Oh bej! Oh bej! Christmas market

The Fiera degli Oh bej! Oh bej! is the most important Christmas fair in Milan. ‘Oh bej!’ is Milanese dialect and translates to ‘How beautiful!’ It is said that the name Oh bej! Oh bej! originates from the cheerful exclamations of the Milanese children when they saw the gifts that Giannetto Castiglione, delegate of Pope Pius IV, has brought for them when he visited Milan on the 7th of December in 1510.

As the market starts at Saint Ambrose’s day, which is the patron saint of Milan. This is why the fair is also called Fiera di Sant’Ambrogio (“Saint Ambrose Fair”). It starts at December 7th and ends the following Sunday.

This Milanese Christmas market is a must visit for locals as well as tourists. It is is a mixture of celebration, amusement, shopping and tradition in front of the impressive Sforza Castle. During these days there is a really wonderful, happy and bustling atmosphere. Especially when it becomes a little dark outside and all the Christmas lights turn on. And it is a nice spot to find beautiful Christmas gifts for your family and friends. You should also try some of the delicious local winter delicacies (like the roast chestnuts and panettone) and warm tasty drinks (like vin brûlé) that are offered by the vendors.

The Milanese have several free days during Oh bej! Oh bej!, because of Saint Ambrose Day, Immaculate Conception Day and the weekend. So if you want to visit this beautiful Milanese Christmas market in front of the Sforza Castle it is advised to take metro line 1 to the Cairoli Castello station instead of coming by car.