Follow this part of the trail
13 articles
Lombardy's calendar is Milan's, and Milan runs on two dates nobody else shares: the April design fair that briefly makes it a world capital, and 7 December, when the Ambrosian rite gives the city a patron feast, a five-century-old street fair and an opera premiere on the same day. These guides cover what is ticketed, what is trade-only, and what is free.
Discover Bergamo's Christmas markets, held in the lower city's Sentierone and nearby squares. Learn about the Santa Lucia tradition, sample local treats like panettone and casoncelli, and get practical tips for a festive visit.
Winter turns Como into a festive destination centered on the Città dei Balocchi festival. Explore Christmas markets with wooden chalets, dazzling light projections on historic buildings, and an outdoor ice rink—all within a walkable lakeside setting. This guide helps you plan, with practical tips and a reminder to verify each season's dates and details.
Discover how Como celebrates its patron saint, Sant'Abbondio, through the Fiera di Sant'Abbondio, a five-day festival blending religious services, local cuisine, and rustic traditions. Learn about the saint's legacy, the festival's highlights, and practical tips for attending respectfully.
Each November, the historic center of Cremona transforms for the Festa del Torrone, a festival dedicated to the city's iconic nougat. This guide covers the 2026 edition, signature events, the sweet's history, and practical advice for attending the free celebration.
Brescia's historic Teatro Grande hosts an winter season of opera, ballet, and concerts. Learn about the venue, typical performances, ticket booking, and practical tips for attending.
Milan follows the Ambrosian rite, so its carnival peaks on Sabato Grasso, four days after the rest of Italy has stopped. What that means for a trip.
Milan programmes the Castello Sforzesco's courtyard from June to September — theatre, concerts, dance and open-air cinema. What runs, and what else is on.
Milan's calendar runs on two dates: Design Week in April and Sant'Ambrogio on 7 December. Plus the carnival that ends four days after everyone else's.
Salone del Mobile runs 13-18 April 2027 but admits the general public on two days only. How the trade fair and the free citywide Fuorisalone differ.
One classical festival, two cities, two weeks in September. The 2026 edition ran 6-20 September with 60+ concerts, opening at La Scala. How to plan it.
For one weekend each May, Milan puts pianos in courtyards, parks and living rooms. 265+ free concerts in 140 locations. How to plan a route through it.
Milan packs its patron saint feast, a 16th-century street fair and La Scala's season opening into 7 December. What happens, what's free, what closes.
