Buongiorno, my dearest tutu-twirling darlings!
The festive season is in full swing here in Milan, and believe me, it's absolutely enchanting! I've spent the past few days basking in the twinkling lights, delicious smells, and joyful sounds of this magical city. As always, I’m delighted to share my adventures with you, my fellow pink tutu enthusiasts.
Today's blog post is extra special as it’s all about embracing the magic of Christmas in the Italian way, from the incredible street performances and ballet shows to the mouth-watering Italian feasts and the heart-warming moments that make this time of year so wonderful.
A Festive Feast of Ballet and Fashion
Milan is a city that thrives on creativity and artistry, and Christmas just amps up the cultural energy to another level! You can practically feel the magic swirling in the air, as the city comes alive with stunning festive displays, sparkling lights and dazzling decorations. I’m utterly smitten with the way the Milanese create such a joyous and romantic atmosphere for Christmas. And let's be honest, anything with an extra dose of romance always hits the spot!
My Christmas adventures kicked off with a visit to the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most iconic opera houses in the world. It's the home of beautiful ballets and exquisite operas, so needless to say, my tutu was prepped and ready to twirl in appreciation of every performance!
I must say, the performance of “The Nutcracker” left me absolutely breathless. Every step was perfectly executed, the costumes were divine (I mean, we are talking tulle heaven here!), and the story…oh, the story…it just tugged at my heartstrings in the most wonderful way. I can’t tell you how many tears I shed (in a good way, of course!) while watching the ballet unfold on that breathtaking stage.
There is truly nothing like a Christmas performance in such a grand setting to stir the soul and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Speaking of warm and fuzzy, you just can’t beat a hot cup of cioccolata calda on a crisp Milanese night. Perfect for enjoying after the show with friends, wrapped in warm coats and fluffy scarves, whispering excitedly about the performance.
A Tutu-filled Shopping Spree
After a magical evening at the theatre, a little Christmas shopping seemed only fitting! Milan is a paradise for fashion lovers, so I spent the next few hours getting lost in the heart of the fashion district. I just couldn’t resist the temptation to add a few new pieces to my wardrobe – including a couple of sparkling pink sweaters, a pair of glittering silver pumps, and a little black dress perfect for festive cocktails!
My favorite discovery this week, however, was a truly unique little shop called La Boutique del Balletto. Imagine, an entire store dedicated to everything ballet-related – leotards, tights, tutus, shoes, and even antique dance books and photos! It was pure magic, like walking into a ballerina's dream! The shop owner was incredibly friendly, and she gave me the most fantastic tour of her hidden treasures.
The thing is, in a city like Milan, it’s practically impossible to walk around without feeling inspired. There's a touch of Parisian elegance, a sprinkle of London’s cool chic, a splash of Italian flair, and a whole lot of fashion, art, and creativity simmering beneath the surface!
I absolutely adored seeing how the Milanese had incorporated the colour pink into their Christmas displays. You’ll be happy to know that my favorite shade of blush was adorning everything, from elegant gift boxes to beautifully decorated windows, and even pink and white-striped candy canes (which, of course, I just had to sample).
Milan's Magical Street Performances
Christmas Eve is always a special night in Milan. The air buzzes with anticipation, and the city transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, captivating aromas, and charming sounds. But there’s something even more special about the spirit of community in Milan on Christmas Eve. You feel the city embracing the warmth and togetherness of the festive season in the most wonderful way!
As I wandered through the bustling city centre, my heart fluttered at the sight of musicians serenading crowds with enchanting Christmas carols. I even found myself transported back to childhood at a lively puppet show that was unfolding in a quaint corner of the Piazza Duomo. It was simply adorable, and every little girl there, including myself, felt like they were truly part of the performance!
Later in the evening, I joined my friend Elena for a lovely dinner in a small but charming trattoria hidden in a back alley near the Navigli. There's just something about enjoying traditional Italian Christmas fare like roast goose, panettone (the Christmas bread – it’s literally to die for), and all sorts of scrumptious sweet treats! Of course, we couldn't resist finishing the meal with a creamy Italian gelato.
After the delicious dinner, we made our way back to the heart of the city to witness the captivating street performers. Elena’s favourite is the ‘The Man with the Flaming Sticks’. His fire shows are absolutely electrifying – you could feel the energy swirling around him. Even in a bustling crowd, he just stops everyone in their tracks, creating magic right there in the centre of the city!
A Toast to Tradition
For me, one of the most magical things about Christmas is its enduring power to bring people together. Seeing families enjoying the spirit of the season together is always so heartwarming. And, as you can imagine, the Italians have an incredible talent for embracing the warm feelings of family and togetherness at this time of year.
Christmas Day is always a relaxed, but special day, enjoyed amongst friends and loved ones, savoring traditional Christmas delicacies and exchanging gifts, accompanied by lots of laughter, warm hugs, and a little festive mischief. My family back in Derbyshire has already wished me a Merry Christmas!
However, I must confess that this year I found myself getting a little nostalgic for a very special Christmas tradition back home - the Derbyshire tradition of having a “Christmas Pudding”. I remember as a young girl watching my family meticulously prepare the ingredients in advance, stirring it all together and wrapping it in a damp pudding cloth to steam overnight in the slow cooker!
On Christmas Day, we all gather around the table with a glass of sherry, watch my mom unwrap the steaming pudding, and together we all sing "Here We Come A-Wassailing" And while I love my Christmas here in Milan, there's just something about the English traditions, those warm cozy family rituals, and of course, the irresistible aromas of mince pies that always take me right back to home! I promise, when I visit again, I'm making sure we get the full festive Derbyshire treatment!
Twirling Towards New Adventures
Christmas week is always a busy and exhilarating one! There is truly nothing quite like the bustling atmosphere in Milan, from the joyous energy of Christmas lights and captivating sounds, to the wonderful, heartwarming spirit of the Italian festive season. I will carry all of this magical magic with me when I twirl onto a brand-new adventure next week.
That’s right my little pink tutu wonders, next week I’m on my way to Rome! The heart of Italy, with its ancient ruins, incredible art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in the world. I just can’t wait to share more amazing stories from my Italian travels!
I’ll be blogging next week, on Monday the 31st December! Stay tuned for an exciting journey through the magic and beauty of Rome, and don’t forget, I want to see your #PinkTutuRome posts, share your adventures and your best tutu style for your Christmas and New Year's celebrations!
Until next week, may your days be filled with twinkle lights and festive cheer!
Yours truly,
Emma
