Beer may not be the first thing you think of when you think of Christmas, and with many pubs across the country keeping their doors closed for the foreseeable future, 2020 is lacking in festive beer cheer. But here to change that is a round-up of the top Christmas-themed beers cooked up by breweries across the UK, providing some much needed holiday hops.

Farmers Belgian Blue

First up is a Christmas staple in the north. Bradfield Brewery’s Farmers Belgian Blue is a popular seasonal brew that can usually be seen in pubs across South Yorkshire for the months leading up to Christmas. With a winter berry overtone and a distinct dark purple hue, this pale ale will have you merry and warm on cold winter nights.

Naughty & Nice Chocolate stout

No matter whether your name appears on Santa’s naughty list or not, this Naughty & Nice rich chocolate stout by Vocation will be keeping you sweet (and quite tipsy with a ABV of 7.4%) this Christmas.

Northern Monk Festive Faith Pale Ale

Leeds brewing company Northern Monk has brought out a twist on the classic Christmas pint with its Festive Faith Australian Pale Ale. Made with four different hops, the brewer suggests drinking this festive tipple over a hot Australian Christmas barbie (good luck there).

Beavertown Spiced Orange Neckoil IPA

Beavertown has made a name for itself with its light and refreshing Neckoil IPA, and this year for Christmas it is bringing out not one but two festive twists on this classic beverage with a choice of either Cranberry or Spiced Orange Neckoil session IPA.

BrewDog Hoppy Christmas

Scotland’s largest independent brewery Brewdog are back again this year with its seasonal brew Hoppy Christmas. A tangy citrus pale with a malted bitter finish, this canned classic is bold but smooth at 6% abv.

Tiny Revel Stay Puft Ham and Marshmellow Porter

Welsh Microbrewery Tiny Rebel has also played its hand at coming up with a Christmas cracker – its Stay Puft: Imperial Honey Glazed Ham Marshmallow Porter. If you’re not put off by the name, brace yourself for the taste, as this rich and meaty dark beer is flavoured with honey-glazed ham and smokey bacon, along with sweet marshmallows.

Newcastle Brewing Co. Figgy Pud Porter

Newcastle Brewing Co. has taken inspiration from a ye olde English dish with this Figgy Pud Porter made with sun-dried figs and a dash of fig brandy, so keep away from any naked flames.

Backyard Brewhouse Bad Santa

Not to be mistaken for the 2003 comedy starring Billy Bob Thornton, Backyard Brewhouse’s Bad Santa is one of a whole range of festive beers it has on offer. Brewed in the West Midlands, Bad Santa is a full bodied tawny cask bitter.

Rudgate Brewery Evil Elf

Rudgate Brewery in York has been offering up award winning beers for the past 28 years, and this year is no different. Their Evil Elf pale provides a biscuity flavour with hints of tropical fruits.

Tor Brewery Advent

Advent is a ruby red ale cooked up by Black Tor Brewery down in Exeter. Its festive fruity finish comes from having been fortified in special reserve Port, and it is triple-hopped for a rich and complex flavour combination.

Weird Beard Brew Co Black Christmas Stout

Weird Beard Brew Co.’s Black Christmas Cranberry Stout harbours a subtle roasted flavour which balances nicely with the tartness of the cranberry. Undertones of coconut and vanilla from the Sorachi Ace hops add complexity to taste.

Brew York Fairytale of Brew York

Heading up to York with this last one for a rendition of a Christmas favourite, Fairytale of Brew York is a sweet and malty Peanut, Pecan, Maple and Vanilla Milk Stout. Along with being a mouthful to pronounce, it is certainly packed with flavours cooked up by makers at Brew York.