Thousands of people are expected at the Genesee Brewery for the lighting of the beloved Keg Tree Friday, December 7. The tree, made of 520 empty Genesee kegs stacked nearly three-stories high and strung with thousands of lights programmed to flash along to holiday songs, has become an annual spectacle that draws people from all over the region to High Falls. Last year, more than double the number of predicted attendees showed up to share in the excitement.

According to Mike Gaesser, Keg Tree Creator, the brewery is ready for a big crowd. “Our Keg Tree has become somewhat of a holiday landmark in Rochester, so we know that people are going to come in masses on December 7 to see it lit. That’s why from food and beer to fun, we’re prepared for a huge party,” said Gaesser.

Keg Tree for the Holidays at Genesee Brew House

The fifth annual Keg Tree lighting will feature plenty of exciting additions including live music, food trucks, a special-release Keg Tree Ale, a new charitable component and more. The Keg Tree, High Falls Terrace Park, High Falls and the Pont de Rennes bridge will all be twinkling with over 30,000 lights for the party.

“Each year, we are happy to welcome thousands of community members and Genesee fans to celebrate the holidays with this offbeat, festive Keg Tree that our brewery employees work hard to make beautiful,” said Janine Schoos associate brand director for Genesee. “For our fifth anniversary, we are excited to expand the Keg Tree lighting event by adding many interactive components to spread more cheer!”

NEW THIS YEAR: Buy a Wreath, Give a Wreath to Rochester

The annual Keg Tree lights up holiday spirit for all who visit it, and Genesee wants to spread even more cheer by gifting the brewery’s neighbors with their own, handmade decoration. That is why members of Greentopia’s Green Visions program will be at the Keg Tree lighting event handcrafting live wreaths for purchase. For each wreath purchased, one will be donated to a community member to help make their home a little merrier this winter.

“Keg Tree is always one of our biggest events with a huge turnout. This get one, give one wreath program is a perfect opportunity for us to channel all of that excitement into something meaningful for our community,” said Schoos. “We want to bring smiles to our neighbors this holiday season.”

LIMITED-EDITION KEG TREE ALE: Cinnamon Cream Ale

Genesee Brew House Brewmaster Dean Jones created a festive new brew just for this year’s Keg Tree lighting. Adding a new twist to a Genesee classic, Jones created the Cinnamon Cream Ale. Genesee drinkers can expect the same smooth character and remarkably creamy white head they know and love from the original Cream Ale, with the introduction of a delicious cinnamon flavor. The Keg Tree Ale will debut December 7 and be available on draft and in growlers and crowlers until supplies run out.

KEG TREE LIGHTING EVENT

WHAT: Genesee Brewery’s Keg Tree lighting holiday party. No cost for entry.

  • Food trucks including: Taste the ROC, Rob’s Kabobs, Wraps on Wheels, Twist This, ROC City Sammich, Macarollin, and Tony Tomatoes Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza
  • Rochester Kettle Corn
  • Two beer trucks provided by Wright Beverage Distributing, offering a variety of Genesee products
  • NEW Limited-Edition GBH Keg Tree Ale
  • Get one, give one live wreaths for purchase to benefit Rochester community members
  • Performances by Trebellious A Cappella Group
  • Giant, custom-designed wooden sled built by the talented Genesee carpentry and production team for event photo opportunity

 

WHEN:  December 7, 2018 from 6-9 p.m., tree lighting at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Genesee Brew House 25 Cataract Street Rochester, NY 14605

About Genesee Brewing Company
Established in 1878, the Genesee Brewery—New York state’s oldest brewery—makes the classic Genesee line of beers and the Original Honey Brown Lager, as well as Seagram’s Escapes. The Genesee Brewery also manufactures beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under contracts on behalf of other companies. For more information, visit www.geneseebeer.com

Always drink responsibly.