30 Christmas Beers Packed with Winter Flavor and Holiday Cheer

Christmas Bomb! – Prairie Artisan Ales

Christmas Bomb! by Prairie Artisan Ales is a rich and decadent imperial stout brewed with a festive twist. This special beer is infused with warming holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, along with cocoa nibs and chili peppers, creating a complex and flavorful profile. It has a deep, dark color with robust flavors of chocolate, coffee and spices, balanced by a subtle (yet not insubstantial) heat from the chilies. The beer is full-bodied and slightly sweet, which makes it a perfect wintertime sipper for fans of bold, spiced stouts with a little kick.

• ABV: 13.0%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 92, Outstanding
• Untappd Rating: ⭐4.11
• Beer Style: Stout
• Food Pairings: Roasted Duck, Chocolate Lava Cake, Spiced Nuts
• Company Website: Prairie Artisan Ales
• Address: 3 NE 8th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Belgian Christmas Ale – pFriem Family Brewers

pFriem Belgian Christmas Ale is a Belgian-style holiday sipper that leans into rich, classic flavors rather than over-the-top spice. Built on a Dubbel base and brewed with coriander, this wintry brew pours a deep ruby red color with a thick off-white head and layers the glass with aromas of toffee and ripe orange. On the palate, creamy milk chocolate and caramelized malt glide over the tongue, brightened by a lift of zesty citrus that keeps each sip from feeling too heavy. An elegant finish makes this an ideal fireside beer for long December nights, whether you’re sharing bottles with friends or leaving one out for Santa in lieu of a plate of homemade cookies. It’s a polished, quietly luxurious take on Christmas ale that rewards slow sipping and good company.

• ABV: 8.5%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 91, Exceptional
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.88
• Beer Style: Belgian Dubbel / Christmas Ale
• Food Pairings: Stewed Meats, Roast Duck, Root Vegetables, Hearty Salads, Chocolate Desserts
• Company Website: pFriem Family Brewers
• Address: 707 Portway Ave, Ste 101, Hood River, OR 97031, United States

Delirium Noël – Huyghe Brewery

Delirium Noël from Huyghe Brewery is a rich and complex holiday ale that embodies the spirit of the season. This Belgian-style ale features a deep amber color and a creamy, frothy head. Its flavor profile is a delightful blend of caramel malt sweetness, dark fruits and a touch of spiciness from the Belgian yeast. With notes of toffee, figs and a hint of warming alcohol, Delirium Noël offers a softly pleasant, satisfying finish that makes it fantastic for winter celebrations. This festive brew is sure to warm you up during chilly holiday months.

• ABV: 10.0%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 87, Very Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.76
• Beer Style: Winter Ale
• Food Pairings: Beef Bourguignon, Duck Confit, Chocolate Torte
• Company Website: Huyghe Brewery
• Address: Geraardsbergse steenweg 14b, 9090 Melle, Belgium

Christmas Ale – Breckenridge Brewery

Breckenridge Christmas Ale is a malty, full-bodied winter warmer built for both cold nights at the ski lodge as well as overcrowded holiday dinner tables. An abundance of carefully roasted malts lays down rich layers of caramel and chocolate, while Chinook and Mt. Hood hops add a subtle piney spice that keeps the sweetness in check and the finish nice and clean. At just over 7% ABV, it drinks like a crackling fireplace in a glass; it’s steady, comforting, and just bold enough to make a quiet December evening feel like a one-of-a-kind celebration. This is the kind of classic, no-gimmick Christmas beer that works just as well next to a plate of cookies as it does beside a roast pulled straight from the oven.

• ABV: 7.1%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 81, Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.57
• Beer Style: Winter Warmer / Strong Ale
• Food Pairings: Roast Beef, Glazed Ham, Candied Yams, Gingerbread Cookies
• Company Website: Breckenridge Brewery
• Address: 2920 Brewery Lane, Littleton, CO 80120, United States

Shiner Holiday Cheer – K. Spoetzl Brewery & Distillery

Shiner Holiday Cheer is a festive brew that delivers epic holiday joy with its unique blend of flavors. This seasonal Dunkelweizen is brewed with Texas peaches and roasted pecans to create a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and nutty warmth. Its easy-drinking medium body and subtle hints of caramel make it a highly sippable brew and perfectly suitable for winter gatherings. Shiner Holiday Cheer captures the essence of the holidays with its light spice and comforting, flavorful finish.

• ABV: 5.4%
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.60
• Beer Style: Dunkelweizen
• Food Pairings: Honey-Glazed Ham, Pecan-Crusted Chicken, Apple Crisp
• Company Website: K. Spoetzl Brewery & Distillery
• Address: 603 E Brewery St, Shiner, TX 77984, United States

Nöel Gentile – Baladin

Nöel Gentile by Baladin is an Italian holiday beer crafted with festive warmth in mind. Brewed with chestnuts, it offers a unique blend of nutty sweetness, caramel malts and subtle spice, perfect for cozy winter evenings. The beer’s rich, velvety texture and balanced flavors make it a delightful companion for Christmas desserts or roasted meats. Nöel Gentile captures the spirit of the season, bringing a comforting touch to holiday celebrations.

• ABV: 8.5%
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.46
• Beer Style: Winter Ale
• Food Pairings: Roasted Turkey, Chestnut Stuffing, Gingerbread Cookies
• Company Website: Baladin
• Address: Farigliano (CN) – Località Prella 60, – Italia

Everything Nice & Everything Naughty – Brewery Ommegang

Ommegang leans heavily into Christmastime “naughty and nice” theme with this delightful pairing. Everything Nice is their wintry Belgian blonde, laced with classic baking-spice character including notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and a sprinkle of white pepper over a golden, warming base. Everything Naughty flips the script, as it’s a bold imperial white stout that looks like a pale ale or lager in the glass but drinks like a rich dessert stout, with roasted coffee and white chocolate notes all wrapped up in a luscious and boozy yet easy-to-drink package. Put them side by side on the holiday table and you’ve got a built-in tasting: one bright and spiced for cookie plates and pies, the other darker in flavor for late-night front porch pours.

Everything Nice

• ABV: 9.0%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 87, Very Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.78
• Beer Style: Belgian Strong Golden Ale / Spiced Blonde Ale
• Food Pairings: Sugar cookies, apple pie, bread pudding, glazed ham
• Company Website: Brewery Ommegang
• Address: 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326, United States

Everything Naughty

• ABV: 9.5%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 88, Very Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.81
• Beer Style: Imperial White / Blonde Stout
• Food Pairings: Chocolate truffles, tiramisu, roasted prime rib, espresso-rubbed steak
• Company Website: Brewery Ommegang
• Address: 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326, United States

Christmas Ale – Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Christmas Ale is a malt-forward Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy that trades overt spice for depth and warmth. Expect a dense caramel backbone, touches of toffee and baked bread, and a gently warming finish that feels tailor-made for long, slow evenings (such as Christmas Eve or other holiday nights). It’s a great choice for drinkers who want a holiday beer that feels traditional without leaning on a heavy cinnamon and nutmeg profile.

• ABV: 7.5%

• Beer Advocate: Rated 81, Good

• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.74

• Beer Style: Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy

• Food Pairings: Glazed Ham, Aged Cheddar, Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Company Website: Bell’s Brewery

• Address: 8938 Krum Ave, Comstock, MI 49053, USA

Pimp My Sleigh – Fat Head’s Brewery

This boozy and brash Christmas ale pours deep and plush, with rich layers of caramelized malt, dark fruit, and alcohol warmth that hit like a hefty Christmas pudding in liquid form. Think raisin, fig, a touch of anise, and those classic Belgian spice notes all swirling together, then finishing drier and more balanced than you’d expect from a double-digit-ABV holiday heavy-hitter. This is a true seasonal sipper; it’s the kind of beer you break out once the dishes are done, the lights are dim, and the only thing left on the agenda is another Christmas story and another holiday pour.

• ABV: 10.5%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 89, Very Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.79
• Beer Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale / Belgian-Style Christmas Ale
• Food Pairings: Roast Goose, Venison, Aged Gouda, Vanilla Ice Cream
• Company Website: Fat Head’s Brewery
• Address: 17450 Engle Lake Dr, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130, United States

Gouden Carolus Christmas – Brouwerij Het Anker

Gouden Carolus Christmas is Belgian holiday excess in all the best ways from a beloved and venerable Belgian brewery. Brewed in August and left to rest until winter, it pours a deep ruby-brown with a lush, creamy head and floods the glass with dark fruit, licorice, baking spice, and caramelized sugar elements. Think fruit cake (but not the kind you want to regift ad infinitum), plum pudding, and gingerbread all sharing the same plate, with three kinds of hops and a mix of herbs and spices keeping the sweetness in check. It’s rich, boozy, and layered, but finishes drier and more elegant than you’d expect, making it an exceptionally good beer to share with friends and family.

• ABV: 10–10.5%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 88, Very Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.62
• Beer Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale / Christmas Ale
• Food Pairings: Roast Turkey, Baked Ham, Blue Cheese, Fruitcake, Dark Chocolate
• Company Website: Brouwerij Het Anker
• Address: Guido Gezellelaan 49, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium

Jolly Roger Christmas Ale – Maritime Pacific Brewing Co.

Jolly Roger Christmas Ale is Seattle winter in a can: big, bold, and a little bit edgy. It pours a deep copper-red and comes at you with dark fruit, caramel, and toffee notes on the nose, backed by that classic Northwest combo of Chinook, Cascade, and Amarillo hops for a piney, spicy sharpness that bites back. On the palate it drinks like a boozy holiday dessert featuring elements of rich malt and hints of dried cherry and warming spice, yet it stays surprisingly drinkable for such a high-ABV seasonal. This is the beer you crack open when the snow’s coming down, the lights are twinkling in the window, and “just one more” sounds like a perfectly reasonable idea.

• ABV: 9.5%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 86, Very Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.69 Untappd
• Beer Style: Winter Warmer / American Strong Ale
• Food Pairings: Prime Rib, Honey-Baked Ham, Sharp Cheddar, Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Company Website: Maritime Pacific Brewing Company
• Address: 1111 NW Ballard Way, Seattle, WA 98107, United States

Santa’s Little Helper – Pizza Port Brewing Co.

Santa’s Little Helper is the stout Santa cracks open after the reindeer are parked and the boots are off. Built on crisp chocolate malt, roasted barley, and honey malt, it leans hard into dark cocoa, espresso, toffee, and a little vanilla swirl, with a sneaky 10% ABV tucked inside a surprisingly smooth body. A touch of Centennial and Cascade hops keeps things from tipping into full-on liquid fudge, so you end up getting rich holiday dessert vibes without feeling like you just ate the whole cookie tray yourself.

• ABV: 10.0%
• The Beer Connoisseur: Rated 95, Exceptional
• Beer Advocate: Rated 90, Outstanding
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.95
• Beer Style: Imperial Stout
• Food Pairings: Flourless Chocolate Cake, Espresso Brownies, Smoked Short Ribs, Aged Cheddar
• Company Website: Pizza Port Brewing Company
• Address: 135 N Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA 92075, United States

2XMAS – Southern Tier Brewing Co.

2XMAS is what happens when a Swedish glögg party dares a double ale to keep up. Southern Tier loads this holiday sipper with figs, orange peel, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and ginger, so it smells like someone just cracked open a bottle of fine spirits atop a bowl of spiced, candied fruit. On the palate it’s jammy and warming without tipping into syrupy territory; think of this beer as mulled wine’s louder, hoppier cousin that insists on being served cold. It’s a go-to “first snow” beer, the one you reach for when you want the full Christmas-cookie experience without actually turning on the oven.

• ABV: 8.0%
• Beer Advocate: Rated 83, Good
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.6
• Beer Style: Spiced Double Ale / Winter Warmer
• Food Pairings: Swedish Meatballs, Glazed Ham, Gingerbread Cookies, Aged Gouda
• Company Website: Southern Tier Brewing Company
• Address: 2072 Stoneman Cir, Lakewood, NY 14750, United States

Christmas Ale – Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery

Jackie O’s Christmas Ale takes their beloved Chomolungma Brown Ale and sends it Christmas caroling. Conditioned on local wildflower honey and holiday spices, it smells like fresh-baked muffins or a spiced cake cooling on the counter; elements of dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, rich honey, and warm baking spice all jostle for attention in the glass. The body is soft and cozy rather than heavy, so it drinks like a honeyed “nut brown” rather than a sugar bomb. It’s the sort of beer you might enjoy while wrapping presents or setting up your holiday playlists until you suddenly find yourself “quality-checking” the entire six-pack… or keeping it as a gift for yourself for Christmas!

• ABV: 6.5%
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.59
• Beer Style: Brown Ale / Honey Nut Brown Ale – Spiced
• Food Pairings: Roast Turkey, Honey-Glazed Ham, Pecan Pie, Cinnamon Rolls
• Company Website: Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery
• Address: 25 Campbell St, Athens, OH 45701, United States

Christmas Beer Collection – Ridgeway Brewery, United Kingdom

Ridgeway Brewery’s Christmas ales might not tip the scales that much (unlike this writer after a hearty Christmas dinner) when it comes to critical acclaim, and that’s exactly what makes them so charming. These are truly festive beers, brewed not for gold medals but for widespread merriment. Each bottle delivers a dose of cheeky seasonal spirit replete with malty warmth, a wink of sweetness, and just enough eccentricity to keep the holidays lively. They’re the kind of beers you bring to a party, pull out with a grin, and enjoy precisely because they taste just like Christmas.

View Ridgeway Christmas Collection

• Bad Elf

• Very Bad Elf

• Criminally Bad Elf

• Warm Welcome

• Santa’s Butt
• Reindeer Droppings
• Reindeer’s Revolt
• Lump of Coal

• Company Website: Ridgeway Brewery

• Address: Thatched House Farm, Dunsfold Road, Loxhill, GU84EQ, United Kingdom

Tripel Karmeliet – Brouwerij Bosteels

Tripel Karmeliet is a world-renowned Belgian Tripel that has long captivated beer lovers with its delicate but robust flavors and delightful flavor profile. Brewed with a unique blend of barley, wheat, and oats, this golden ale boasts a creamy mouthfeel with a vibrant balance of citrus, vanilla, and clove notes. Floral and spicy undertones from noble hops add complexity, complementing the beer’s fruity esters and subtle sweetness. Its fine, effervescent bubbles and refreshing finish make Tripel Karmeliet a memorable choice for any occasion (especially during the holidays), whether enjoyed solo or with flavorful dishes. Savor each sip and experience Belgian brewing excellence.

• ABV: 8.4%
• Untappd Rating: ⭐4.05
• Beer Style: Belgian Tripel
• Food Pairings: Moules-frites, Soft Cheese, Almond Tart
• Company Website: Brouwerij Bosteels
• Address: Kerkstraat 96, 9255 Buggenhout, Belgium

Cold Mountain – Highland Brewing Co.

Highland Brewing’s Cold Mountain is a beloved winter seasonal ale that enchants with its warm, spiced character and balanced malt profile. This elegant, amber-colored ale features flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, which blend perfectly and evoke holiday comfort and cheer. Subtle notes of nutmeg and a touch of hop bitterness add depth, making each sip an enticing experience. Cold Mountain is ideal for cozy gatherings or as a festive treat on a crisp winter day, capturing the spirit of the season in every glass.

• ABV: 5.9%
• Untappd Rating: ⭐4.02
• Beer Style: Winter Ale
• Food Pairings: Roasted Duck, Sweet Potatoes, Pecan Pie
• Company Website: Highland Brewing Co.
• Address: 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC 28803, USA

This Is Definitely Not a Fake Duck – Carton Brewing Co.

This Is Definitely Not a Fake Duck (formerly known as Decoy) by Carton Brewing Co. is a bold, full-flavored spiced brown ale that blends elements of both coffee and hazelnut to create a rich, nutty profile. Dark and slightly roasted malts give this ale its robust character, with notes of caramel and cocoa adding notable sweetness. Hints of earthiness and a mild bitterness balance the flavors, making this a comforting, approachable choice for the cooler months. Whether you’re cozying up at home or sharing with friends, TIDNFD offers an eminently satisfying drinking experience that’s simultaneously both familiar and unique.

• ABV: 8.0%
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.89
• Beer Style: Brown Ale
• Food Pairings: Grilled Steak, Roasted Vegetables, Dark Chocolate Tart
• Company Website: Carton Brewing Co.
• Address: 6 East Washington Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716, USA

Winter Welcome Ale – Samuel Smith Brewery

Winter Welcome Ale is a classic English-style ale that celebrates the winter season in style. This full-bodied English ale features a deep amber color with a rich malt character, offering flavors of toffee, caramel and a subtle hint of chocolate. Brewed with traditional English hops, it has a mild bitterness that balances the sweetness, making it incredibly drinkable. The warming finish and complex flavors make Winter Welcome Ale an ideal companion for cozy winter nights and festive gatherings.

• ABV: 6.0%
• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.53
• Beer Style: Winter Ale
• Food Pairings: Roast Lamb, Mushroom Risotto, Spiced Nut Tart
• Company Website: Samuel Smith Brewery
• Address: High Street, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, LS24 9SB,  UK

Winter Bock – Ayinger Privatbrauerei

Ayinger Winter Bock is a dark German doppelbock built for long, cold nights. Chestnut-brown in the glass, it delivers waves of toasted malt, caramel, and subtle coffee with a surprisingly clean despite its solid alcohol strength. Long lagering and traditional techniques from a revered German brewery give it a polished profile that feels both celebratory and quietly contemplative, making it a proper Old World winter beer.

• ABV: 6.7%

• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.56

• Beer Style: Doppelbock

• Food Pairings: Roast Pork with Crackling, Gruyère Fondue, Caramel Bread Pudding

• Company Website: Ayinger Privatbrauerei

• Address: Münchener Str. 21, 85653 Aying, Bayern, Germany

Winter Lager – Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams Winter Lager is a widely available and eminently approachable winter lager that leans into holiday flavor without overwhelming the palate. Brewed with orange peel, cinnamon, and ginger, it offers bright citrus elements on top of a toasty malt base, with a clean lager finish that keeps it dangerously sessionable, especially in the colder months. It’s the kind of beer that fits perfectly into mixed holiday gatherings where you need a crowd-pleaser that still feels seasonal.

• ABV: 5.6%

• Untappd Rating: ⭐3.53

• Beer Style: Winter Lager

• Food Pairings: Herb-Roasted Chicken, Soft Pretzels with Mustard, Apple Crisp

• Company Website: Samuel Adams (The Boston Beer Company)

• Address: Boston Brewery – 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130, USA

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