Christmas Eve in Milan

Posted by Karen (Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)) on 11/05/18 03:08 PM

Can someone please confirm if regional trenitalia trains run the Sunday Schedule on Christmas day?
What about the Milan Metro?

We want to attend Christmas eve service at the Duomo in Milan. From whaI can find on line, the cathedral opens at 10:30 for 11:30 service. Assuming tickets are not needed? Please confirm.

Anyone have a favorite place to stay for a night within walking distance? From €100- 150 €

Are shops open on Christmas Eve in Milan centrale or do they close early as in the US. Will restaurants be open on Christmas eve?

Posted by joe32F

Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂

11/05/18 09:52 PM

12032 posts

Sorry, I cannot answer your questions.

I am puzzled that as you are living there, you have been unable to get the info from your neighbors or other local sources.

Christmas Eve Mass in an Italian Cathedral does sound special.

Posted by Karen OP

Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)

11/06/18 10:55 AM

1648 posts

Joe, We've only lived in Verbania for 3 months and while our Italian is improving daily, we are by no means conversational. And while we are on "Buongiorno or buonasera" terms with neighbors and people we see often, I doubt they travel to Milan for an overnight on Christmas Eve. And we've yet to come across any other English Speaking ex-pats living here. Yes, I've looked online, but for information in English. Again there are probably easy answers in Italian, but more difficult to search in Italian and translate information back to English.

On the off chance someone on this site has spent Christmas Even in Milan...or could recommend a hotel....know about train schedules on Holidays.....hence my post.

Posted by Mary

Reno, NV, USA

11/06/18 01:52 PM

2566 posts

We stayed at the Hotel Duca di York. It was within easy walking distance to the Duomo. It is a lovely little boutique hotel.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

11/06/18 02:40 PM

11834 posts

Regarding you final question, if it is anything like Rome, things (shops, museums) start to shut down after lunch and not reopen until the 26th. We found restaurants to be open but busy. Reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch are essential. Your hotel will be a font of info,

We like the Hotel Berna, near Milano Centrale. It is about a 20 minute walk to the Duomo or a quick Metro ride. The trams are charming.