Essen Christmas Beer Festival

WHERE: Essen, Belgium
WHEN: 17 and 18 December 2022

In Belgium, the tradition of beer is very much felt. The Essen Christmas Beer Festival officially OBER Kerstbierfest, is the traditional Christmas appointment linked to the famous drink. It takes place every year in the small village of Essen, not far from Antwerp and the border with the Netherlands. The event, as indicated by the official name, is organized by OBER (Objectieve Bierproevers Essense Regio).

For many, it is a veritable open-air beer museum. An incredible festival where you can enjoy one of the 178 labels in glasses by 15cl. You drink and, of course, you eat a lot. Among the various stands you can taste sausages, cheeses, beef steaks and soups.

All this, at the height of Christmas, while everywhere you go around the various markets. A jump in the small Belgian town, can be an alternative way, to a visit to Bruges, Antwerp or Brussels, favorite destinations during the Advent period.

In the latest edition, over 3000 thirsty visitors came from all over the world. This year, the number is expected to increase exponentially.

PRACTICAL INFO

HOW TO GET

Recommended especially if you were in Antwerp during this period, Bruges o Brussels; an alternative way to the classic Christmas markets. From Antwerp Station Antwerpen-Centraal, you reach Essen in just over 30 minutes by train; alternatively, in just over an hour by car or train from Brussels.

Brussels-National, it is the base for those wishing to visit the Essen Christmas Beer Festival directly. The international airport is about 80 km from the town. Anyone wishing to use the means, can arrive by train, in Intercity, making a stopover in Antwerp.

From Essen train station, a shuttle bus takes you to Heuvelhal. The ticket costs €2 per person.

ESSEN CHRISTMAS BEER FESTIVAL 2022 TIMETABLES AND PRICES

The Festival takes place in the Heuvelhal area, within the town. To drink and eat, you pay in tokens. Each token costs €2.50 and can be purchased at the cashier. The FULL PACKAGE, on the other hand, costs €25.00 and offers 6 tokens, a bottle of water, a festival guide and a commemorative glass. Online, on the official website, the first 900 presale tickets have literally been snapped up.

Most beers cost 1 token, with the exception of exclusive beers which can cost up to 3 tokens. A serving of sausage and cheese costs 2 tokens; beef stew with Christmas beer costs 3 tokens. Only the PUB upstairs generally provides for cash payment.