THE MAGIC OF DECEMBER IN MILAN: what to do in the month of Sant’Ambrogio

December for Milanese people means air of festivity, traditional events and non-stop opened shops. On 7 December, the day of the patron Sant'Ambrogio, the city comes alive for the fair Oh bej, Oh Bej which boasts ancient origins date back even to 1288. On Foro Bonaparte, the road along the Castello Sforzesco, the lighted market stalls offer food and items of all kinds, from balloons to gifts to put under the tree.

AT CASTELLO SFORZESCO

Just inside the castle are periodically organized guided tours to give the opportunity to discover the secret parts of the building, normally closed to the public. One of these, which you can participate up to 31 December, is the suggestive tour of the battlements: a fascinating journey through the history of the castle and the events related to the Sforza family. All this takes place at night, from Cortile della Rocchetta and then to the walkway of the battlements overlooking Sempione Park. The panoramic view allows you to see the extension of the city, the historic old town and the newer constructions.

At the castle, also the exhibition D'après Michelangelo. The success of the drawings for friends in the arts of the sixteenth century remains open until January 10. It aims to show the more intimate side of the sixteenth century Maestro through a selection of paintings, drawings, prints and art objects created for friends.

AT TEATRO ALLA SCALA

The day of Sant'Ambrogio is the date traditionally chosen for the opening night of the season at Teatro alla Scala, a social event populated by celebrities and institutional figures dressed in elegant gowns and tuxedos. Also this year the opening night becomes the opportunity for a rediscovery of the vastness of italian repertoires. Riccardo Chailly in the role of Principal Conductor chose the lyric drama Giovanna d’Arco, the work of the so-called "minor Verdi " that was not represented there since 1865. It is therefore a particular show with a famous vocal trio: Anna Netrebko, Francesco Meli and Carlos Alvarez. A must-attend event!

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