Speyer Christmas Market 2025 - Our Pick for Best Market!

After visiting over a dozen markets in Europe last season, my family decided that the Speyer Christmas market in Germany was our overall favorite! It wasn’t the fanciest, or the biggest, and we even ended up there on a rainy day, but for us it hit the magical sweet spot for everything we wanted in a Christmas market experience – atmosphere, decor, food and drink, shopping, entertainment, size, and local feel.

Dates of the Speyer Christmas market

The market will begin on NOVEMBER 27, 2025, and even though no end date has been announced we’ll assume it will run until January 6th. Yes, Speyer is one of the markets open the full 12 days of Christmas!

Opening Hours (These are presumed for 2025-2026 but check back for confirmation once the hours for this year are announced!)

Sunday -Thursday: 11am – 9pm (market stalls close at 8 on Sundays)

Friday and Saturday: 11am – 10pm

Limited hours on:
Christmas Eve: 10am to 1pm
December 25 and 26: CLOSED
December 31: 11am to 3pm
New Years Day: 1pm to 9pm

Location of the Speyer Christmas market

The two-toned red sandstone facade of the Speyer cathedral

The market stretches along Maximilianstrasse, the town’s main pedestrian zone. At one end sits the towering Romanesque cathedral, the Kaiserdom, and at the other, the charming old city gate lit up with Christmas lights.

Most of the action takes place around the Altpörtel (Old Gate) and the Domplatz near the cathedral, making it easy to explore everything on foot.

The City of Speyer, which sits on the west bank of the Rhine River southwest of Mannheim and Heidelberg, is part of the magic itself. From the Celts to the Romans to the Franks to the Holy Roman Empire and the Middle Ages, Speyer has many stories to tell. The Speyer Cathedral itself is one of the most significant and interesting landmarks in all of Europe and its massive edifice serves as the backdrop for the market. And all the many pieces of its history can be seen in the Historical Museum of the Palatinate right across the street.

What Makes Speyer Christmas Market Special?

The Wine Culture – Instead of just beer and basic Glühwein, Speyer leans into its Palatinate wine roots. Cozy huts run by local vintners serve up mulled white wine, red, and sometimes even a warm rosé. Some stands offer optional add-ins like amaretto or rum.

It’s Not a Mega-Market – Speyer’s market is mid-sized and authentic. You could technically walk it without stopping in under 30 minutes, but you’ll want to linger and explore. The crowd is mostly local, the vendors friendly, and the experience slower-paced than markets in bigger cities like Heidelberg or Frankfurt.

The Setting – Few markets boast a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral as a backdrop. The architecture, the light, and the sheer sense of history elevate everything, and you have a stunning historical market that looks like a postcard from beginning to end.

And the smell! The warm spice of hot mulled wine, the roasting candied almonds, the sizzling bratwurst… You have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s all real.

What to Eat and Drink at the Speyer Christmas Market

Must-try German Food

The food and drink was one of the things that made the Speyer Christmas market our favorite. The food itself was fantastic, with all the classics – grilled bratwurst, pretzels, potato pancakes, and the best spaetzle (think melt-in-your-mouth German mac and cheese topped with caramelized onions) I’ve ever had – and I’ve had my share! But in addition to that, there were several cute little nooks and alcoves to relax and soak in the market while you enjoyed all that delicious German Christmas fare.

There was plenty of space to stand and eat at long tables, but there were also smaller tables for 2-4 people, some with cozy flickering flames in the center. There were even a couple spots tucked away behind the stalls in quiet little garden-like havens of glowing lights, with their own food stalls nearby.

And do not leave without having my favorite German dessert, the dampfnudel! It’s a slightly sticky, slightly crispy, sweet-with-a-hint-of-salty steamed dumpling smothered in vanilla sauce. Heaven!

Drink – Prost!

A man fills a tray with shots of schnaps

A man carries a tray with a couple dozen shot glasses full of schnaps

And Speyer really knows how to do the beverages too! In addition to the classic white and red glühwein (hot spiced wine), there were options to up the octane by adding Amaretto or rum! There was also eierliquorpunsch (warm eggnog punch), and kinderpunsch for the kiddos (or the adults who have hit their quota but still want a warm beverage).

The beer and wine flows in Speyer also, and we were even treated to a shot of schnaps from one of the vendors! Definitely have a designated driver or a walkable hotel before you begin your market experience in Speyer if you plan to indulge!

Shopping at the Speyer Christmas Market

A row of woven silver bracelets with semi-precious stones

The Speyer Christmas Market excelled in the shopping category too! We noticed many more handcrafted items than in most markets, running the gamut from hand-knit winter wear, to leather goods, to carved wooden Christmas figures, soaps and candles, and jewelry that was really beautiful.

There were also giant balls of mistletoe available for purchase, photos, and smooches!

And Maximillianstraße itself lines the market route with stores that have beautiful window shopping, bakeries, gift shops, and food stores, all of which get in on the Christmas spirit and give an added dimension to the market. Plus, you can duck in and warm up while you browse all the amazing German goods.

We came home from the market loaded with liqueurs and chocolates, cookies, knit hats and gloves, and I even ended up with a new wallet!

Family Entertainment

Three women in red Santa capes singing at a microphone

A woman standing behind a child on ice skates holding a penguin on skis to stabilize herself

We didn’t have little ones with us, but as the mom of formerly-small kids, this market seems perfect for families. There’s an adorable little Christmas train down by the Old Gate that runs a flat loop around a cute decorated area.

There’s also an ice skating rink with fun “driving aids” shaped like penguins and polar bears for kids to hold on to if they need it. It costs only a few euros to skate, and there is a skate rental available with lots of sizes, or you can bring your own.

And don’t miss the gorgeous antique carousel right in front of Speyer cathedral for the ultimate Christmas photos! *swoon*

You can also watch craftspeople hard at work at some of the stalls, and there are various other events planned throughout the market season like the “Tower on Fire” which is a beautiful fireworks and light show right at the Old Gate.

Why the Speyer Christmas Market was Our Favorite

A tall Christmas pyramid with a spinning top and a gluhwein seller in the base

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✅ Perfect size

Not too big and overwhelming, not too small that you’re done in an hour. It was the perfect place for a 4-5 hour visit which allowed time to see the market, eat a ton of food, and tour the cathedral.

🇩🇪 Less touristy

You really get the feeling that you’re part of the local Christmas market scene. Were there some tourists there? Of course. But at some of the more popular larger markets, it can feel a little too crowded and less like an authentic German Christmas market experience.

🛍 Great shopping

Both the market stalls, and all the little shops on Maximillainstraße and its side streets were treasure troves of great gift ideas (for yourself and others!)

🍴Awesome food and drink

With that spaetzele, a dampfnudel, and a drink menu taller than me, I was pretty happy. And so were my two fellow marketeers who loved the white gluhwein, the fried potato pancakes, beef goulash, and brats!

⛪️ Historical backdrop

I’m a sucker for a giant historic cathedral, and Speyer delivers. It and the charming medieval gate on the other end of the market provide great landscapes for your Christmas market photos and add a real sense of history to the experience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for kids

This market is just where I’d go if I had little ones in tow. It’s not loud and obnoxious, there are no flashing lights or crazy rides. It’s just delightful, old-fashioned fun and games. And again, great photo opportunities. And the market isn’t so crazy I’d worry about losing them!

Christmas Market pro-tips

🌞🌛Timing

Like all Christmas markets, the day vs. night experience makes a big difference. Daytime is for fewer crowds, checking out the market stalls, soaking in the history and enjoying the architecture, and grabbing lunch. It’s also a little warmer.

As day turns to night, a winter chill sets in, the twinkling lights come on, and the whole market transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. Mittens and hot glüwein only add to the festivity. I love arriving in late afternoon and seeing the “golden hour,” sunset, and nighttime settle in.

💶 Cash

Definitely bring cash, since many booths will only take cash euros. If you are coming from outside the “Euro-zone” understand the exchange rate so you’ll know what you’re spending and how much to bring. Usually the Euro is worth slightly more than the US dollar. Just Google “Dollar to Euro conversion,” and you’ll see the current exchange rate. You’ll find most things at the market very reasonably priced.

🧤What to wear

Layers layers layers! Hats, mittens or gloves, a warm coat, and a scarf will serve you well, especially in the evening. Also, Germany can be very rainy so bring a collapsible umbrella that will fit in your tote bag or coat pocket if the weather looks rainy. If you do forget something, it will be a good excuse to pick up a fabulous hand-knit accesory from one of the stalls!

Also, smartwool socks, and comfortable warm shoes or walking boots are a must! If you’re wearing sneakers, make sure they aren’t the ventilated kind. Nothing kills the mood like cold wet feet!

Check out this link for the 10-day weather forecast in Speyer. Know what to expect before you plan your time at the market and be prepared.

If you do need to warm up, the cathedral is a great spot to duck inside!

☕ Mug protocol

Glühwein, Eierliquorpunsch, and Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic) will all come in a ceramic mug and the cost of the mug (usually a couple dollars) will be included in your charge as a deposit, or “pfand.” If you want to return the mug when you’re done, you’ll be refunded the cost that you paid. Or you can keep the mug as a souvenir if you like! Every market has a different mug each year. I have a large and growing collection of Christmas market mugs!

🐾 Dog-friendliness

The Speyer Christmas market like most places in Germany is dog friendly! That said, there’s a lot of stimulation and people and other dogs. So if your little guy or gal is reactive or gets overwhelmed, it’s best to leave them home or at the hotel while you enjoy the market.

Getting to the Speyer Christmas Market

Speyer is well-connected by train, and easy to get to by car, but just far enough off the beaten path to keep from getting overcrowded. Here are the details from some nearby spots, but check out this website which will tell you easily how to get to Speyer (or anywhere) from wherever you are!

From Frankfurt

🚉 By Train: 2 hours 9 minutes (+ 15 minute walk from train station to market)

🚗 By Car: 1 hour 20 minutes

From Kaiserslautern

🚉 By Train: 1 hour 19 minutes (+ 15 minute walk from train station to market)

🚗 By Car: 45 minutes

From Heidelberg

🚉 By Train: 49 minutes (+ 15 minute walk from train station to market)

🚗 By Car: 27 minutes

From Stuttgart

🚉 By train: 1 hour 25 minutes (+ 15 minute walk from train station to market)

🚗 By car: 1 hour 19 minutes

🅿️ Parking

Here’s a map with parking facilities marked. The red arrows indicate the train station (upper left), and the Speyer Cathedral where the Speyer Christmas market begins.

A map showing parking facilities in Speyer

✈️ Closest Airports to Speyer

The five closest airports to Speyer are Frankfurt (FRA), Stuttgart (STR), Luxembourg (LUX), Karlsruhe/BadenBaden (FKB), and Nuremberg (NUE).

Other Attractions in Speyer

There are lots of other interesting things to do in Speyer while you’re there enjoying the holiday festivities. It’s a beautiful ancient city with everything from a thousand-year-old cathedral where more than a dozen Emperors, Kings, and Queens are buried, to one of the oldest and best-preserved set of Jewish community buildings in Europe, to a terrific Sea Life center and Technical museum with all kinds of aircraft and transportation-related exhibits.

See You at the Speyer Christmas Market!

Three smiling people in coats with Christmas lights behind

I hope you’re able to make it to the Speyer Christmas market, whether it’s a quick stop before you fly out of Frankfurt Airport, a day trip from Kaiserslautern, or built in to a larger Christmas market holiday in Germany. It has all the very best that Germany has to offer, and like us you’ll be thinking about it and reliving the fun long after the market is over.

Speyer Christmas Market 2025 – Our Pick for Best Market!

Dates of the Speyer Christmas market

Location of the Speyer Christmas market

What Makes Speyer Christmas Market Special?