The holiday season shines bright here in the city, and one local brewery has taken on some festive cheer of its own.
Evil Genius annually hosts a slew of events, decks out their venue and even their menu offerings to fit the mood of this time of year, and 2021 is no different. Dubbed “Twas an Evil Christmas,” this local favorite will offer something for everyone leading up to the end of the year and it officially kicked off last week.
But to first set the mood, you need a drink.
Back at the Lab in Fishtown, Philadelphians can sip on Evil Genius’ ever-popular Santa! I Know Him! festive saison brewed with rose hips, chamomile, black currants and dark Belgian candi syrup. The 7.2% ABV brew is now in cans everywhere Evil Genius is sold, which of course includes the brick and mortar location.
The brew is just the start of the holiday festivities, however.
As a release states, Twas an Evil Genius Christmas will have the Lab decked from top to bottom with hundreds of lights, ornaments, Christmas flags, garlands, Santa hats and much more. Visitors and libation lovers who head to the location will be able to make new memories and take photos in front of the 20-foot Christmas tree, or a selfie with Buddy the Elf. For an added bonus, Dougal (the brewery pup) will be available upon request to pose in his Santa outfit for all your Instagram/holiday card needs.
Outside, the Evil Genius beer garden will also be transformed into a little winter wonderland, where you’ll be able to have a beer or hot cider and hot wine while picking out your Christmas Tree from Front Street Trees which are available now until they sell out for the season.
Recently, Evil Genius also held their annual Santa .5K Charity Race. The event hosts runners trying to clock in their best time after trotting just once around the block (to total 0.31 miles) while proceeds from this event went to fulfilling a family in need’s Christmas gift list.
But there’s plenty more happening in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
First up, on Saturday, Evil Genius Beer Company will take part again in Fishtown Freeze. This family-friendly neighborhood-wide event boasts custom ice sculptures at dozens of participating businesses and live ice sculpture carvings throughout the day sending residents and visitors alike on a self-guided ice tour around Fishtown.
As the release states, in addition to that showcase, Philadelphians can also look for Santa and Mrs. Claus on the premises, live entertainment, gifts for the kids, and so much more at the Winter Wonderland Outdoor Stage in the Fillmore parking lot. Businesses can participate in a variety of ways for this event including hosting a live carve, ice bonfire, or sculpture on location, as well as offering holiday-themed specials and promotions. Evil Genius will host an ice sculpture and have the Lab and tree stand open, with beer and hot boozy drinks pouring all day long. And to end the day on a festive note, Evil Genius will be providing an ice bonfire.
Lastly, on Sunday, tickets are on sale (and very well might sell out) for the ‘Sleigh My Name, Sleigh My Name’ Christmas Drag Show. The show aims to entertain viewers (“both naughty and nice”) to make it “rein” on the best queens in Philly as they perform a slew of some of the most popular holiday favorites. The Lab in Fishtown will also be featuring raffle prizes, on stage contests, and more on that date. General admission is available, as are VIP Tickets which will include one free pint and six-pack per person, stage side seating, and a raffle ticket. Doors open at 11 a.m.; show starts at noon.
Evil Genius Beer Company’s (1727 N Front St) hours for the Lab on Christmas Eve are noon to 6:00pm. It will be closed Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve hours will be from noon to 8 p.m., and the Lab will be closed New Year’s Day. For more information, visit evilgeniusbeer.com
