The holidays are a time of hibernation for many of us on the Eastern Shore, a much-needed respite after a long summer of beachgoing and a fall full of back-to-school/back-to-the-daily-grind happenings. By the time December approaches, it feels like it’s finally the right time to just sit back and unwind with family, preferably around a roaring fire and a decked-out Christmas tree, and reflect on the year that’s almost behind us — our accomplishments, our shortcomings, our wins and our losses, the state of the world, the state of our lives in 2018. Is that too heavy for a blog about beer? It’s mostly a happy time of year, albeit a nostalgic one, and like I’m sure I’ve said before about basically every time of year, it’s best celebrated with craft beer.
(Editor’s note: If your year was absolutely terrible, then I highly recommend using said beer to celebrate a better and brighter 2019 and not lament what’s now in the past. My resolution is to think more positively, and I think you should, too!)
To assist with ending 2018 on a high note, here’s a list of some of the fun, festive, and celebratory beer-oriented events at our favorite Shore breweries this month. Also, try these seasonal brews while you’re in the holiday spirit: Brick Works Brewing & Eats is releasing an extremely delicious-sounding Sugar Plum sour ale on Dec. 20, and Backshore’s Shoot the Glass is a German lager/Christmas tribute to Die Hard. Cheers!
12/8 – Breakfast with Santa @ Crooked Hammock
Santa’s coming to Lewes, and he’s stopping at Crooked Hammock to bring Christmas cheer to kids and adults alike. The traditional breakfast buffet is $14.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids. Bring an unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots and receive a $10 gift certificate.
Breakfast With Santa
And don’t forget about Crooked Hammock’s annual New Year’s Eve Party: It’s truly one of the best in town. Tickets include an open bar, live music, heavy appetizers, party favors, a keg drop celebration, a Glitter Beer release, and a champagne toast at midnight.
12/10 – Shop & Hop Holiday Market @ Evo
If you love Christmas shopping, you’ll probably love the Shop & Hop Holiday Market. If you hate Christmas shopping, you might also enjoy the Holiday Market, because there’s also beer involved. Drink $2 seasonal and mainline beers, eat half-price chicken wings, shop local artisans, and make a donation to Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation to have all your newly-purchased gifts wrapped on site. It’s a one-stop holiday Shop & Hop.
Shop & Hop Holiday Market
12/15 – A Classy Cocktail Party @ Big Oyster
The Big Oyster Ball is a very classy cocktail party that includes live music, specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a buffet. Again, it’s very classy, so be sure to dress up in your swankiest holiday attire.
The Big Oyster Ball
12/21 – Ugly Sweater Party @ 3rd Wave
Don the ugliest holiday sweater you can find, and join 3rd Wave at their annual Ugly Sweater Party. Prizes will be awarded, and one sweater-wearer will take home the title of “Ugliest Christmas Get-Up.” Bring an unwrapped toy donation for the Toys for Tots collection or a non-perishable food item for donation to Harvest Ministries.
12/28 – Winter Warmer @ Fager’s Island
It’s not a brewery event, but there will be lots of local, seasonal craft beer on the island. In addition to all the craft beer pouring from 11 brewers, Winter Warmer also includes all-you-can-eat barbecue chicken and ribs, oysters, and live music from the Josh Christina band.
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If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve parties in Ocean City, look here!
