A special Christmas attraction in the Balaton Uplands: a barrel tree stood at the Stari brewery

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 12. 09. 11:11

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The oldest small-scale brewery in the Balaton Uplands, the 33-year-old Stari Brewery, is celebrating its “entry into the age of Christ” in a truly unique way this year. The Tapolca brewery has built a nearly 8-meter-high “Christmas tree” from 431 beer barrels, which is considered a rarity not only in Hungary but also internationally. The barrel tree represents 35,600 pints of beer – so it is impressive not only in terms of appearance but also in terms of quantity.

The concept is American-inspired: an overseas brewery has been building a similar installation for years, to which thousands of pilgrims make pilgrimages every year. According to Stari, however, there is no reason to travel to distant continents for such a special treat, as the Balaton Uplands are also a worthy location for a winter gastronomic spectacle.

The barrel tree operates with LED light effects, and during the evening musical productions, the lights change to the rhythm of the music. During the event, visitors can choose from a themed winter menu: small-batch draft beers, mulled wine, krampampuli (with 80% rum), Bombardino, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and other seasonal favorites await guests.

In addition to the spectacle, the organizers also emphasize social responsibility: they have launched a fundraising campaign for the city’s children in need to make the holiday season more intimate for them as well.

The special installation and related programs 2025. They can definitely be visited between November 29th and December 23rd, but due to the great interest, they will also be open between the two holidays, and it is not excluded that they will close the season with a New Year’s Eve event.

Location: Tapolca, Petőfi Sándor utca 12., parking lot in front of the Stari Brewery.