When December arrives, Italy becomes a country wrapped in lights, music, and tradition. From north to south, every city glows with festive decorations, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and Christmas melodies echo from piazzas and churches. Visiting Italy during this time means immersing yourself in a joyful atmosphere where ancient customs meet timeless beauty — and one of the best ways to experience it all is through the Christmas markets (mercatini di Natale).
These markets are more than just places to shop; they’re part of Italy’s cultural heritage. You’ll find handmade crafts, local specialties, wooden toys, and steaming cups of vin brulé — all surrounded by the warmth of Italian hospitality. Whether you’re walking under the lights of Milan, admiring the nativity scenes in Naples, or taking in the lakeside charm of Como, every market tells a story of community and celebration.
Milan: Elegance and Christmas Spirit
In Milan, Christmas shines with refined elegance. The most famous market, Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, takes place near the imposing Sforza Castle. It dates back to the 16th century and is one of the city’s oldest traditions. Here you’ll find everything from handmade ornaments to vintage books, candles, and the city’s most iconic treat — panettone, born right here in Milan.
When visiting Milan’s Christmas markets, having cash on hand is almost essential. Many stalls and small artisans accept only cash payments, especially when it comes to local crafts or traditional festive treats. Carrying euros allows you to move freely through the markets, make quick purchases, and fully enjoy the atmosphere without interruptions. To make things even easier, you can collect your euros directly at one of our branches, conveniently located at the city’s main airports and train stations. Reserving your exchange online before you travel is the smartest option — it guarantees a better rate and saves precious time once you arrive.
Rome: The Eternal Christmas
Few cities capture the Christmas spirit quite like Rome. The capital’s monuments and piazzas become even more enchanting during the holidays, illuminated by thousands of lights. The heart of the celebrations beats in Piazza Navona, where the historic Christmas market fills the square with colorful stalls, nativity figurines, sweets, and street performers.
St. Peter’s Square hosts one of the most famous Christmas trees in Europe, and each church offers its own unique presepe (nativity scene) — a beloved Roman tradition. Between a walk along Via del Corso and a cup of hot chocolate in Campo de’ Fiori, you’ll feel the timeless charm of the city.
Rome is a true paradise for Christmas shopping, with its elegant boutiques, festive markets, and artisan workshops spread across the historic center. From handmade nativity figures to Italian leather goods and gourmet treats, the city offers endless opportunities to find unique gifts. For non-EU visitors, it’s also possible to reclaim VAT on purchases before returning home — a simple and practical way to make the shopping experience even more rewarding. This service is available in our Roman branches, where dedicated staff can assist you throughout the Tax Refund process.
Florence: Art, Lights, and Festive Traditions
In Florence, the Christmas atmosphere blends perfectly with the city’s Renaissance charm. The Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce brings a Central European touch to Tuscany, inspired by the great Christmas markets of Germany. Wooden chalets line the square, filled with festive ornaments, artisanal chocolates, and gifts made by local craftsmen.
Florence also shines with its elegant decorations: Ponte Vecchio sparkles with golden reflections, Piazza della Repubblica hosts carousels for children, and the streets smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts.
Travelers arriving in Florence can easily find our branches both in the city and at the airport, ready to help with currency exchange or travel services. Reserving online in advance allows you to lock in better rates and pick up your cash effortlessly — so you can focus on discovering Florence’s winter magic.
Naples: The Heart of Italian Christmas
Naples is the undisputed capital of Italian Christmas traditions. Nowhere else will you find such passion for the festive season. The star attraction is Via San Gregorio Armeno, a narrow street famous worldwide for its artisan workshops dedicated to nativity scenes. Here, master craftsmen sculpt tiny figurines — from shepherds and angels to celebrities and football players — turning the city into an open-air museum of creativity.
The Neapolitan Christmas experience is also full of irresistible flavors: struffoli (honey-drenched pastries), roccocò biscuits, and babà with rum are sold on every corner.
Since many of the artisans and market stalls prefer cash, it’s wise to have euros with you. In Naples, our branches are located in key tourist areas and at the airport, where professional, multilingual staff are ready to assist with currency exchange, Tax Refund, and other essential travel services.
Como: A Fairytale by the Lake
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como, this city offers one of Italy’s most romantic Christmas settings. During the Città dei Balocchi festival, the entire historic center glows with light projections and colorful displays. The Christmas market in Piazza Cavour is a delight for visitors, featuring handmade crafts, festive food, and mulled wine — all reflected in the calm waters of the lake.
An ice rink by the waterfront adds a touch of nostalgia, while the illuminated villas and mountain views create a postcard-perfect scene. Como’s proximity to Switzerland makes it a favorite stop for international travelers, who can conveniently access our services in the center of the city to manage their currency exchange or Tax Refund before continuing their journey.
Travel Smarter with Forexchange
Whether you’re visiting Milan, Rome, Florence, Naples, or Como, having euros in cash is essential to make the most of Italy’s Christmas markets. Many small vendors, food stands, and artisans don’t accept cards, and paying in cash allows you to enjoy your shopping without interruptions.
With Forexchange, you can reserve your currency exchange online ahead of time — saving both money and time. Online reserving ensures:
- A more convenient exchange rate
- Guaranteed availability of your preferred currency
- Quick collection at one of the many branches across Italy
But Forexchange offers much more than just currency exchange. Travelers can also rely on a complete range of services designed to make every journey easier and more enjoyable. From Tax Refund assistance for non-EU visitors to Trenitalia train tickets that connect Italy’s most beautiful cities, Forexchange ensures smooth and seamless travel experiences. You can also find travel eSIM for instant connectivity, audioguides and curated Experiences to enrich your stay, and comprehensive travel insurance for complete peace of mind. Wherever you go, you’ll be welcomed by multilingual and highly professional staff, always ready to assist you with efficiency, expertise, and a warm smile.
Discover the Magic of an Italian Christmas
From the snowy elegance of Milan to the artisan heart of Naples, from the Renaissance glow of Florence to the lakeside beauty of Como, Italy invites you to experience Christmas as only Italians can — with warmth, joy, and style. Each market tells its own story, filled with light, laughter, and tradition.
So, wrap up warm, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and let yourself be carried away by the festive magic of Italy’s best Christmas markets. And remember — with Forexchange by your side, your journey will be as smooth and memorable as the season itself.
