A Festive Journey Through Harrisonburg’s Craft Beverage Wonderland

‘Tis the season to savor the festive spirit in downtown Harrisonburg’s craft beverage scene. Picture yourself sipping on a flight surrounded by the twinkling lights of Restless Moons’ Holiday Beer Garden, enjoying a festive cocktail in front of Pale Fire’s indoor fireplace, watching classic Christmas movies at Brothers’ Yuletide Celebration, creating handmade, evergreen decor at Sage Bird’s Holiday Swag Workshop, or relishing the aromas of fresh, seasonal brews at the Friendly Fermenter and Three Notch’d.

Downtown Harrisonburg warmly invites you to clink glasses, share laughter, and craft unforgettable memories in our vibrant community this holiday season. Gather friends and family for a journey through five local breweries and one cidery, each with its unique character, flavors, and commitment to community. Immerse yourself in the inviting atmospheres, savoring a diverse range of craft beverages from rich stouts to crisp ciders. With every sip, experience the enchanting magic of the holidays, enhanced by the cozy charm of our local taprooms. Here’s to celebrating the holidays in our charming city, where the spirit of the season comes to life with every delightful sip.

Brothers Craft Brewing Co.

As a family-owned brewery dating back to 2012, Brothers Craft Brewing has become a hallmark of quality craft beer in Harrisonburg. Join the Brothers family this holiday season to celebrate with the festive flavors of their seasonal brews, including the Gingerbread Yuletide BBA Russian Imperial Stout, Peppermint Bark Yuletide BBA Russian Imperial Stout, and Eggnog Stout Holiday Spiced Stout. These limited-edition offerings showcase the brewery’s commitment to creativity and seasonal craftsmanship. Join them in savoring the magic of the holidays, where every beer is a testament to their dedication to brewing excellence.

8th Annual Brothers’ Giving Tree | November 24 – December 17
Help make Brothers’ Christmas wishes come true this year! Stop in to grab an ornament and purchase a gift or two to bring residents of Mercy House some Christmas cheer. Brothers will also be accepting monetary donations in their taproom or donate to Mercy House online at https://www.themercyhouse.org/donate/.

Brothers’ Yuletide Celebration | December 2
Celebrate the release of Brothers’ double bourbon barrel-aged stout, Yuletide, with Gingerbread and Peppermint Bark variations. Enjoy live music by the Georgia Saunders Trio, Christmas cookie decorating, a hot chocolate station, Christmas music and movies playing all day, and food from Martin Burgers Galore.

The Friendly Fermenter

Holidays have a magical way of embracing people in a warm sense of nostalgia. Stop by Harrisonburg’s only Nanobrewery this season to reminisce on cherished memories and joyous celebrations with a pint of “beer like Momma used to make.. if your mom made beer that is..” Tucked away at the corner of East Market & Mason Streets, this hidden gem offers a full tap list of rotating, seasonal brews and classic bar bites, creating the perfect setting for holiday gatherings with friends and family. As part of their festive offerings don’t miss the return of Kissing Santa, their Christmas, Oatmeal Cookie Stout. And to add a touch of warmth to the season, The Friendly Fermenter is hosting a special raffle with all proceeds benefiting Mercy House. This heartwarming initiative includes the chance to win a 5′ tall Teddy Bear! Tickets for the raffle be on sale through Sunday, 12/17.

Pale Fire Brewing Co.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Pale Fire Brewing Co. in the historic Ice House, where festive libations and a cozy ambiance await. Warm up by the fireplace with exceptional brews like Jack Brown’s Like A Mug, an American Pale Ale with notes of pine and citrus or Rollin’ Wave, a festive gose with sea salt, coriander, and hibiscus hints. Don’t miss out on their holiday cocktail special—hot buttered beer, available for limited time only starting December 2. Let Pale Fire set the stage for your holiday celebrations with its warm atmosphere and delightful seasonal offerings.

Handmade Harrisonburg | December 2
A market dedicated to showcasing the talents of local artists, creatives, and makers. Support local artisans this holiday season by purchasing unique, handcrafted gifts for your friends and family.

Townie New Years Eve | December 31
Ring in the New Year at Pale Fire for an exclusive townie celebration hosted by Machine State Band.

Restless Moons Brewing Co.

Join their brewing family and toast to the holidays at Restless Moons, where every sip is a celebration. Step into an enchanting Holiday Beer Garden, aglow with twinkling lights and festive decor, providing the perfect backdrop to savor the season’s brews. Explore their diverse tap list featuring seasonal delights like Sweater Weather, Call Me Papaw, Strange Magic, and Shifting Tides. Don’t miss the chance to grab an exclusive Advent Calendar Case, offering a daily surprise of their finest brews. Cheers to a season of joy, discovery, and delightful beers!

Christmas Party | December 23
Gather at Restless Moons for a community holiday celebration with festive brews, live music, and fun games.

Three Notch’d Valley Collab House & Brewery           

This holiday season, Three Notch’d in Harrisonburg is brewing weekly delights with a new locally tapped beer. With comfy couches, games, and a pool table, it’s the perfect spot for festive gatherings. The spacious venue can host up to 100 people, making it ideal for holiday celebrations with friends, family, or colleagues. Plus, every Sunday, you can include your furry friends in on the festivities at Pups & Pints. Three Notch’d is the go-to destination for a cozy and joyous holiday experience.

Sage Bird Ciderworks

Harrisonburg’s only cidery is abuzz with festive cheer this season. Taste the holiday magic with a glass of their Cranberry Orange Spice, a festive variation of Rocktown Light with a fruity twist, boasting a modest 4% ABV for easy enjoyment during holiday festivities. The blend of orange, spice, and cranberry creates a perfectly balanced, refreshing holiday drink. Pick up unique stocking stuffers in their taproom, including the Stocking Stuffer Cider, local art postcards, the Lineage Stocking Stuffer candle and room sprays collaboration, and more, while supplies last. Embrace the season with the distinct flavors and festive offerings at Sage Bird Ciderworks.

Winter Wonderfest @ Sage Bird | December 2
During Winter Wonderfest, Sage Bird becomes a part of Whoville. Stop in for a Grinch scavenger hunt, photobooth, pop-up vendors, adult & kid crafts, and festive drinks.

Holiday Swag Workshop | December 8
Create an evergreen accent for your holiday decor with One Last Avocado Floral Design and Sage Bird Ciderworks making Evergreen Swags. They’ll have a wide variety of greenery and holiday ribbons and accessories for your perfect holiday swag!

NYE at Sage Bird | December 31
Spend New Year’s Eve at Sage Bird with karaoke, a photobooth, board games, Outskirts Food Truck, and a midnight counter and toast to the New Year.