Great Lakes Brewing Co. Reveals Its Festive 2026 Holiday Beer Lineup
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Editorial Dept.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. is preparing for the 2026 holiday season with a seasonal lineup that blends longtime traditions with new offerings. Anchored by its iconic Christmas Ale, the Cleveland brewery is bringing a festive mix of beers and experiences – designed for holiday gatherings and winter celebrations. With releases rolling out in the weeks ahead, the brewery is setting the stage for another season of holiday traditions and limited-time pours.
The Great Lakes Brewing Co. 2026 Holiday Beer Lineup includes the bestselling Christmas Ale, along with new Holiday Party Pack and Snowscape Winter Lager, plus returning Barrel Aged Christmas Ale and Barrel Aged Blackout Stout, and new Barrel Aged Caramel Pecan Blackout Stout.
The Holiday Classic Returns
Great Lakes’ iconic Christmas Ale returns for another season of holiday traditions, delivering the classic ginger, cinnamon, and honey flavor profile that’s delighted beer drinkers for more than 30 years. GLBC gifts Christmas Ale to all markets in draft, bottles, cans, and in the new Holiday Party Pack beginning October 19, following its Christmas Ale First Pour event on October 15 at the Ohio City brewpub. Christmas Ale remains a top seller in GLBC’s portfolio, even with a short seasonal window. In 2025 Christmas Ale was the #1 Winter Seasonal in Midwest Food, and the #3 Winter Seasonal in Total US Food, despite its regional distribution (Nielsen).
Holiday Party Pack Debuts
Following the success of GLBC’s 2026 Party Pack series, the Holiday Party Pack joins the seasonal lineup with a mix of four festive brews in a holiday party-themed package, perfect for celebratory sharing:
- Christmas Ale: the holiday classic, brewed with ginger, cinnamon, and honey; 7.5% ABV
- Cran Orange Wheat: a wheat ale brewed with a medley of cranberry and orange; 5.5% ABV (also available in 6-packs).
- Cookie Exchange Milk Stout: a rotating Milk Stout now exclusive to the Holiday Party Pack, this year with a Snickerdoodle-inspired flavor; 5.5% ABV
- Snowscape Winter Lager: a NEW richly layered yet balanced Winter Lager; 6.0% ABV
The Holiday Party Pack includes three (3) cans of each, and releases beginning October 19.
Snowscape Winter Lager Nestles Into the Lineup
In addition to its inclusion in the Holiday Party Pack, Snowscape Winter Lager releases in draft, can 12-packs, and bottle 6-packs. The slightly dark 6.0% ABV lager brings smooth and layered flavors and a cozy lodge-inspired package to GLBC’s winter lineup, carrying on the brewery’s lager legacy and seasonal strength. In 2025 the Great Lakes Winter Seasonal Offerings grew dollar share by 9.6%, and held three of the top 10 spots in both Total US and Midwest Food (Nielsen).
GLBC’s Barrel Aging Program Gifts Favorites, Fresh Flavor
GLBC’s barrel aging program sees the return of two fan favorites and a newcomer. Barrel Aged Christmas Ale arrives alongside Christmas Ale for a limited time in 16 oz. can 4-packs beginning October 19. Barrel Aged Blackout Stout, the brewery’s cult classic Imperial Stout, hits the market for a limited time in November. The rich, 12.5% ABV Stout releases in 16 oz. can 4-packs, and with it comes a new flavored variant: Barrel Aged Caramel Pecan Blackout Stout. This 11.4% ABV take on the original adds rich caramel depth and toasted pecan character to its beloved base brew. Both release beginning November 16 so customers can taste them side-by-side and gift them for the holidays.
Christmas Ale First Pour at the Great Lakes Brewpub
Great Lakes Brewing Co. hosts its popular Christmas Ale First Pour® party Thursday, October 15. The brewery’s annual flagship event includes the first taste of Christmas Ale before its wider market release, holiday music and food specials all day long, a winter clothing drive, limited edition merch collaborations with Ohio’s Homage and Emily Roggenburk, and more. The brewery’s annual First Pour VIP Contest gives one lucky fan the chance to win a private brewery tour, swag, and exclusive access at the event. Additional prizes will be awarded throughout the season. Contest info, recipes, details on regional Christmas Ale events, and more at: greatlakesbrewing.com/merrychristmasale
About Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. GLBC is independent and employee-owned and serves 20 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, Eliot Ness® Amber Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com.
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