Christmas Beer Festival
Visitors can sample an extensive selection of around 200 Belgian Christmas and winter beers, including drafts and hot-served Gluhkriek, poured into dedicated 15 cl tasting glasses. The hall features cheese and salami platters from 't Kaasmeske alongside outdoor food trucks. Guests can also visit the festival beer shop to purchase full bottles to share or take home.
What to Expect
Taste approximately 200 Belgian Christmas and winter beers.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
O.B.E.R. (Objective Beer tasters Essen Region)
Food & Drink
The festival offers cheese and salami dishes in the hall, outdoor food trucks, around 200 beers including hot-served Glühkriek, plus coffee, tea, water and soft drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Christmas beer enthusiasts and adult groups
Vibe
Festive, social, beer-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
€€
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: €30.00 + processing costs online; €30.00 at the entrance. – Get tickets
- Hours: Saturday evening: from 6 PM, entrance can be paid at the box office.
- Parking: There is a large car park in front of the venue and an extra car park behind the venue.
Tips & Advice
- Order presale tickets online as soon as you can, because they sell out quickly and each ticket is only valid for the day you chose.
- If you missed presale, come on Saturday evening, the only time tickets are sold at the door, while the hall stays under its 900-person limit.
- Take the train to Essen and ride the festival shuttle coach, which runs between the station and the Heuvelhal timed to the train arrivals and departures.
- Bring your membership card if you belong to O.B.E.R., CAMRA, PINT, Zythos or another EBCU group, because it gets you a free token.
- Check the train home on Saturday, since the last trains to Antwerp and Roosendaal leave before the festival closes its doors.
Special Events & Promotions
- Saturday evening is the only time tickets are sold at the door.
- One free token for the weekend for members of O.B.E.R., Zythos, PINT, CAMRA or other EBCU beer consumer groups who show their membership card.
- A festival T-shirt and keychain are on sale.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do tokens work at the festival?
Your ticket includes 6 tokens, a token for a bottle of water, the festival tasting glass and a festival guide. Most beers cost 1 token per glass, and a few rare ones cost 2 or more. You can buy extra tokens at the box office with cash or card.
Does one ticket cover both days?
No. Each ticket is valid only for the day you ordered, and there are no weekend tickets. You can order up to 4 tickets.
Is there food?
Yes. In the hall you can order cheese and salami platters from 't Kaasmeske of Wouw, and food trucks park outside. Coffee, tea, water, sparkling water and soft drinks are also available.
Can I buy a full bottle to share or take home?
Yes, at the festival beer shop. A small bottle costs 2 tokens, a 75cl bottle 5 and a magnum 10. Ask at the beer shop if you would rather pay by cash or card.
How do I get there by train?
Take the train to Essen station from Antwerp Central or Roosendaal. A festival shuttle coach runs between the station and the Heuvelhal, timed to meet the trains, or you can walk about 1,850 metres through the town centre.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.