Holiday beers have always been a little different. Brewers loosen up, spices come out of hiding, and styles that feel way too rich for July suddenly make perfect sense.

Some of these beers are nostalgic staples, and some, unfortunately, no longer available but all of them are Christmas classics…

Anchor Christmas Ale 

First Brewed: 1975 and no longer available

ABV: Varied annually (generally 6-7%)

Tasting Notes: This iconic brew changed its recipe every year, offering a surprise to loyal fans. The beautifully designed labels, which also changed annually, made it a perfect gift for beer enthusiasts.

Anchor Brewing is unfortunately as dead as Marley’s ghost (at least for now) and its classic holiday offering is now part of Christmas past.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

First Brewed: 1981 and happily still widely available

ABV: 6.8%

Tasting Notes: A hoppy holiday classic, Celebration Ale is a fresh hop IPA brewed with piney and citrusy hops. Despite its hoppy nature, it retains a malty backbone, making it a versatile beer for both hop lovers and those seeking seasonal warmth.

Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale

First Brewed: 1990 and still available

ABV: 6%

Tasting Notes: This English ale delivers toasty malt flavors with a touch of caramel and nutty sweetness. Subtle spices and a smooth, creamy finish make it an enduring favorite for wintertime sipping.

The collectable label on the 2024 Winter Welcome Ale this year features the much-loved red robin (erithacus rubecula). Despite the robin being such a popular symbol of winter goodwill, Samuel Smith had not, until now, featured the bird on its holiday Winter Welcome label.

 Great Lakes Christmas Ale

First Brewed: 1992 and still available seasonally

ABV: 7.5%

Tasting Notes: Brewed with honey, cinnamon, and ginger, this Midwest favorite embodies the flavors of the holidays. Its warming spice profile and balanced sweetness make it perfect for pairing with holiday desserts.

The Bruery’s 12 Days of Christmas Series

First Brewed: 2008 and still available seasonally

ABV: Varies (often 10%+)

Tasting Notes: Each year, The Bruery releases a unique beer inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas” song. From dark, boozy ales to spiced concoctions, every release is a creative take on holiday cheer.

Prairie Artisan Ales Christmas Bomb!

First Brewed: 2014 and still available seasonally

ABV: 13%

Tasting Notes: A decadent imperial stout brewed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its rich chocolate and coffee base, combined with warming spices, make it a dessert in a glass.

Deschutes Jubelale

First Brewed: 1988 and available every holiday season

ABV: 6.7%

Tasting Notes: An Oregon favorite, Jubelale is a winter ale with roasted malt, dried fruit, and warming spice flavors. Each year’s packaging features artwork by local artists, adding a touch of creativity to the holiday spirit.

The rotating art on the Jubelale packaging features a wintry scene from a new artist every year.

Bell’s Christmas Ale

First Brewed: 2009 and still available

ABV: 7.5%

Tasting Notes: A Scotch ale that offers a malty sweetness with notes of caramel and toffee. It’s a straightforward yet satisfying beer for cozying up by the fire.

Revolution Brewing Fistmas

First Brewed: 2013

ABV: 6.5%

Tasting Notes: A holiday red ale brewed with ginger and orange peel. It’s both festive and approachable, with a perfect balance of spice and malt.

Tips for Enjoying Holiday Beers

Pairing: Many holiday beers pair well with seasonal dishes like roasted meats, hearty stews, and spiced desserts. And all of them pair brilliantly with a roaring fire.

Aging: Some strong, spiced ales and stouts can be aged for a year or more, allowing flavors to deepen and mellow.

So Cheers for those beloved Christmas Beers, past and present!

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And while we’re at it…

Holiday Beers: The Winter Warmer Explained

Cooking With Beer – Celebration Fresh Hop IPA Fruitcake

The 12 Beers of Christmas – 2025