Genesee Brewery's Keg Tree Lighting

Joyce Jul 01, 2026

The annual Genesee Brewery Keg Tree Lighting is a beloved tradition in Rochester, New York, that marks the official start of the holiday season. This enchanting event transforms the brewery's grounds into a winter wonderland, complete with a towering Christmas tree made entirely of kegs, twinkling lights, and festive cheer.

a large christmas tree made out of beer cans
a large christmas tree made out of beer cans

Held on the first Thursday of December, the Genesee Brewery Keg Tree Lighting is a community gathering that brings together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the holidays. The event is free and open to the public, making it an affordable and inclusive way to kick off the holiday season.

a christmas tree is lit up in front of a building with a sign on it
a christmas tree is lit up in front of a building with a sign on it

The Keg Tree: A Unique Holiday Tradition

The centerpiece of the event is the iconic keg tree, a symbol of Rochester's rich brewing history. Standing at over 20 feet tall, the tree is constructed from hundreds of empty Genesee Brewing Company kegs, each one carefully stacked and secured to create a festive, one-of-a-kind structure.

No plans? Ten things to do
No plans? Ten things to do

The keg tree is a nod to the brewery's past and present, showcasing the company's commitment to its community and its role in Rochester's cultural landscape. It's a testament to the power of ingenuity and creativity, turning an ordinary object into a extraordinary holiday icon.

The History Behind the Keg Tree

Brewery erects giant beer keg Christmas tree
Brewery erects giant beer keg Christmas tree

The first keg tree was created in 1998 as a way to celebrate the holidays and give back to the community. Since then, it has become a cherished tradition that locals and visitors alike look forward to each year. The tree's design has evolved over the years, with different themes and decorations, but its core remains the same: a celebration of the season and the community.

One of the most memorable keg trees was the "12 Kegs of Christmas" in 2019. Each night leading up to the lighting ceremony, a new keg was added to the tree, representing one of the 12 days of Christmas. This interactive display engaged the community and added a fun, festive twist to the tradition.

The Brewing Process Behind the Scenes

John Kucko Digital
John Kucko Digital

While the keg tree is the star of the show, the process behind it is equally fascinating. It takes a team of dedicated brewery employees to clean, stack, and secure the kegs to create the tree. The process begins months in advance, with kegs being set aside and cleaned to ensure they're ready for their starring role.

The actual construction of the tree is a careful balancing act. Each keg must be perfectly placed to ensure the tree is stable and secure. It's a labor of love that requires skill, patience, and a lot of teamwork. Once the tree is complete, it's adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, ready to be unveiled at the lighting ceremony.

The Genesee Brewery Keg Tree Lighting Ceremony

Genesee Brewery Unveils Three-Story-Tall Keg Christmas Tree
Genesee Brewery Unveils Three-Story-Tall Keg Christmas Tree

The Genesee Brewery Keg Tree Lighting ceremony is a magical event that brings the community together to celebrate the holidays. The evening begins with live music and performances from local artists, setting a festive mood as the sun sets and the temperature drops.

As the crowd gathers around the keg tree, the anticipation builds. Then, with a countdown and a flip of a switch, the tree comes alive with a dazzling display of lights. The sight of the towering keg tree aglow with holiday cheer is a moment of pure magic that never fails to inspire awe and joy.

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a lighted christmas tree made out of green wine bottles is on display in the dark
a lighted christmas tree made out of green wine bottles is on display in the dark
some people are standing around with balloons in the air and one man is wearing a beanie
some people are standing around with balloons in the air and one man is wearing a beanie
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a tree with lanterns hanging from it's branches and some lights on the ground
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a large metal barrel sitting on the ground
a large metal barrel sitting on the ground
a tree with lights on it and some trees in the background
a tree with lights on it and some trees in the background
the trees are lit up with white lights
the trees are lit up with white lights
many white lights are hanging from the ceiling
many white lights are hanging from the ceiling
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Christmas Lights - K99 - Northern Colorado’s New Country Part 3
an illuminated sign that reads heineken in front of a building with green lights
an illuminated sign that reads heineken in front of a building with green lights
the inside of a winery with lots of wine barrels and lights hanging from the ceiling
the inside of a winery with lots of wine barrels and lights hanging from the ceiling
there are many kegs lined up in the room
there are many kegs lined up in the room

Holiday Activities and Entertainment

In addition to the tree lighting, the event features a variety of holiday activities and entertainment. Kids can visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, pose for photos with the brewery's mascot, Genny the Keg, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the brewery grounds.

There's also plenty of food and drink to go around. The brewery offers a selection of its famous beers, as well as hot chocolate, coffee, and other warm beverages to keep everyone cozy. Local food vendors serve up holiday treats like roasted chestnuts, hot pretzels, and other festive fare.

Giving Back to the Community

The Genesee Brewery Keg Tree Lighting is more than just a holiday celebration; it's also a chance for the brewery to give back to the community. Each year, the event collects donations for a local charity, providing a way for attendees to support a worthy cause while enjoying the festivities.

In recent years, the brewery has partnered with organizations like the Rochester Area Community Foundation's United Way, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army to collect donations and raise awareness for their important work. It's a testament to the brewery's commitment to its community and its role in making Rochester a better place to live, work, and play.

As the holiday season comes to a close and the keg tree is taken down, the memories of the Genesee Brewery Keg Tree Lighting ceremony linger. It's a time of joy, community, and celebration that brings people together and creates lasting memories. So mark your calendars, bundle up, and get ready to experience the magic of the Genesee Brewery Keg Tree Lighting for yourself. It's an event you won't want to miss!