With so many holiday markets, Christmas-wreath workshops and yuletide-themed events happening at beery establishments this month, you’re a Grinch if you can’t get in the holiday spirit. Search out those types of gatherings on our events page, as well as the following featured festivities.
November 30 & December 1 | Strong Ale Fest: OK, this two-day event officially kicks-off in November, but we’ll make an exception when an annual beer fest has 22 years of epic beers to its name. Gather ye ‘round the belly bars behind ye olde Pizza Port Bottle Shop and steel thyself for merriment fueled by beers bold, delicious and head-wreckingly alcoholic! | Pizza Port, 571 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, Times Vary
December 1 | Anniversary Celebration: In celebrating two years in business, Eppig Brewing is tapping fresh beer in the form of its 2nd Anniversary IPA, Vienna Lager and Special Lager, as well as cellared treats, including Moment of Weakness Dark American Sour, Tootie Frootie Sour Ale, Natural Bridge Baltic Porter and Count Maltula Milk Stout. | Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten, 2817 Dickens Street, Point Loma, 2 p.m.
December 1 & 2 | Admiral Maltings Showcase: No, Admiral Maltings is not the nautical cousin of lift-legged Captain Morgan. It’s a boutique, artisanal malting operation in NorCal that has provided its grainy wares to tons of great breweries, including numerous San Diego ops. Over two days, Hamilton’s Tavern will tap 22 beers from 19 California breweries that use their top-shelf product. | Hamilton’s Tavern, 1521 30th Street, South Park, 1 p.m.
December 5 | Beer to the Rescue Closing Ceremony: In 2018, Lupus Foundation of Southern California charity campaign, Beer to the Rescue, held more than 40 fundraisers at local breweries and bars. Join their all-volunteer staff, including myself, as they toast a successful year with “Holiday Armadillo” a holiday-inspired IPA brewed with their longtime supporters from Stone Brewing. | Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma, 5 p.m.
December 8 | Homebrew Competition: North Park recreational beermaking standout The Homebrewer holds regular in-store competitions where staffers serve as judges to provide valuable feedback as they blind taste their way through specific style categories. This time around, it’ll be winter-appropriate styles of porter and stout. Take part and, perhaps, top honors. | The Homebrewer, 2911 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 2, North Park
December 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebrations: It’s important to plan early when it comes to ringing in the New Year in style. For those looking for a good time founded in local craft beer, AleSmith Brewing will host a “Hop Drop,” while Stone Brewing will have “Craft Beer New Year” soirees at both of its bistro locations in Escondido and Liberty Station. | Various Locations & Times