteo
Have you ever thought about dining inside a cinema? while laying back on those comfy armchairs, with your feet up, and sipping on a crisp glass of wine? Well, Miro – Osteria del Cinema, a delicious restaurant within the Cinema Anteo Milano, launched a new format where you can dine while watching a movie. It is in-fact the first cinema-restaurant of its kind in Italy; For lunch (weekends only) and dinner (Tuesday to Sunday), guests can choose between two set menus (veggie option available) both including a four-course meal, bread, water, and wine. The dishes reflect Chef Artadi’s vision of comforting cuisine, featuring creations such as lentil hummus, roast beef, zucchini risotto with scapece seasoning, and tiramisu. For the aperitif, available from Friday to Sunday, guests are served a selection of small tasting dishes such as Alto Adige speck and potato mille-feuille, paired with a glass of wine or a cocktail. The ticket prices are as follows: €43 for dinner, €30 for lunch, and €25 for the aperitif. WEBSITE
7
Taste the infamous Bomba al Panettone
Did you know that Pavè in Milano sells panettone every day of the year? so to mark this special, festive occasion, the chefs have unleashed something special. To fully embrace the festive season in the most indulgent way, you must try the new Bomba al Panettone; a decadent treat made with panettone dough, candied fruit, and raisins, stuffed with creamy panettone-flavoured gelato. Perfect for kicking off the holiday spirit with a delicious twist! Available in Via Cadore, in the Porta Romana district. WEBSITE
8
Tim Burton’s Labrynthe from 13/12 – 09/03
From 13th December, the Fabbrica del Vapore in the Chinatown neighbourhood will host an awesome exhibition that delves into the themes of filmmaker Tim Burton, presented through various rooms. It will showcase original artwork as well as utilising technology, lights, sound, and iconic film sets to create a whirlwind of an experience. Visitors can chart their own journey through the mind of the visionary, exploring beloved characters and environments from his celebrated filmography. This unique experience offers a captivating voyage through the creative universe of the director, producer, writer, and artist known for enchanting audiences of all ages with films like Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. WEBSITE