Meme Coin Goes From "Christmas Frenzy" to Harsh Reality: One-Year Market Cap Down 65%

December 26, 2025 — The meme coin market is nearing its 2025 annual low, sliding sharply from the speculative peak around Christmas 2024. As of December 19, total meme coin market cap dropped to $35 billion — the lowest point of 2025 — down roughly 65% from the year’s high, before edging up slightly to ~$36 billion. By contrast, meme coin market cap neared $100 billion on Christmas Day 2024. Trading activity in the sector has also fallen in tandem: annual volume dropped 72% to $3.05 trillion, signaling retail capital is moving away from high-risk speculative assets. The broader market views meme coins as a barometer of retail risk sentiment. This latest sharp contraction reflects rising caution in the current crypto environment, with the sector’s appeal to capital clearly waning. CoinGecko notes the 2024 meme coin boom was closely tied to the U.S. presidential election: election-themed tokens surged in popularity across social media, on-chain activity, and listing platforms. However, that political narrative has backfired in 2025, weighing on market sentiment.