MaureenTravelChic

Strasbourg Christmas Market: What It’s Really Like (From Walking Through It)

December 19, 2025

Strasbourg had been on my list for years, but nothing really prepared me for how immersive the Christmas markets feel once you’re there.

It’s not one single market you arrive at and leave. The markets stretch across the city, from the cathedral area to Place Kléber and the smaller streets connecting them. I didn’t follow a route or a checklist. I just walked, stopped when something caught my eye, and kept going.

This is what it felt like, what surprised me, and what to expect if you’re planning to visit Strasbourg in December.

It’s Not Just One Christmas Market

What stood out immediately is that Strasbourg doesn’t feel like it has a “main” market you visit and move on from.

The markets are spread throughout the city. You’ll pass stalls around the cathedral, reach the big open space at Place Kléber with the Christmas tree, then wander into smaller streets where the decorations continue. It feels continuous, like the entire city decided to participate.

I passed through several market areas without counting how many. It felt more like one long experience than hopping between locations.

The Cathedral Changes the Whole Atmosphere

Strasbourg Cathedral is massive, and seeing it next to the markets completely changes the mood.

The scale of it is grounding. You have the warmth of the lights, the steam from the food stalls, and then this towering Gothic structure in the background. It makes the whole experience feel calm and humbling at the same time, even when it’s crowded.

It’s one of those places where you keep looking up without realizing it.

The Details Are Everywhere

What really impressed me wasn’t just the lights, but the amount of detail.

Full-size decorations hanging from buildings, oversized teddy bears on shop fronts, gingerbread displays, tiny moving toys in windows. It’s easy to decorate a tree, but decorating entire streets at this scale takes intention.

Almost every corner had something worth stopping for.

What to Expect From the Food

You don’t need to try everything. Walking around with one or two things is enough.

I had a pretzel and vin chaud, and later noticed raclette, sausages, crepes, and chocolate stalls everywhere. The steam, the smell, and the way people stand around eating makes the markets feel warm, especially at night.

It’s not about sitting down for a meal. It’s about holding something hot while you keep walking.

Crowds: Yes, They’re There (But It Still Works)

Strasbourg Christmas markets are busy, especially in the evening. That’s unavoidable.

But because the markets are spread out, it never felt completely overwhelming. You move with the crowd, stop when you want, then continue. The atmosphere stays relaxed rather than rushed.

If you prefer fewer people, earlier evenings or weekday visits help. But even with crowds, the experience still feels worth it.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Dress warm. Standing still to look at details gets cold fast.

• Bring a card, but small cash can still help at some stalls.

• Don’t rush to “see everything.” Wandering is part of the experience.

• Expect crowds, especially after dark.

Where I Stayed & How I Got Around

Strasbourg is very walkable, especially during Christmas market season. Staying near the city center makes it easy to explore the markets without planning routes or relying on transport.

If you’re visiting in December, being within walking distance of the cathedral or Place Kléber makes a big difference, especially in the evenings.

Hotels in Strasbourg

👉 Find hotels in Strasbourg on Trip.com

Christmas market tours & Alsace day trips

If you’d like a guided walk through the historic center, food tastings, or day trips into Alsace villages, you can browse available tours here:

👉 Browse Strasbourg tours and Alsace day trips

Travel insurance for winter trips

👉 Genki – flexible travel health insurance for long stays in Europe

Some links below may be affiliate links. I only share places and services I genuinely recommend.

Final Thoughts

Strasbourg at Christmas isn’t about ticking off markets or finding the “best” stall.

It’s about walking through a city that fully commits to the season. Lights, food, architecture, and small details all working together. Even with crowds, it feels warm and intentional.

If you’re visiting Europe in December, Strasbourg is worth slowing down for.
Why I Chose Valencia, Spain (Not Barcelona or Madrid)

December 15, 2025

This article is part of my lived experience as a digital nomad building a slower, more intentional life in Spain.

Moving to Spain was not a random decision for me. I did not wake up one day and point at a map. I researched, compared cities, asked myself what kind of life I wanted and looked at what was realistically sustainable for me long term.

After visiting different places and understanding how I want to live, Valencia became the clear choice.

Why Spain Made Sense for Me in the First Place

Spain checked several important boxes for me. I come from a tropical country, so warm and sunny weather all year matters to me. Spain has a climate that feels comfortable even in winter, which helps me stay active and enjoy life outdoors.

I also wanted a place where long term residency made sense. The Digital Nomad Visa opened that possibility for me. I discovered it by chance online, prepared my documents, applied in December 2024 and received my visa shortly after. Spain offered a path that felt stable and doable.

These two reasons made Spain the country where I could realistically build my next chapter.

The Spanish Cities I Considered and Why I Did Not Choose Them

Before choosing Valencia, I explored other cities seriously.

Málaga

Beautiful and calm, but it felt too small for long term living. It is also farther from major European routes, which matters if you travel often.

Madrid

Madrid is full of energy, culture, and life, but the pace is fast. People move quickly, the city is huge and the constant rush did not match the lifestyle I want to maintain daily.

Barcelona

Barcelona is iconic and exciting, but crowded and hectic. Accommodation is expensive, and the atmosphere felt overwhelming for my preferred rhythm.

Alicante

Lovely, but too small for my needs. I wanted more variety, more activities, and a bigger community.

Why Valencia Felt Right for My Daily Life

Valencia offers a balance that I did not feel anywhere else.

It is not too big and not too small. It has everything I need, but it never feels stressful or chaotic. The city makes daily life easy, comfortable and enjoyable.

Walkability and Bike Life

One of the things I love most is how bike friendly Valencia is. The city is flat, the bike lanes are safe, and with Valenbisi, I can go almost anywhere. Biking became part of my routine, not something I do once in a while.

Getting Around with Luggage

One practical thing to know when moving around Valencia is luggage. If you arrive early, leave late or move between neighborhoods, having a secure place to store your bags makes the city even more walkable.

I personally use Radical Storage, which has multiple luggage storage locations across Valencia and makes moving around the city much easier.

Disclosure: If you book through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Nature and City Balance

Turia Park is like the heart of the city. It is where people run, bike, walk their dogs, read, or simply enjoy the sun. From there, the beach is close, and hiking spots are not far. I like being able to shift from city life to nature without effort.

Community, Activities and Lifestyle

Valencia has a warm community feeling. There is a good mix of locals and expats. I can join yoga classes, play padel or tennis, meet digital nomads or attend events. It is easy to meet people without forcing anything.

The overall pace of life is relaxed. People take their time. The lifestyle here feels aligned with how I want to live.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Another reason Valencia works for me is connectivity.

The airport is not as big as Madrid or Barcelona, but it is big enough. If I need more flight options, especially for long haul travel to Asia, I can easily take a train or BlaBlaCar to Madrid or Barcelona.

Valencia also sits in a very convenient location. It is close to Madrid, close to Barcelona, and well connected by train. That central position matters more than people realize.

Flights to Valencia

Valencia is well connected to major European cities, making it easy to reach whether you’re relocating or visiting. I usually compare flights using Aviasales, which searches across multiple airlines and booking platforms to find the best routes and prices.

Disclosure: If you book through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Weather

As someone who grew up in a warm climate, Valencia’s weather was a major factor.

Even in winter, it is livable. You can be outside, walk comfortably, bike, sit in the sun and enjoy daily life without feeling trapped indoors. That alone changes your quality of life.

What Surprised Me About Valencia

I did not expect Valencia to have so many activities. It is not boring at all.

There are events, sports, cultural activities, and a variety of neighborhoods that all feel different. I especially love areas like El Carmen, Cabanyal, Ciudad Vella, the Turia area and the surroundings of the City of Arts and Sciences.

The pace of life took some adjusting, especially things like siesta and different daily rhythms, but overall, it felt natural rather than frustrating.

The Honest Downside: Rising Prices

Valencia is not as cheap as it used to be.

Many locals have told me that rent and prices have gone up significantly since before the pandemic. In some cases, prices have doubled or even tripled. While Valencia can still be more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid in certain aspects, it is no longer a cheap city.

Cost really depends on where you are coming from. For people used to cities like London or Los Angeles, Spain may feel affordable. For people coming from countries with lower income levels, it can feel expensive.

Is Valencia Right for Everyone?

Probably not, and that is okay.

Some people struggle to integrate into the culture. Others find the city too quiet or not exciting enough. Some simply do not vibe with it.

Cities are personal. Valencia works for me because it fits how I want to live right now.

Thinking About Moving to Spain?

If you’re considering Spain for longer-term living, visas like the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) or Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) can make it possible.

I went through this process myself and worked with an immigration lawyer during my application. If you want professional guidance or clarity on which visa fits your situation, you can book a private consultation below.

Book a consultation with a Spanish immigration lawyer

Disclosure: If you book through this link and proceed successfully, I may receive a referral commission. I only recommend services I have personally used and trust.

Final Thoughts

I did not choose Valencia because it is trendy or perfect. I chose it because it works for my lifestyle, my pace and my priorities.

It is a city where I can move slowly, stay active, enjoy the sun and still feel connected to the rest of Europe.

Valencia was not the loudest option, but it turned out to be the most aligned one for me.

If you are considering Spain, slow travel or a more grounded way of living abroad, I hope this offered clarity beyond the usual comparisons. You will find more reflections like this here on the blog.