Christmas Race Day Mülheim 2026

Horse Racing at Christmas – A Mülheim Tradition

While most Germans are lounging on the sofa on the 2nd Christmas Day, horse racing fans gather at the Raffelberg Racecourse in Mülheim an der Ruhr. The Christmas Race Day is one of the most traditional events in the German racing calendar – and a classic family outing for the people of Mülheim who want to spend a day outdoors between the holidays.

Raffelberg Racecourse – Mülheim's Sporting Landmark

Raffelberg Racecourse is located in the Speldorf district of Mülheim, on Akazienallee. It is one of the most traditional racecourses in Germany and has been part of the city's sporting life for almost 100 years. The organizer is the Rennclub Mülheim an der Ruhr e.V., which organizes several race days throughout the year – the Christmas Race Day is the most traditional and best-attended.

Date and Schedule

The 2026 race day takes place on Saturday, December 26 – traditionally on the 2nd Christmas Day. The schedule:

• 10:00 AM – Admission to the racecourse
• 11:00 AM – First race
• 11:00 AM–5:00 PM – several horse races over various distances
• afterwards – Award ceremonies and event conclusion

Popular Family Outing Between the Holidays

For many residents of Mülheim and day-trippers from the western Ruhr area, the Christmas Race Day is a firm fixture of the Christmas season. Families with children, horse racing enthusiasts, seniors, and young adults mingle in the stands. Mulled wine and snack stands ensure a festive atmosphere even in December weather.

Betting Culture and Race Highlights

Those who wish can place their bets: Betting stations at the racecourse accept wagers, and the typical German horse betting atmosphere makes the day special. Those who don't want to bet can simply enjoy the spectacle of the galloping horses storming down the sand track at over 60 km/h.

Mülheim an der Ruhr in the Western Ruhr Area

Mülheim is located in the western Ruhr area between Essen, Duisburg, and Oberhausen, on the Ruhr and Rhine rivers. The racecourse is one of the city's most famous sporting destinations, alongside the Wasserbahnhof, the RuhrPark, the Müga-Park, and the city center. The Christmas Race Day makes the city a horse racing destination even in winter.

Getting There and Tips

The racecourse is best reached by car: A40 or A2 (exit Mülheim-Speldorf), then Akazienallee. By train: Regional train to Mülheim Hbf, then bus 132 or 752 to Speldorf. Parking on site, often with queues on race days.