Beer has its seasons, too. During cold weather, a heartier brew is in order, whether a sweet-tinged porter or a meal-in-a-glass stout. Teaming with Chocolate Box this year, The Winter Beer Festival at Hale’s Palladium features beer-and-chocolate pairings to bring out the malty flavors of many winter brews.With 80 beers on offer and 30 local breweries in attendance, the choices are nearly endless. Maggie provides detailed descriptions of specific beers, in her Wire write-up, here. The chocolates get exotic, too, with flavorings from blackberries to chili to, yes, beer. 5-10 p.m. Fri., Dec. 4, 1-10 p.m. Sat., Dec. 5.Hale’s Palladium, 4301 Leary Way N.W., 706-1544$23 adv./$25 at the door. Tickets at washingtonbeer.com.