Winter Beer Festival Leiden

Due to the measures in place in response to coronavirus please check the official page of this event for any possible further details on cancellation / postponement.

Find your new favourite beer this winter! Local Dutch breweries are proud to present their seasonal brews at Winter Beer Festival Leiden! Approximately 15 breweries offer their prized beers for this convivial event.

What are winter beers?

Winter beers are beers that have been brewed in the cold season, which is reflected in the taste. They are generally darker and maltier than regular beers, and the alcohol percentage is higher. Many winter beers use spices and ingredients like honey, cinnamon, liquorice root and cloves.

Beer tasting at Scheltema

The Winter Beer Festival will take place indoors at Scheltema in Leiden, at the Marktsteeg. It's a robust building with an artisan atmosphere, and its vibe is perfect for beer tasting. They will also be serving artisanal pea soup, meatballs, a cheese platter and bitterballen. Visitors can purchase food and drink with special festival tokens.

Starter pack

Upon entering, visitors will receive a starter pack with a small tasting glass, two beer coins and a booklet containing the day’s programme.

Music at Winter Beer Festival

Drink to the sound of Blues DJ Fons Delemarre, who is renowned for keeping audiences in the mood, creating a great flow of music all throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Expect to hear blues, classic rock and some "golden oldies" at Winter Beer Festival Leiden.