The Ultimate Guide to the Best 12 Pubs of Christmas Rules (Reddit‑Inspired)

Introduction: A Pub‑Crawl Tale Worth a Toast

Imagine a cold December night, the streets glittering with festive lights, and a group of friends huddled together like a warm barrel of mulled ale. Their mission? To conquer the legendary 12 Pubs of Christmas—a tradition that feels part pub crawl, part holiday quest, and part mischievous game. This guide pulls together the most popular Reddit‑sourced rules, adds a splash of storytelling, and serves up actionable steps so you can plan, survive, and celebrate the ultimate yuletide pub adventure.

What Is the “12 Pubs of Christmas”?

The 12 Pubs of Christmas is an Irish‑origin tradition where participants visit twelve different pubs in a single evening, taking one drink at each stop. Think of it as a festive marathon where each pub is a checkpoint, and the finish line is a night full of laughter, stories, and maybe a few sore feet. While the core idea is simple—twelve drinks, twelve venues—the fun comes from the rules that groups invent to keep things lively and safe.

Why Reddit Is the Best Place to Find Rules

Reddit is a sprawling digital tavern where users share experiences, swap ideas, and vote on the most entertaining content. Subreddits like r/ireland, r/CasualIreland, and r/CasualUK host countless threads where participants post their own rule‑sets, punishments, and hilarious anecdotes. The community‑driven nature of Reddit means the rules are constantly evolving, creative, and often grounded in real‑world practicality—exactly what you need for a memorable night.

Core Principles Behind the Rules

Before diving into specific rules, it helps to understand the three pillars that most Reddit‑derived rule‑sets share:

Safety First: No rule should encourage dangerous drinking. Many groups enforce a “one‑drink‑per‑pub” limit and require designated drivers or public transport plans.
Inclusivity: Rules should be fun for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or drinking tolerance. Challenges that involve conversation, creativity, or mild physical activity tend to be the most inclusive.
Festive Flair: The holiday spirit is the secret sauce. Whether it’s a tacky Christmas jumper or a carol‑sing challenge, the rule should amplify the seasonal vibe.

Top 12 Reddit‑Inspired Rules (With Real‑World Examples)

Below is a curated list of the most popular and practical rules gathered from Reddit threads. Each rule includes a brief explanation, a suggested punishment (if the rule is broken), and a tip for smooth execution.

1. The Christmas Jumper Pub: Everyone must wear the ugliest, most over‑the‑top Christmas sweater they can find. Punishment: If you forget, you must finish a half‑pint of stout on the spot. Tip: Swap sweaters at the start of the night to keep the surprise alive.
2. The T‑Rex Arms Pub: Participants wear tiny T‑Rex arm extensions (think novelty plastic arms) and must keep them on for the entire visit. Punishment: A quick “shot‑challenge” for anyone who removes them early.
3. The No‑Toilet Pub: No bathroom breaks allowed until the next stop. Punishment: If you slip, you owe the group a “cheers” toast with a double‑shot.
4. The Compliment Pub: Each person must give a genuine compliment to a stranger (or bartender). Punishment: A sip of a mystery cocktail prepared by the bartender.
5. The No‑Phone Pub: Phones are locked in a communal bag; no selfies or scrolling. Punishment: A karaoke rendition of a Christmas classic.
6. The Shot Pub: One designated shot (e.g., peppermint schnapps) must be taken. Punishment: If you refuse, you must buy the next round for the whole group.
7. The Carol‑Sing Pub: The group must sing a verse of a Christmas carol together. Punishment: A “cheers” with a festive cocktail for the shyest singer.
8. The Trivia Pub: One trivia question about Christmas traditions must be answered correctly. Punishment: A sip of a “mystery brew” if you get it wrong.
9. The Photo‑Free Memory Pub: Instead of photos, each person writes a short note about the night on a shared napkin. Punishment: Read your note aloud in a funny accent.
10. The Random Act of Kindness Pub: Buy a drink for a random patron. Punishment: If you skip, you must finish your own drink in one go.
11. The Holiday Recipe Pub: Share a quick holiday cocktail recipe with the bartender. Punishment: Try the bartender’s version, even if it’s weird.
12. The Celebration Pub: The final stop is a “victory” pub where everyone raises a glass, shares a favorite moment, and maybe even crowns a “Pub‑Crawl King/Queen.” No punishments here—just pure celebration.

How to Choose the Best 12 Pubs for Your Crawl

Reddit users often debate whether to stick to a single neighborhood or spread out across a city. Here are three proven strategies, each with pros and cons:

Neighborhood Concentration: Pick a lively district (e.g., Dublin’s Temple Bar or London’s Shoreditch). Pros: Minimal travel time, easier to stay together. Cons: May run out of unique venues.
City‑Wide Tour: Map out pubs across different boroughs. Pros: Variety of atmospheres, chance to explore new areas. Cons: Requires careful transport planning.
Themed Route: Choose pubs that match a sub‑theme (e.g., “craft‑beer only,” “historic pubs,” or “pubs with live music”). Pros: Adds an extra layer of excitement. Cons: May limit options.

Whichever route you pick, use a simple spreadsheet or a phone app to track:

Pub name and address
Opening hours (especially important on Christmas Eve/Day)
Special holiday drinks or events
Transport options (bus, tram, rideshare)

Data‑Driven Insights: How Many Pubs Can You Actually Visit?

According to a 2023 survey of 1,200 pub‑crawl participants (source: Dropt.beer), the average successful crawl covered 10‑12 pubs in about 5‑6 hours. Key factors influencing success:

Average distance between pubs: 0.6 km (0.4 miles) – walking is the most common mode.
Average drink per pub: 1 pint (or equivalent).
Average time spent per pub: 30‑45 minutes (including rule execution).

Using these numbers, a realistic schedule looks like this:

18:00 – Pub 1 (Jumper) – 30 min
18:45 – Pub 2 (T‑Rex) – 35 min
19:20 – Pub 3 (No‑Toilet) – 30 min
... (continue pattern) ...
23:30 – Pub 12 (Celebration) – 45 min

That’s a total of roughly 5.5 hours, leaving a little wiggle room for transport delays or a quick snack break.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Gather Your Crew: Aim for 4‑8 people. Larger groups can be chaotic; smaller groups may miss out on the communal vibe.
Set a Date: The week before Christmas is popular, but check local pub opening hours—some close early on Christmas Eve.
Choose Your Pubs: Use Google Maps, Yelp, or local beer guides. Prioritize pubs with holiday specials to keep the experience fresh.
Draft Your Rules: Pull from the list above, then customize. Keep the total number of rules to 12 (one per pub) to avoid rule‑overload.
Plan Transportation: Designate a driver, book a rideshare, or map out public‑transport routes. Remember, safety is non‑negotiable.
Prepare Gear: Christmas jumpers, T‑Rex arms, a small bag for phones, and a printable “rule card” for each stop.
Communicate with Pubs: Call ahead to let them know you’re doing a themed crawl. Some may offer a discount or a special drink.
Execute the Crawl: Follow the schedule, enforce the rules, and keep the mood light. Capture memories in a shared Google Doc instead of photos.
Celebrate the Finish: At the final pub, toast with a special holiday cocktail and crown the night’s champion.
Post‑Crawl Debrief: Share photos, notes, and a quick rating of each pub on a group chat. This helps future crawls improve.

Safety Checklist (Because We Care About Your Liver)

Designate a driver or arrange a rideshare for the entire night.
Stay hydrated – drink a glass of water between each pub.
Eat a hearty meal before you start (think stew, roast, or a big sandwich).
Know your limits – if you feel unwell, skip the next pub and head home.
Carry a small first‑aid kit (band‑aids, pain reliever) just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I have to drink alcohol at every pub?
A: Traditionally yes, but you can substitute with non‑alcoholic craft sodas or mocktails. The spirit of the crawl is about the experience, not the booze.
Q: How far apart should the pubs be?
A: Aim for 0.3‑0.7 km (0.2‑0.4 miles) apart to keep walking time reasonable.
Q: What if a pub is closed?
A: Have a backup list of 2‑3 extra venues. Reddit users often keep a “Plan B” pub ready.
Q: Can I do this with a mixed‑age group?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the rules to be inclusive (e.g., replace the shot rule with a “cheers” toast).
Q: How do I promote my crawl on social media without breaking the no‑phone rule?
A: Take a group photo at the start and end of the night, then post a recap the next day.

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Conclusion: Raise Your Glass to a Legendary Night

Whether you’re a seasoned pub‑crawler or a first‑timer looking for a festive adventure, the 12 Pubs of Christmas offers a perfect blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. By borrowing the best‑rated Reddit rules, planning your route meticulously, and prioritizing safety, you’ll create memories that sparkle brighter than the tinsel on a Christmas tree. So gather your crew, don that hideous jumper, and let the holiday cheer flow—one pub at a time.

Actionable Takeaway Checklist

✅ Choose 12 pubs and map them out.
✅ Draft a unique rule for each stop (use the list above for inspiration).
✅ Secure transportation and a designated driver.
✅ Prepare festive gear (jumper, T‑Rex arms, rule cards).
✅ Communicate with each pub ahead of time.
✅ Follow the safety checklist on the night.
✅ Celebrate the finish with a special toast and crown the night’s champion.

Now go forth, enjoy the ale, and may your Christmas crawl be as smooth as a well‑aged stout.