Craft Christmas beers represent one of the most original expressions of Italian brewing—beers capable of reinterpreting the flavors of the holiday season and pairing perfectly with traditional festive desserts. Often characterized by a high alcohol content, intense aromas, and sophisticated recipes, these brews spark interest due to their great variety and the diverse culinary pairing possibilities they offer.
Celebrating these creations is “Christmas Beers 2026,” the sixth edition of a national competition organized by Unionbirrai—the trade association for small, independent Italian craft breweries—which has now opened entries to identify the best Christmas beers in the country.
Producers may submit their entries until December 1st, and the awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 12th, at 4:30 PM in Piazza Walther, Bolzano, right in the heart of the city’s Christmas market.
“Christmas beers are an example of how the craft brewing world can interpret a holiday through original products—beers that stand out for their ingredients, aromas, and complexity”, says Simone Monetti, General Secretary of Unionbirrai. “These are not merely beers to be consumed during the holidays; rather, they are creations specifically designed for this time of year—beers that can enrich the Christmas table and offer compelling pairings with various dishes, especially traditional holiday desserts. It is a great opportunity to showcase the variety and quality of Italian craft beer to the public”.
The competition, which is part of the broader ‘Birra dell’Anno’ (Beer of the Year) framework, features two separate categories this year:
- one dedicated to the best Christmas beers;
- one to the best pairing for the South Tyrolean buckwheat cake, also known as Schwarzplententorte.
The entries will be evaluated by a jury of Italian and international expert tasters through blind tastings, ensuring the anonymity of both the products and the breweries. The top three finishers in each category will receive awards.
To be eligible, beers must be produced in Italy by small, independent breweries; they must be unpasteurized, unfiltered (not microfiltered), and commercially available. The competition rules require an alcohol content above 6.5%, a bitterness level not exceeding 70 IBU, and a clear reference to Christmas or winter in the beer’s name or on its label.
Accepted styles range from Strong Ales to Belgian-inspired beers, including spiced brews, wood-aged varieties, and beers crafted with ingredients such as fruit, honey, chestnuts, coffee, or cacao.
“The relationship between beer and gastronomy is an area that deserves continued exploration”, adds Monetti. “Pairing beer with South Tyrolean buckwheat cake is a concrete example of how craft beer can engage with local specialties, enhancing distinct aromas and characteristics. It’s about experimenting with new flavor balances and moving beyond the notion that beer is only suitable for specific, limited occasions. Hosting the awards ceremony at the Bolzano Christmas Market provides the perfect setting to showcase this intersection of brewing creativity and culinary tradition”.
Entries must be submitted by December 1, 2026, and samples may be delivered between November 23 and December 3 to Batzen Bräu in Bolzano.
The complete rules and participation details are available on the competition’s official website: birradellannounionbirrai.it/christmas-beers.
