A total-white Christmas lit up Portanuova with PoP XMAS

We were ready to amaze you once again this year! From November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026, Portanuova was transformed into an enchanted landscape of light and wonder with PoP XMAS – Let it Glow. Every corner of the district was filled with the magic of a typical winter mountain setting, with snow and ice and a total white look, celebrating together the arrival of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

It was an experience that delivered the true magic of Christmas, enchanting visitors with moving projections, light displays and a striking projection on the water surface of the fountain in Piazza Gae Aulenti, which once again hosted the iconic Christmas tree, dedicated this year to a universal theme: Peace. Through the open installation, visitors were able to immerse themselves in a journey surrounded by mirrored surfaces and words of peace reflected endlessly in the evocative Wall of Peace, an invitation to serenity and hope.

And what’s Christmas without the experience? We returned to skating among Milan’s most iconic skyscrapers!

Visitors were able to book their experience via the Portanuova Milano app on one of the largest ice rinks in the city, which remained open every day from 29 November to 11 January, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (until 11:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays).

Between skating and wandering through light installations, guests discovered five igloos located throughout the district, designed to welcome children and adults alike. In Piazza Lina Bo Bardi, it was possible to take a photo by interacting with an augmented reality totem and collect it free of charge in Piazza Alvar Aalto. The journey continued with a touch of sweetness, featuring sparkling wine, mulled wine and hot chocolate for a special snack or aperitivo in the igloos managed by Pandenus in Piazza Gae Aulenti, with a setup curated by Alea.

But what’s Christmas without panettone? Before heading home, many stopped by the chalet signed by Davide Longoni, Milan’s master baker, where visitors could purchase his delicious artisanal panettone.

Portanuova also welcomed everyone with services designed for maximum convenience: thanks to the Portanuova Milano app, people were able to pay for or reserve their parking spot with a single click — and when parking for two hours, the second hour was free!

Thank you for sharing the magic of Christmas with us!