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After spending a few days around Rome and Vatican City, we made a quick stop in Milan. We arrived with no real expectations and no must-see list in hand. Beyond its reputation as a fashion capital, we honestly didn’t know much about what the city held in store for us.

In truth, the main reason Milan made its way onto our itinerary was the buzz surrounding the upcoming Winter Olympics. We couldn’t pass up the chance to be in the middle of that excitement, even if we weren’t there for the events themselves.

What we found instead was a city that surprised us. Wandering through the city center, we were struck by Milan’s undeniable beauty and energy. The Christmas markets were lively and festive, and easily some of the most kid-friendly markets we’ve visited. And the Duomo overwhelmed us with its intricate details.

Milan turned out to be a delightful mix of holiday cheer, incredible rooftop views, and the building anticipation of the Winter Olympics — a stop that ended up being far more memorable than we ever expected.

1. Parco Sempione
2. Sforza Castle
3. Winter Olympics
4. City Center Festivities
5. Christmas Village
6. Duomo di Milano

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Parco Sempione

During our days in Milan, we stayed in a quiet residential neighborhood near Parco Sempione. That meant each day began and ended with a walk through the park — Milan’s largest and most beloved green space. At one time, this land served as a parade ground and military training area for the nearby Sforza Castle. It was ultimately saved from becoming a housing development thanks to local residents who wanted to preserve the space as a public park.

Because of its size, walking through Parco Sempione feels both peaceful and full of life. Around every corner there seemed to be something happening — musicians playing, yoga classes unfolding on the grass, dogs racing along the paths, or small groups lingering and enjoying the day. The park’s many winding trails invite you to slow down and wander without any particular destination in mind.

One of our favorite spots was the lake, which offers a beautiful view of Sforza Castle rising in the distance. It was a natural gathering place, and we often found ourselves stopping there along with many others. The park is fully fenced and monitored, and even in the evenings it felt safe and welcoming — a comforting place to pass through as the city lights began to glow.

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Sforza Castle

After wandering through Parco Sempione, our path toward the city center naturally led us to Sforza Castle. Built in the 15th century atop the remains of an earlier fortification, the castle was commissioned by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan. Over the 16th and 17th centuries, it underwent numerous renovations and expansions, eventually becoming the largest citadel in Europe during that time.

Walking through the castle grounds today, it’s still easy to imagine its former strength and purpose. The outlines of the moat and the drawbridge leading into the main gates remain visible, offering a glimpse into its defensive past. While Sforza Castle is no longer a working fortress, it now serves as the home of Milan’s major art and history museums.

Considered a central landmark of the city, the castle draws a wide range of visitors — from those intentionally seeking out Milan’s history and architecture to others simply passing through on their way toward the heart of the city. It feels both monumental and accessible, a place where centuries of history quietly coexist with modern Milan life.

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Winter Olympics

As we entered the plaza, the intricate rising spires of the cathedral came into view. But it was the sight of the official Winter Olympics store that truly quickened our pace and our excitement. The energy in the city center was tangible — everyone seemed to be counting down to the event that would soon draw the world’s attention to this part of Italy. Even the towering Christmas tree nearby was decorated in Olympic colors, complete with symbols representing different winter sports.

We wandered through the Olympic store, marveling at the sheer volume of merchandise and collectibles on display. More than once, Brad asked if I was sure we couldn’t come back in a few months to actually be here for the events. Sadly, this was as close as we were going to get. Still, we took comfort in knowing that when the Olympics return to Utah in eight years, we’ll absolutely be there to experience them firsthand.

Just outside, the giant countdown clock to the opening ceremony quickly became one of our favorite stops. Ticking down to the very second, it perfectly captured the shared excitement and anticipation building throughout the city for this incredible celebration of athleticism.

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City Center Festivities

We wandered around the Duomo, taking in the Christmas market that wrapped around the cathedral. Stalls were piled high with giant pretzels, rows of sausages, and mounds of fragrant spices.

No matter where we travel, I’m always fascinated by the food at Christmas markets—what people snack on as they browse handcrafted ornaments and decorations feels like a small window into local tradition.

From there, we walked through the long shopping arcade lined with ultra–high-end brands, perfectly fitting for a fashion capital like Milan. Every storefront glittered with twinkling lights and oversized presents, each display more elaborate than the last. In one window, we stopped short at a miniature city made entirely of gingerbread. The detail was astonishing—proof that gingerbread and icing, in the right hands, can become true works of art.

Outside the Gucci building, we lingered as the light display shifted and transformed—candles melting into ornaments, ornaments into stars—cycling through scene after festive scene. It was mesmerizing, the kind of moment that makes you slow down even in a busy city.

What truly caught us off guard, though, was an entire street and Christmas market themed around Stranger Things. Its dark, supernatural vibe felt a little at odds with the bright lights and cheerful holiday atmosphere.

Still, with a new season recently released, it made for a surprisingly clever—and memorable—marketing choice. Crowds of people all gathered underneath the string of letters, watching as they would light up one by one to spell out a word.

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Christmas Village

One of the recommendations we received at our hotel was to visit Milan’s Christmas Village, so after exploring the city center, we made our way there next. The park was instantly alive with brightly colored wooden shops, festive rides, and cheerful decorations. It was easy to see why this spot is such a beloved holiday tradition for families.

A large ice-skating rink had been set up just behind the main stage, where music and dance groups performed throughout the day. The sounds of the carousel music drifted through the air, mingling with the sweet scents of holiday treats and warm desserts.

We loved wandering past the jolly shops, watching the rides spin, and spotting the costumed characters who moved through the village greeting children with smiles and waves.

And of course, no Christmas village would be complete without a visit from the man in red himself — Babbo Natale. To meet him or Mrs. Claus, visitors reserve a time slot, and we were able to do so easily while waiting in line. The visit costs just one euro, with all proceeds benefiting a children’s organization.

Inside the meeting room, one of the elves helped the children write letters to Babbo Natale. When the doors finally opened, he warmly welcomed everyone inside, reading their letters and chatting with each child about their Christmas wishes. It was a simple, joyful moment that felt wonderfully personal and full of holiday magic.

Experiences like this were what made Milan such an unexpected highlight of our trip. The Christmas Village — full of laughter, warmth, and thoughtful traditions — showed us a softer, more playful side of the city. We have added this to our list of best Christmas markets for kids.

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Duomo di Milano

On our last morning in Milan, we headed straight for the Duomo. We had admired it from the outside as we passed through the city center, but this visit was about slowing down and really taking in the incredible work of art that the cathedral is.

The Duomo di Milano is the largest church in Italy and has been admired for centuries for its pale pink marble, carved into impossibly intricate designs. The richly detailed exterior features 135 spires and more than 4,000 statues, along with elaborately carved doors and stained-glass windows. Construction of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture began in 1386, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Inside, the cathedral is just as stunning. Fifty-five towering stained-glass windows depict scenes from the Bible, filling the vast interior with color and light. Visitors are required to follow a strict dress code for modesty, which only adds to the sense of reverence as you step inside.

But the true highlight of our visit was experiencing the Duomo from above. We climbed the winding staircase to the rooftop and were rewarded with an entirely new perspective of the cathedral’s architecture. Walking along the roof, crossing from one side to the other, felt like stepping into the details of the building itself.

Up close, the craftsmanship of the marble is even more remarkable. Every spire, window, and carved detail was created with extraordinary care, making each step feel like a walk through living art.

Walking along the roof of the Duomo is one of the most memorable experiences in Milan. Be sure to book your tickets in advance and go early to avoid the crowds. Whether you’re drawn by sweeping city views or the intricate beauty of the marblework, it is absolutely worth the climb.

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Milan surprised us in the very best way. We delighted in the holiday festivities, stood in awe of the incredible Duomo, and felt our excitement build as the city counted down to the upcoming Olympics. For a place we knew so little about before arriving, it didn’t take long for Milan to win us over.

There was something special about being part of that energy — surrounded by beauty, anticipation, and everyday life unfolding all at once. In just a short visit, Milan left its mark on us, and in some small but meaningful way, became a part of our story.

Thanks for coming along for this visit to Milan at Christmas. May the unanticipated surprise fill you with awe, wonder, and excitement.

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