Photo courtesy of Lamplighter Brewing Co.
The best way to spread holiday cheer is by shopping locally and making memories with friends and family. Breweries make this possible year-round, but throughout December there are even more reasons to check out a local taproom near you. Sip-and-shop markets make holiday shopping as easy as ordering a beer. Family-friendly parties keep the cookie-decorating mess out of your home kitchen. Trivia nights dig deep into seasonal-favorite songs, movies, and more. The list goes on—check it out below. Members of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild update us on how and where to celebrate the holidays this season.
MBG members, did we miss your holiday party? Fill out this form to be included in our next update.
Northeast
On Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 17, East Regiment hosts a Vintage Market curated by the Felt Fanatic from noon until 6 p.m. A collection of retro sports memorabilia from mainly New England teams is in the cards. Dog parents, you’ll want to bring the fam to visit the Salem taproom on Saturday, Dec. 16, for a Pet Ornament PAWty to make and decorate a memorable paw-print clay ornament. Kits will also be available to buy and bring home to share with your cat or other pets. Proceeds from the event support Massachusetts dog rescue Gals Best Pal and a TBD local cat rescue organization. Let’s go!
The season gets underway at Gentile Brewing with the annual Christmas Ale bottle release on December 7. On Friday, Dec. 15, the Beverly taproom hosts an ugly sweater party with Birria Gordita Tacos and a food drive. On Thursday, Dec. 22, Gentile sets the stage for a reading of the Christmas Carol. Arrive on Saturday, Dec. 23, to air grievances at Festivus party. Let’s go!
Before he gets really busy, the real Santa is stopping by North Reading’s Hopothecary Ales on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m. for photos and fun. On Wednesday, Dec. 20, the taproom hosts Christmas Trivia and an ugly sweater party. The best ugliest sweater will earn the wearer a Hopothecary Holiday Beer Box Advent Calendar that includes 24 cans of beer. Let’s go!
The German Holiday Market returns to the Salem Tap Room on Sunday, Dec. 10. Free to attend, it features local makers of botanical and magickal ephemera, glass art, neckwear, beautiful and inspiring visual art and prints, and artisan soap. (Salem already welcomed the annual Krampus parade, but the seasonal beasts are headed for the Brighton taproom on December 9. See more in Metro Boston.) Let’s go!
Metro Boston
Arlington Brewing Co.
Bring a friend, grab a beer, buy a present or two, and relax in Arlington Heights friendliest spot - 4-9:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until Dec 30. They'll be pouring a selection of fan favorites including Spy-P-A, Jedermann, and Zwolf, as well as introducing new brews to the lineup such as Marley's Ghost Christmas Ale!
The Roasted Granola Café will be serving food throughout the evening, including simple sandwiches, salads, chips, popcorn, and more. These are family friendly events. Bring everyone! Let’s go!
At two Greater Boston locations of Aeronaut, holiday activities abound. On Sunday, Dec. 17, build your own gingerbread house at the Somerville spot. Tickets are required to reserve a kit and a session time, either from 2 to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 to 5 p.m. Aeronaut Somerville also hosts a holiday special drag night on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 8 to 10 p.m. Dykelangelo hosts the holiday spectacular with local performers Severity Stone, Lilly Rose Valore and others. Tickets are $15 (plus tips for the queens!), and arriving early is recommended. On Friday, Dec. 23, the Aeronaut Cannery in Everett hosts an evening with Neon Calypso’s the Grinch. The local drag queen stars and festive costumes are encouraged. Show starts at 6:30 and tickets are required. You are the one dressing up on New Year’s Eve for NYE Prom at Aeronaut Somerville. DJ Knife, food from Big Pig and other surprises celebrate the Class of 2023. ~*~ Prom Royalty~*~ will be crowned at 11 p.m. before a midnight toast. Let’s go!
Santa Paws is coming to town—well, to BearMoose Brewing. On Saturday, Dec. 9, it’s a dog’s day out in Everett with a pet-centric local market pop-up and a pet meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Suggested donations of $10 (cash only) will benefit Last Hope K9 Rescue. The market is on from 1 to 4 p.m. with Sant on site between 2 and 4 p.m. Let’s go!
There are so many opportunities to make something special for somebody on your list, with a Distraction brew in hand. The Roslindale brewery and taproom hosts Ain’t Easy Candles for a cheeky candle-making class on December 10. Thursday, Dec. 14 brings Crafts & Drinks in for a sea glass craft workshop, and on December 17, cartoonist Rob Lynch leads Home Alone Paint Night. There’s really no excuse for a boring gift card! After the gift-giving frenzy, unwind at Distraction on New Year’s Eve, when the New Grown-Ups bring their blend of traditional folk, country, blues, celtic, and bluegrass to the taproom with live music from 8 to 11 p.m. Let’s go!
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, opera-crossover singer Natalja Sticco performs Carols for a Cause at the Idle Hands taproom in Malden, which is accepting cash donations, non-perishable food items, and winter clothing on behalf of the Malden Warming Center. No donation is too small, and donors can sign an ornament to hang on the tree! Let’s go!
Inspired by everyone’s favorite comfort competition-show, the Great Brewery Bake Off brings 10 amateur bakers to Lamplighter’s Broadway taproom from 7-9 p.m on Friday, Dec. 8, to have their treats judged by an all-star local panel of bakers. The friendly throwdown will benefit Cambridge non-profit On The Rise, which supports femme folks getting their feet on the ground. Tickets are required. Separately, the Broadway taproom is planning a Ugly Sweater Party on Friday, Dec. 15. On Saturday, Dec. 16, visit Lamplighter’s Cambridge Crossing taproom from 3 to 7 p.m. for a Happy Hour Holiday vendor market. Let’s go!
A winter market with appearances by Rahim Gray Art and his cool coasters, Spicy Boy Jerky, Ain't Easy Candles, and food by Kush Mediterranean is happening at Long Live Roxbury on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. Stay later for live music. Let’s go!
For those of you making a list and checking it twice, why not work on your handwriting? You can on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Lord Hobo Seaport, which hosts a Holiday Sip and Script workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The festive event introduces modern calligraphy and covers the basics—with beer in hand—so you can add special lettered details to your holiday table, gift tags, holiday cards and more. Let’s go!
Through December 11, visit Mighty Squirrel’s Waltham taproom anytime to drop off a donation for Toys for Tots. The goal is to fill up the brewery van with gifts to help kids have a brighter holiday season. Let’s go!
Between two taprooms in Boston and Everett, there are plenty of ways to be merry with Night Shift this season. Everett HQ hosts An Elf-ing Good Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 7 to 10 p.m., channeling the holiday spirit of Buddy the Elf. A Family Holiday Party follows on Sunday, Dec. 10, from noon until 5 p.m., with activities and entertainment like a visit from Santa (1 to 3 p.m.), face painting and balloons, cookie decorating while supplies last, and a kids’ ugly sweater contest. At the Lovejoy Wharf taproom on Sunday, Dec. 10, enjoy Holiday Drag Brunch from noon until 3 p.m. Back in Everett on Wednesday, Dec. 20, Tony’s Tulips is hosting a holiday floral arrangement class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All supplies will be included. Finally: Get ready for a Super Mario-themed New Year’s Eve. Let’s go!
Warn the children: Krampus is coming to Notch Brighton on Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 6 p.m. Costumes are highly encouraged for the Krampusnacht costume parade (Krampuslauf) and competition. There will be a Krampus-themed holiday card making station, and music and a liquid light show supplied by The Dregs. Notch is also collecting toys and gifts for donation. Families are welcome all day before 7 p.m. but then it’s 21-plus. Let’s go!
The annual Winter VIP Beer Dinner returns to Sam Adams HQ in Jamaica Plain on Thursday, Dec. 14. From 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy an elegant winter feast by No Joke Smoke in the intimate Bier Keller room, complete with exclusive holiday beer pairings. Tickets are required. Let’s go!
Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom
The State Street beer hall by Sam Adams is decked out and pumping the holiday jams for a holiday market pop-up on Wednesday, Dec. 13. With a special Oaked Vanilla Porter Hot Chocolate in hand, you can shop holiday goodies from Trident Booksellers, Sniffs of Adventure, Why Not Jewelry By Kirsty, and Bri's Sweet Treats. Plus: drag queens Sasha Stone and Pancake will perform around the keg tree. Let’s go!
Southeast
The Marina Bay Holiday Market is happening Sunday, Dec. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at Break Rock and other businesses along the boardwalk in Quincy. More than 20 vendors will be spread out at host businesses along the scenic walkway, with hot chocolate giveaways, drink specials and more. On New Year’s Eve, Break Rock invites Hott Smoke and Blacks Creek BBQ over for dinner, with live entertainment by Saltwater Sons. Let’s go!
Make something to deck the halls during Brushes & Brews: Winter Wonderland at Brockton Beer on Sunday, Dec. 10. Instructor Ariel Lyneese, owner of Artzy X Ari, will lead this beginner-friendly paint night. Let’s go!
Castle Island Norwood is basically Santa’s workshop this month. On Sunday, Dec. 10 head there for a holiday pottery workshop. Photos with Santa for humans and pups are on Saturday, Dec. 16, Elf-themed trivia is happening Tuesday, Dec. 19, and there’s a Grinchmas flower workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Check out the full calendar for individual event details and ticket links. Let’s go!
Plymouth’s Hometown Holiday Market is happening at Mayflower December 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days. Shop locally made items for the holiday season! On Thursday, Dec. 21, shop at a holiday farmers market from 2:30 until 5:30 p.m. Let’s go!
The Trillium Canton Winter Market presents more than 20 local vendors, live music and seasonal drink specials. Check it out Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let’s go!
Get in the spirit with a holiday cookie decorating workshop at Untold Scituate on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., with Blackbird Baking Co. Tickets include cookies, decor materials, and a beverage. On Saturday, Dec. 16, Totally Coral is in the house for a jewelry and art sale. On Sunday, Dec. 17, shop for lovers of locally made beef jerky at the Spicy Boy Jerky pop-up from 1 to 4 p.m. Let’s go!
From chunky blankets (Dec. 13) to charcuterie boards (Dec. 11), Vitamin Sea hosts a slew of workshops this holiday season. The Weymouth taproom also offers a holiday market on Sunday, Dec. 10 from noon to 4 p.m.; and is throwing an Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on December 21 with live music by Paul and Dela of Slightly Stoopid from 6 to 8 p.m. Let’s go!
Cape Cod & Islands
Free live music and local vendors are heading to Cape Cod Beer for a Very Merry Market December 9 and 10 from noon until 4 p.m. both days. Delicious bites from Poor Boy Fisheries are also on the menu. Find the full vendor list here. If you’re lucky enough to live down the Cape, celebrate at the Locals’ Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 16, with the Dirty Water Dance Band taking the stage from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring the dogs to Yappy Hour with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 17. From 1 to 3 p.m. pups can pose with the big guy for photos; and Zoeby’s Custom Creations will be onsite creating pet pawtraits for purchase beginning at noon. Let’s go!
The Christmas season continues weekly throughout December at Naukabout in Mashpee. Mondays are Holiday Movie Nights with BOGO pizza. Wednesdays are Holiday Movie Team Trivia Nights with $1 wings. Fridays mark the release of the 12 Beers of Xmas. Saturdays feature craft workshops with Santa, and Sundays see a Naukabout Beer Garden at the Cape Cod Christmas Market at Mashpee Commons. Find all the details here. Let’s go!
MetroWest
A lineup of local vendors is headed for Framingham’s Exhibit ‘A’ on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 7 p.m. Jollof Masters will be in the house with West African cuisine, and the brewery is pulling $5 cask pours of Grateful for the Grainshed, the newest 5% pub ale made in collaboration with farms and other local breweries. Let’s go!
Beginning with a visit from Santa and a tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 8 and running through December 17, the third annual Jack’s Abby German Christmas is a festive tradition. Local vendor markets set up each weekend while drink and food specials, live music and entertainment continues throughout the week. Find the full lineup of events and details here. Let’s go!
Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company
Shop locally in Marlborough on Sunday, Dec. 10, with Lost Shoe and Jake McGee Glass, Tiny Leather Co., The Crafted Cookie Company, Ruff House Barkery, Upcycle Records, Worcester Candle and more artisans from the area. A pop-up holiday market runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the taproom—so you can go from coffee to beer, as the beverage pros intend with their dual-purpose facility. Let’s go!
Central
Get the whole family in the holiday spirit at The Crafty Girls Holiday Party at Dirigible on Thursday, Dec. 21. The family-friendly event from 5 to 8 p.m. welcomes Santa for photo opps and offers ornament painting for all. A charcuterie table laden with snacks and a hot chocolate station keep spirits bright throughout the night. Let’s go!
In the spirit of the season, Oakholm Brewing Co. is collecting unopened items on behalf of Toys For Joy to support families in the communities of Brookfield and East Brookfield. With a calendar through the season of live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a visit from Santa to the Oakholm Farm Estate, visit on a weekend to find the collection box for donations. Let’s go!
Think you know a thing or two about festive films? Head to Holiday Movie Trivia at Redemption Rock on Friday, Dec. 22. Tap up to six friends per team to try and sleigh the competition about all kinds of seasonal movies. The quiz begins at 6:30 p.m., but you’ll want to get to the Worcester taproom early to register your team. Braised food truck is onsite from 4 to 9 p.m. serving up tacos, sandwiches and more. Let’s go!
Head into the new year with winning energy and play holiday trivia at Sterling Street. The Clinton brewery hosts the annual event—which touches on topics like holiday movies, music, sweet treats and more—on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. Let’s go!
Western Mass. & the Berkshires
The Brewery at Four Star Farms
The annual holiday market at the Brewery at Four Star Farms is happening again on Saturday, Dec. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. The cozy taproom in Northfield is all aglow with displays of locally made artwork, jewelry and more. There will also be a wrapping station so you put a bow on your gifting to-do list. Let’s go!
The Grinch is gracing us with his presence on Sunday, Dec. 10, for lunch and libations at White Lion Brewing Co. in Springfield. Kids can decorate cookies with the softened green guy and enjoy a family-friendly buffet. Photos, of course, are a must—but we can’t promise a grin from the Grinch. Let’s go!