In the colourful glow of its Christmas lights, Lombardy prepares to welcome Christmas with an irresistible mix of ancient traditions and modern celebrations.

In this article, we will immerse ourselves in the enchanted atmosphere of the season through 7 Christmas traditions in Lombardy that make this time of year a unique experience. From heart-warming Christmas confectionary to the imposing Christmas tree dominating Piazza Duomo, via the lively Christmas fair “Oh bej! Oh bej!” and the more particular cribs. Every corner of Lombardy is dressed in Christmas magic, and every moment is an opportunity to experience the warmth of Christmas.

Eating traditional Christmas cakes

Christmas in Lombardy is not just panettone, it is also a journey through local traditions. In Cremona, they enjoy nougat, soft or hard, while in Crema there is spongarda, a cake with dried fruit, nuts, and spices. Brianza delights us with pantramvai, a cake similar to bread with raisins. In Valtellina there is bisciola, a buckwheat loaf with chestnuts, dried fruit, honey, sultanas, dried figs and walnuts. Bergamo celebrates with polenta e osei, a dome of sponge cake soaked in orange liqueur. Lodi has the almond-based tortionata and of course, how could we not mention the famous amaretti from Saronno?

The Christmas Tree in Piazza Duomo

It's not Christmas without the traditional tree in Piazza Duomo, a symbolic appointment in Milan’s festive calendar that takes place every year on 6 December. A large fir tree surrounded by pop-up shops and installations with a different theme every year. In fact, the municipality of Milan issues a call, every year, for all companies to sponsor the tree. For the 2023 edition, the tree will be decorated with logos and images for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Framing the square will be the Milan Christmas Market, where crafts and delicacies of all kinds can be purchased. 

Going to the Oh bej! Oh bej! fair

The Oh Bej! Oh Bej! fair is Milan's most famous Christmas market, celebrated during the Sant'Ambrogio festival in front of the Castello Sforzesco. Dating back to 1288, the fair attracts thousands of tourists with a variety of stands offering antiques, clothing, toys and winter delicacies. The name 'Oh bej! Oh bej!' dates back to 1510, when Giannetto Castiglione brought gifts to Milan, winning over the Milanese. The fair is an old tradition that heralds the start of the festivities and welcomes around 400 stands in 25,000 square metres each year. Admission is free.

Celebrating the night of Saint Lucia

The night of St Lucia, 13 December, is eagerly awaited by children, who receive gifts and sweets on this special occasion. Legend has it that Lucy, during Diocletian's persecution, brought food and gifts to Christians in hiding, wearing a crown of candles and accompanied by a donkey. Tradition has it that every year, on the night between 12 and 13 December, she returns to bring gifts to children who have been good. Before bedtime, milk and biscuits are left for Lucia and carrots for the donkey. When they wake up, children will find candy and gifts, or coal if they have been less good.

Visiting the more particular cribs. 

Christmas in Milan is enriched with the magic of the Biblical Crib of Baggio, one of the city's historical treasures. Created in the 1960s by Egidio Negrini, a devoted volunteer of the Sant'Apollinare parish, this crib offers a journey through time, through its original statues displayed in a small museum during guided tours. Open every Sunday in December and every day from 25 December to 7 January, the Baggio Crib becomes an exciting stop during the Christmas holidays.
In picturesque Erba, the Crevenna Crib paints a fascinating picture of life in 1950s Brianza. With detailed scenes of crafts, trades, and everyday moments, the nativity scene captures the authenticity of a bygone era. In addition to the tender representation of the nativity, other traditional nativity scenes and works created by local schools are also on display.

In Crema, the Sabbioni district hosts a magnificent religious event with the Sabbioni Crib. Since 1989, this nativity scene covers an area of about 3000 square metres, presenting over 300 characters and animals in wood and plaster, all reproduced life-size in a rural setting inspired by the 1940s and 1950s. Enthusiasts can visit the exhibition from 16 December to 14 January.

Talamona, in the full spirit of Christmas tradition, celebrates Christmas with the fascinating “Presepi delle Contrade”. Since 1989, these works of art, depicting the Nativity, have been placed in unique locations in the town, such as old stables, picturesque wash-houses and waterways, creating a magical and spiritual atmosphere.

Finally, in Bagolino, in the picturesque Valle Sabbia, the village is transformed into a fascinating showcase of cribs, displayed in fountains, porticos and characteristic corners. This tradition makes Bagolino a magical place to explore during the festive season, with a rich programme of cultural, recreational and sporting events for all ages.