Italy's national holidays plus Milan's own Sant'Ambrogio — the dates when the city slows down, and what stays open.
Italy observes eleven national public holidays, and Milan adds one of its own — the feast of its patron saint, Sant'Ambrogio, on 7 December. On these days banks, offices and most shops close, public transport runs to a reduced Sunday timetable, and many museums adjust their hours. Major sights and restaurants generally stay open, so a holiday needn't disrupt your trip — but it pays to plan ahead.
Quick answer
What are the public holidays in Milan?
Italy's eleven national holidays apply — New Year, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Liberation Day (25 Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Republic Day (2 Jun), Assumption (15 Aug), All Saints (1 Nov), Immaculate Conception (8 Dec), Christmas and St Stephen's (26 Dec) — plus Milan's own Sant'Ambrogio on 7 December.
By Ivanka García Mancebo, Civitatis travel specialist
The holiday calendar
Date
Holiday
1 Jan
New Year's DayCapodanno
6 Jan
EpiphanyLa Befana
Mar/Apr
Easter MondayPasquetta — date varies
25 Apr
Liberation DayFesta della Liberazione
1 May
Labour DayFesta del Lavoro
2 Jun
Republic DayFesta della Repubblica
15 Aug
AssumptionFerragosto — peak summer holiday
1 Nov
All Saints' DayOgnissanti
7 Dec
Sant'AmbrogioMilan's patron saint — local holiday
8 Dec
Immaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione
25 Dec
Christmas DayNatale
26 Dec
St Stephen's DaySanto Stefano
Highlighted: Milan's local holiday. Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and shifts each year.
What closes & what stays open
Closed
Banks, post offices, government offices and most non-tourist shops shut. Smaller restaurants may close, especially at Christmas, New Year and Ferragosto.
Transport
Metro, trams and buses run to a reduced Sunday/holiday timetable. On 25 Dec and 1 May service is more limited — check ahead.
Sights & museums
Major attractions usually open but with holiday hours; a few close on 25 December and 1 January. Always confirm before visiting.
Festive extras
Christmas markets, the Sant'Ambrogio market and La Scala's 7 December gala add to the atmosphere — but bring bigger crowds.
Sant'Ambrogio & the Oh bej! Oh bej! Around 7 December, Milan celebrates its patron saint with a big traditional street market by the Castello, and La Scala opens its opera season the same night. It's a wonderful — and busy — time to be in the city. See opening times for day-to-day hours.
Open on holidays
Tours & tickets that run year-round
Guided tours and skip-the-line tickets keep operating on most holidays — book ahead to be sure of your spot.
Italy's eleven national holidays apply — New Year, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Liberation Day (25 Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Republic Day (2 Jun), Assumption (15 Aug), All Saints (1 Nov), Immaculate Conception (8 Dec), Christmas and St Stephen's (26 Dec) — plus Milan's own Sant'Ambrogio on 7 December.
Banks, offices and most ordinary shops close, and transport runs a reduced timetable. But major sights, tourist restaurants and many central shops stay open, so you can still fill a day — just book timed tickets in advance.
Sant'Ambrogio (7 December) is the feast of Milan's patron saint and a local public holiday. The city marks it with the 'Oh bej! Oh bej!' street market near the Castello, and La Scala opens its opera season the same evening.
Ferragosto (15 August) is Italy's big summer holiday, when many locals leave the city and family-run businesses close for a week or more. Milan is quiet and hot; major attractions stay open, but expect a sleepier city with fewer restaurants trading.
