For many beer lovers in the region – and many outside of it, to be honest – the holiday season officially kicks off with the first sip of Great Lakes Brewing’s iconic Christmas Ale. And that first sip, for diehard fans, typically occurs at the annual Christmas Ale First Pour celebration, held at the Ohio City brewpub (2516 Market Ave.).

This year’s festivities will take place on Thursday, October 21, a day filled with pageantry, tradition and camaraderie.

The events kick off at 10:30 a.m. with the Cleveland Carolers, followed, in turn, by the ceremonial keg delivery (11 a.m.) and first pour (11:30 a.m.). There will be Christmas Ale-themed food specials all day long. Also on tap, so to speak, is a visit from Krampus and fresh donuts dished up by Brewnuts.

As usual, expect large, enthusiastic crowds. This year, also be prepared to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test administered within 72 hours.

This article appears in Sep 22 – Oct 5, 2021.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.