Christmas Beer Festival
Discover the most extensive collection of Belgian Christmas and winter beers at this renowned festival. Sample around 200 exclusive brews from small and remote breweries, including 20 on tap, plus hot Gluhkriek. This international top event attracts beer enthusiasts from across the globe.
What to Expect
Extensive selection of Belgian Christmas and winter beers
Event Details
Duration
Festival hours vary by day; Saturday entrance available from 6 PM.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
O.B.E.R. (Objective Beer tasters Essen Region)
Food & Drink
Hot served Gluhkriek available, along with approximately 200 different beers.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Beer enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, international, beer-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: There is a large car park in front of the venue and an extra car park behind the venue.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Purchase your tickets online in advance starting September 1, 2026, at 10 AM, as they sell out quickly. Only a limited number of tickets will be available at the entrance on Saturday evening.
- Consider taking the train to Essen station and utilizing the shuttle bus service to the Heuvelhal to avoid parking hassles.
- Arrive early on Saturday if you plan to buy tickets at the door, as the venue has a maximum attendance limit of 900 people.
- Familiarize yourself with the extensive beer list available online before your visit to plan which of the 200+ brews you want to sample.
- Dress in layers, as the venue can get warm with the crowd and the variety of beverages being enjoyed.
Special Events & Promotions
- Exclusive online pre-sale starting September 1, 2026, at 10 AM.
- Limited tickets available at the entrance on Saturday evening from 6 PM.
- O.B.E.R. members can reserve tickets from August 15.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a ticket?
Tickets are €30 in advance online, with a €2 processing fee. Tickets may be available at the entrance on Saturday from 6 PM for €30, but availability is not guaranteed.
How many beers can I expect to taste?
The festival features approximately 200 different Belgian Christmas and winter beers, including 20 on draught, plus hot Gluhkriek.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Yes, there is a large car park in front of the Heuvelhal and an additional car park behind the venue.
Can I buy tickets for both days?
No, tickets are valid for the specific day they are ordered. There are no weekend tickets available.
What are the opening hours?
The festival runs on December 12 and 13, 2026. On Saturday, entrance is available from 6 PM until the festival closes at 11 PM. Sunday hours are not explicitly stated but are implied to be during the day.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.