Monthly buzz: Beer events pouring through December

Get your beer fixings in before (and after) Christmas with these thirst-quenching events.

Don't shave your mustache just yet. On Thursday, Dec. 3, Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Ave.) teams up with the Movember Foundation to host a party for those who rocked facial hair throughout the month of November. From 6 to 10 p.m., guests can take part in various competitions and enjoy food and drink specials all night. 

'Tis the season: Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery (646 Germantown Pike) celebrates the holidays on Friday, Dec. 4 with the release of Gingerbread Jesus: a brew filled with cocoa and smoked ancho chilis. Want to try this special brew for free? All you have to do is donate a present to Toys for Tots' Philadelphia Chapter. In addition to the drinks, seasonal bites will be offered. Things start at 6 p.m.

Local 44 (4333 Spruce St.) gets jolly for the season with a visit from Santa on Saturday, Dec. 12.  From noon to 3 p.m., bring your kid, grab a brew, and have a great time with fellow neighbors from the area.

Forgotten Boardwalk (1940 Olney Ave. Suite 100) in Cherry Hill celebrates the first weekend of December with First Firkin Friday on Friday, Dec. 4 with cheap pints of Ginger Snap Cookie: their Funnel Cake ale brewed with ginger, blackstrap molasses, nutmeg, cloves and brown sugar. Things get started at 4 p.m.

Grab your pals on Saturday, Dec. 5 and enjoy unlimited samples of brews and ciders during Valley Forge's 5th annual Beer Festival. Things will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave.), and include two sessions. Session one: 12:30 to 4 p.m.; and Session two: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

Beginning Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13, Sly Fox Brewery will celebrate its 20th birthday with three days full of signature suds and eats. Kicking off the weekend on Friday, the Phoenixville location (520 Kimberton Road) will host a party featuring authentic beers, prizes and live music. On Saturday things get tasty as the Phoenixville location will offer a three-course beer brunch starting at 9:30 a.m. Ending the festivities on Sunday will take place at the Pottstown location (331 Circle of Progress Dr.) at 1 p.m. and feature a pig roast by Paul Kimport of Standard Tap.

World Café Live's (3025 Walnut St.) 8th Annual Winter Beer Festival returns on Saturday, Dec. 27 and will host over 40 breweries providing endless samples of their suds to all thirsty attendees. Things get started at noon and run until 4 p.m.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.