The holidays aren’t just about twinkling lights and way too many cookies. For craft beer lovers, it’s the most magical drinking season of the year as breweries across New York State roll out limited releases full of spice, richness, and winter warmth.
Whether you're building your own beer gift box or just need a perfect pour for a snowy night, holiday beers deliver serious seasonal vibes.
So what makes a beer feel festive? Let’s unwrap the best styles for the season and how to enjoy them right.
What Makes a Beer “Holiday”?
Holiday beers aren’t tied to a single style — they’re a mood. Think rich malts, warm spices, higher alcohol content, sweet or savory notes, and a touch of nostalgia. These are the drinks that pair well with wood fires and classic holiday movies.
6 Holiday Beer Styles That Bring the Cheer
- Winter Warmers
The quintessential holiday beer. Malty, smooth, and often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove. These beers are like mulled ale — bold, comforting, and made to be sipped slowly. Try them if you love fruitcake or holiday spice. - Spiced Ales
These beers play with seasonal ingredients like ginger, orange peel, or spruce tips. Lighter in body than a stout but full of holiday personality, they bridge the gap between novelty and tradition. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie pairings, or gifting to your beer-loving friends. - Imperial Stouts
Big, bold, and boozy — these are dessert beers made for long winter nights. Expect flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, molasses, and sometimes bourbon barrel aging for that extra kick. Pair them with rich desserts, blue cheese, or a quiet moment of reflection after family dinner. - Belgian Dubbels and Quads
Dark fruit, fig, toffee, and a touch of clove — these Belgian classics are ideal for the holidays. Many New York breweries craft versions that are bottle-conditioned and age beautifully. Serve with roasted meats, charcuterie, or holiday brunch. - Festive Saisons
Don’t sleep on farmhouse styles in winter. Saisons brewed for the holidays often feature peppery spice, citrus peel, and a dry, sparkling finish that’s great for toasting. - Barleywines
For the adventurous palate. These high-ABV ales bring intense malt character, with notes of caramel, fig, and oak. Sweet and strong, barleywines are beers you sip like a brandy. Best enjoyed after the kids are in bed and the tree lights are glowing.
Stock Up Now
Holiday beers are seasonal for a reason — they vanish quickly. Grab our limited-edition Holiday Happy Hour Beer Bundle while you can, or grab some singles from your favorite New York State brewery.
We’ve got plenty of winter-friendly styles that are perfect for sipping, sharing, and celebrating.
Explore our Holiday Beer Collection
Happy holidays and cheers from our beer-loving hearts to yours!
