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In Milan, Christmas is a time rich in traditions that blend religiosity, folklore, and conviviality. The city lights up with beautiful illuminations decorating the main streets, such as Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Dante, creating a magical atmosphere. The "Oh Bej! Oh Bej!" fair, one of the oldest and most cherished events, is held around the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. This market, which dates back to the 16th century, offers local crafts, traditional sweets, and toys, attracting families and visitors from all over the city.
Christmas carols and concerts organized in historic churches are also not to be missed, creating an atmosphere of reflection and joy. A visit to the Christmas markets is a must, where alongside artisanal products, you can enjoy roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, perfect for warming up on cold winter days.
To crown it all, the undisputed star of Milanese tables is the panettone, the quintessential traditional dessert. This soft, leavened cake, born in Milan, represents a symbol of Christmas and an essential ritual to conclude the festivities. To learn more about its history and tradition, you can read the dedicated content.
The Milanese Tradition of Christmas Panettone
Panettone is one of the most iconic symbols of the Italian Christmas season, with deep roots in Milanese tradition. This soft and fragrant dessert, enriched with raisins and candied fruit, traces its origins back to the Middle Ages. According to the most romantic legend, panettone was born at the court of Ludovico il Moro, when the chef of a royal banquet burned the dessert prepared for the occasion. A kitchen boy, named Toni, improvised a dessert with the remaining ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, raisins, and orange zest. The result was so appreciated that it was called “Toni’s bread,” eventually becoming “panettone.”
Traditionally, panettone was prepared at home or by local bakers with great care. Natural leavening took days of patience, making this dessert a symbol of abundance and festivity. Today, panettone remains a centerpiece of Christmas tables, ranging from classic artisan versions to more innovative gourmet options, featuring chocolate, pistachios, or liqueurs.
In Milan, the panettone tradition extends beyond the table. During the holiday season, historic pastry shops such as Marchesi, Cova, and Peck celebrate the dessert with elegant packaging and authentic flavors. Furthermore, events like "Re Panettone" pay homage to the traditional recipe, promoting artisanal quality and creativity.
Panettone is not just a dessert but a symbol of Milanese culture that, every Christmas, brings families together around a flavor that tells a story of history, tradition, and festivity.
The Milanese panettone originated as a traditional Christmas dessert, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. According to the most famous legend, panettone was created by chance at the court of Ludovico il Moro, when the chef burned the dessert intended for a banquet. A young kitchen helper named Toni improvised a dessert with the available ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, raisins, and orange zest. The result was so appreciated that it was named “Toni’s bread,” eventually becoming panettone. In reality, the recipe for panettone has evolved over the centuries, transitioning from the early rustic versions made with natural yeast to the richer and more refined creations introduced by Milanese pastry chefs. Today, panettone is a symbol of Milanese Christmas tradition, known and loved worldwide.
The Milanese panettone is the traditional soft and leavened Christmas dessert, made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, natural yeast, raisins, and candied orange and citron peels. Its distinctive feature is the long natural leavening process, which gives it its characteristic softness and fragrance. The original shape is cylindrical, with a slightly golden dome on top. Authentic Milanese panettone follows a specific set of standards to ensure its quality and artisanal production. This dessert, born in Milan, has become a symbol of Italian Christmas traditions, particularly those of Milan.
In Milan, panettone is traditionally eaten during the Christmas season, which officially begins on December 7th with the feast of Saint Ambrose, the city's patron saint. It is on this occasion that many Milanese families start enjoying the dessert symbolizing the festive season. However, today panettone is often available as early as autumn, thanks to its popularity and widespread commercial distribution. Despite this, for the Milanese, the true moment to savor it is tied to Christmas celebrations, particularly during Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve meals.
