CLEVELAND — Days before Halloween, it's already beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Great Lakes Brewing Company kicked off the Christmas Ale season with its yearly first pour party Thursday.
Fans of the popular Christmas-inspired beer flocked to the brewery's Ohio City flagship location to celebrate.
Christmas carolers, Santa and more live entertainment were on site as beer lovers got their first taste of Christmas Ale for the 2019 holiday season. The brewery's beer garden served beer-infused donuts from Brewnuts, Christmas yule logs were for sale and Santa was ready to take selfies. Inside, the Great Lakes brewpub served Christmas-themed food specials.
Thursday's celebration was a draft-only release, meaning Christmas Ale is only available at the Great Lakes Brewing Company location Thursday. The first bottles and kegs will be available exclusively at the brewery's gift shop Friday, before bottles and kegs are sent for distribution to bars and stores Oct. 28.
Bars in other cities are also hosting their own first pour parties starting Sunday. Click here to find one near you.