Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Christmas Ale First Pour 2024

As fall’s golden leaves start to flutter and crisp air fills Cleveland’s streets, it can only mean one thing—Christmas Ale season is back! Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s annual Christmas Ale First Pour® has become a cornerstone of the city’s holiday spirit, signaling the unofficial yet eagerly awaited start of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply revel in holiday cheer, this cherished event draws everyone in for a shared moment of festive joy, raising glasses high to toast another memorable year.

Now’s the time to mark your calendar—Thursday, October 17, 2024, will be your day to indulge in this Cleveland holiday classic. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 First Pour event, from exclusive brewpub experiences to cozying up with your favorite beer at home.

A Holiday Tradition That Never Gets Old

For over three decades, Christmas Ale has been spreading warmth and cheer, eagerly anticipated as the leaves fall and the holiday buzz begins. With its rich blend of honey, cinnamon, and ginger, every sip captures the essence of the season. From that first frothy pour to the very last drop, it’s a brew that wraps you in holiday magic.

The Christmas Ale First Pour® kicks off at 11AM, when the doors of Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s brewpub open wide to welcome thirsty revelers. But the real spectacle? At 11:30AM sharp, the first keg of Christmas Ale for 2024 will be tapped following a heartfelt toast to ring in the season. Picture it: festive carolers setting the scene, mugs raised high, and that first sip of fresh Christmas Ale warming your spirit. It’s not just beer—it’s tradition in every pour.

First Pour 2024: What You Can’t Miss

This year’s First Pour promises more than just your favorite seasonal brew. It’s a full-day celebration packed with fun, food, and festivities. Great Lakes Brewing Co. has pulled out all the stops for a holiday event that’s bound to make your season bright:

Christmas Carolers, Hot Cocoa, and Treats: Get into the festive mood with live caroling and some sweet seasonal delights before the keg is even tapped.
Ceremonial Keg Delivery at 11AM: Don’t miss this exciting tradition as the keg is paraded into the brewpub, setting the stage for the first official pour.
First Pour at 11:30AM: Be part of the magic as the first pint of this year’s batch of Christmas Ale is served. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for!
All-Day Food Specials & Brewnuts: Indulge in delicious holiday-inspired food, and if you’re lucky, snag a Brewnut in the Beer Garden, starting at 11:30AM (while supplies last).
Barrel Aged Christmas Ale: For those craving something extra special, pick up limited-edition Barrel Aged Christmas Ale in 16 oz. cans at the brewpub. These make for an ideal holiday gift—or a personal treat!
Photo Opportunities: Capture festive moments throughout the brewpub with fun photo ops to mark the occasion.

Entertainment All Day Long

The celebration doesn’t end with just great beer. This year’s event will feature live entertainment to keep the festive vibes flowing. DJ Sayword will spin tunes from 11AM to 2PM, followed by DJ Red-I keeping the energy high from 2:15PM to 5:15PM.

And for all the sports fans out there, the Cleveland Guardians game will be broadcast live at 5:08PM with sound across the brewpub and patio screens. Imagine sipping on a fresh Christmas Ale while watching the game—it’s the perfect way to cap off your day.

Giving Back: Spreading Holiday Cheer

In the spirit of giving, Great Lakes Brewing Co. is teaming up with Scott’s Haul for a toy drive benefitting Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. From October 17 to October 20, bring a new, unwrapped toy to the brewpub and help brighten the holiday season for children in need. It’s a wonderful way to give back while soaking in the holiday magic.

First Pour at Home: Bring the Celebration to You

Can’t make it to Cleveland? No problem! You can still celebrate in style with a First Pour At Home Package. These pre-ordered kits bring the joy of Christmas Ale right to your doorstep, perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family. Visit greatlakesbrewing.com/first-pour-at-home-2024 for more details and to place your order before they run out.

When and Where to Get Your Christmas Ale

Christmas Ale fans know it’s important to plan ahead. After the First Pour, here’s when and where you can grab your own batch of the seasonal favorite:

October 17: Draft-only release at the brewpub. Growler and crowler fills won’t be available on this day, so come thirsty!
October 18: Cans, bottles, and kegs of Christmas Ale will hit the GLBC gift shop. No reservations or holds—first come, first served!
October 21: Christmas Ale will start rolling out to all Great Lakes Brewing Co. markets. Keep an eye out!

And if you’re a fan of limited-edition brews, make sure to pick up Barrel Aged Christmas Ale starting October 18. Available in the gift shop and for wider distribution starting October 21, this fan-favorite makes the holiday season even brighter.

For something a bit sweeter, try the Cookie Exchange Milk Stout in its new flavor: Peanut Butter Blossom! Available in 6-packs or as part of the Holiday Pack, which includes both Cookie Exchange Milk Stout and Christmas Ale—perfect for festive gatherings.

A VIP Holiday Experience Awaits

Looking to take your First Pour celebration to the next level? Enter the Christmas Ale First Pour VIP Experience contest for a chance to win an unforgettable day. The lucky winner will enjoy a private brewery tour, a delicious lunch for two, a “sleigh” full of GLBC holiday goodies, and VIP access to the first pour. All you have to do is tell Great Lakes Brewing Co. who you’d bring to the First Pour and why. Visit their website for details and entry information.

Cheers to Another Season of Great Beer

Since 1988, Great Lakes Brewing Co. has been crafting beers that bring people together. From their flagship Dortmunder Gold Lager to holiday favorites like Christmas Ale, every brew reflects their commitment to quality, community, and sustainability. And with over 30 years of experience in the craft brewing scene, they continue to inspire new traditions while honoring the old.

Whether you’re raising your glass at the brewpub or enjoying Christmas Ale at home, the 2024 Christmas Ale First Pour® is about more than just beer. It’s a celebration of holiday traditions, community spirit, and the joy that comes from sharing something special.

So, gather your loved ones, grab a pint, and embrace the holiday magic with every sip. Merry Christmas Ale, Cleveland!