“The Gift: Portrait of a Winter’s Tale”, the new festive project hosted in the courtyard of Portrait Milano, officially comes to life.
Until January 6, 2026, an ice-skating rink will welcome locals, families, tourists, and skating enthusiasts. The experience can be booked online at thegift.portraitmilano.com and is available daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The €15 admission fee will be donated directly to Fondazione Mente.
At the heart of the initiative is the desire to combine the magic of the holidays with a gesture of solidarity. Founded by Manuele d’Oppido and Vanessa Bozzacchi, parents of Leone, a child with autism, Fondazione Mente supports children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum. The proceeds from reservations for the skating rink will help fund the foundation’s projects, which promote social and healthcare initiatives dedicated to improving treatment, inclusion, and care. Through a focus on education, autonomy, and social integration, the foundation works to enhance the lives of children and teenagers with these conditions.
“The Gift: Portrait of a Winter’s Tale” embodies – both in name and in spirit – the opportunity to offer possibilities and a brighter future to those who need it most. “The Gift was born from the desire to offer something beautiful to the city and, at the same time, to transform the joy of Christmas into an act of shared generosity. It is a gift to Milan, but also a way to give back, with gratitude, what we receive every day from this extraordinary city. Ferragamo was the first brand to support the project. Perfect Moment and Lindt also joined the initiative to form a virtuous alliance which makes us very proud.” says Valeriano Antonioli, CEO of Lungarno Collection, to which Portrait Milano belongs.
In harmony with the scenic skating rink and the traditional 12-meter Christmas tree, four greenhouses complete the festive atmosphere. Crafted from glass and metal, they take their name from the place that hosts them, the “Seminarium,” which for centuries nurtured Milan’s history and culture. Inside each greenhouse, the brands participating in the project offer interactive festive experiences for visitors.
The Ferragamo greenhouse is an urban chalet-style boutique that showcases some of the brand’s most representative pieces: silks and scarves, small leather goods, gloves, hair accessories, scented candles, and iconic bags (the Hug and the Soft), also presented in special versions created for the season. A second greenhouse hosts the collaboration between Ferragamo and Samsung Electronics: fashion and technology converse through Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Gemini Live, which suggests outfits, colors, and accessories with an intuitive and personal approach.
With Perfect Moment, winter takes on a contemporary nuance. The brand, founded in Chamonix and now a point of reference for skiwear that combines performance and style, brings to Milan the new AW25 collection (along with a gondola lift), which features four capsules inspired by the atmospheres of Paris, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Boston. Heritage and innovation come together to create iconic prints, next-generation technical materials, and colors that express the soul of the cities that inspired them. The collection is available at the Antonia store.
In the Lindt greenhouse, the Christmas season takes shape through its most iconic raw material: chocolate. For 180 years, the Maîtres Chocolatiers have safeguarded a heritage of craftsmanship that turns every gesture into pure pleasure. In Milan, they invite guests to experience the taste of this enduring tradition. Lindor takes center stage, especially during the live sessions scheduled on December 7, 20 and 21, when the precision and craftsmanship that have established the brand as an international reference will be on display.
Portrait Milano’s Christmas program is filled with moments for every taste, starting with the ice shows scheduled for December 13 and 20. Curated by Ghiaccio Spettacolo and choreographer Andrea Vaturi, the performances will be open to the public free of charge. For those with a sweet tooth, hot chocolate, mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and panettone will be available by the rink.
Throughout the holiday season, the Beefbar outdoor area transforms into Beefbar Café, serving fine coffee blends, artisanal pastries, comfort food, and a curated selection of drinks and wines. Inside, the savory panettone, one of Beefbar’s signature dishes year-round, is available for purchase. In the evening, Rumore <a href="https://menainsights.com/malaysia-sets-the-stage-for-high-impact-special-business-mission-to-dubai-strengthening-global-franchise-trade-expansion/”>sets the tone with its music, including a special open-air performance on December 14, when a gospel choir will animate the courtyard and the ice rink. Until January 6, 10_11 Bar, Garden, Restaurant‘s menu is enriched with festive dishes and artisanal panettone, seasonal treats, and celebratory moments such as the New Year’s Eve Dinner and New Year’s Brunch on January 1.
Since its opening in November 2022, exactly three years ago, Portrait Milano has aimed to create authentic connections with the city and its people. Today, it continues its philosophy of extended hospitality by transforming its Piazza into an enchanted setting where the poetry of the winter season comes to life through the lightness of skating, the magic of lights, and the warmth of shared moments. With “The Gift: Portrait of a Winter’s Tale” Portrait Milano renews its commitment to uniting beauty, hospitality, and solidarity, making Christmas a true celebration of giving.