Countless holiday traditions center around recipes – cookies, side dishes, main dishes, and even beer. When the holiday season begins, breweries around the world tap into traditions that have been refined, reimagined, and passed down for generations. Beer has always brought people together, but that’s especially true during the holiday season as people raise a glass to the season through unique brews and age-old customs. From spice-laden ales to malty, contemplative winter warmers, here’s a look at brewing traditions around the world.
Six Holiday Brewing Traditions Around the World
1. Germany
Germany’s brewing heritage is unmatched, so it’s not surprising that its winter traditions are historic and heartfelt. During Advent, Weihnachtsmärzen and Weihnachtsbier (“Christmas beer”) move into the spotlight. These rich, strong lagers are specially brewed for the season. Many German towns also host iconic Christmas markets where warm mugs of Glühbier (a mulled, sweetened cherry beer steeped with spices) are popular. For Germans, holiday beer is a key part of the holiday season.
2. Belgium
Other brewing traditions around the world come from Belgium. Belgium’s holiday beers are some of the most celebrated in the world, and for good reason. Belgian brewers lean into creativity during the holidays, giving beer lovers something truly singular to enjoy, as the Trappist monk-run breweries craft special Christmas ales each year. These brews are created from secret recipes that date back centuries. They tend to be dark, strong, and complex with notes of dried fruit, caramel, spice, and hints of chocolate. Classics like St. Bernardus Christmas Ale or Delirium Noël highlight Belgium’s love for festive indulgence.
3. United Kingdom
Across the UK, winter is synonymous with hearty, warming ales. Traditional winter warmers evolved from strong stock ales that were brewed to survive the cold months. Holiday versions of these brews include spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove – although many modern British brewers keep things simple, relying on rich malt character alone. You’ll also see old ales and barleywines that are perfect for sipping slowly by the fire return this time of year.
4. United States
Holiday brewing traditions around the world continue across the pond in the United States. American craft brewers have embraced the holiday season with endless creativity. Many draw inspiration from European brewing roots, but U.S. breweries are known for pushing boundaries. You’ll find everything from gingerbread stouts to cranberry saisons to spruce-tip IPAs. Classic American winter warmers tend to be malt-forward with a festive spice, but the beauty of the U.S. craft beer scene is that no two interpretations are the same. At The Growler Guys, our seasonal taps are a showcase of spirited creations.
5. Scandinavia
In Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, the season’s long, dark nights shape winter brewing traditions. Juleøl (Christmas beer) is typically dark, malty, and full-bodied. These beers have historically been brewed for holiday feasts and family gatherings, and pair well with traditional Nordic dishes like roasted pork and cured fish. Some Scandinavian breweries also produce lighter, spiced versions for daytime holiday celebrations. Whether it’s robust or subtle, juleøl is brewed with a deep sense of heritage.
6. Japan
Following holiday brewing traditions around the world, we come to Japan. Japan’s craft beer movement continues to grow, and a new wave of seasonal brewing traditions is growing with it. Many Japanese breweries produce winter ales infused with local ingredients like yuzu, black sugar, or toasted rice. Holiday beer releases here are often small-batch and gift-worthy, a reflection of Japan’s appreciation for craftsmanship and presentation. These beers add a fresh perspective to global winter beer styles by honoring regional flavors.
Raise a Glass to Tradition at The Growler Guys
Wherever you go in the world, beer is there to help celebrate the holiday season. Every country adds its own flavors, rituals, and stories to create traditions that carry the spirit of celebration in every sip. At The Growler Guys, our extensive rotating taps let you taste the history, culture, and creativity of those holiday brewing traditions from around the world.
Whether you’re looking to carry on your own tradition of a spice-filled winter warmer or try a bold new creation from an innovative brewer, your local Growler Guys has the pint, flight, or growler fill you’re looking for. Stop in today and cheers to holiday traditions!
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