Holiday season is quickly approaching and there’s plenty of things to get planned! From checking things off your NYC holiday bucket list to reserving restaurants and activities, they’ll be filling up before you know it!
Especially NYC restaurants, who see some of the quickest waitlists be fulfilled at record pace during Christmas time. From holiday pop-up bars to in this case, Christmas brunch spots…there’s still plenty of time to snag a festive reservation at one of these food spots. Here’s our recommendations of the best Christmas brunches to book this year.
1. Tavern on the Green
Nothing is more stunning during the holiday season than Central Park, and this lovely gem of a restaurant elevates the area even more! Tavern on the Green is hosting festive Christmas brunches every Saturday and Sunday from November 30th – December 29th. Executive Chef Bill Peet will be curating a 3-course brunch menu full of festive favorites like roasted figs, bricoche French toast, spiced eggnog crème brûlée, and so much more!
The experience is priced at $95 for adults and $65 for children, and we recommend going after Thanksgiving when all of the decorations are up!
🥂 See the full menu and reserve your table here!
Where: W 67th St (in Central Park)
2. Stella 34 Trattoria
The much beloved Breakfast with Santa brunch is coming back to Stella 34 Trattoria this holiday season, and it’s an absolute crowd pleaser! Not only is it a great brunch for kids (think family photos with Santa and Christmas carolers), but the food is incredible for adults and even comes with a complimentary mimosa!
Believe it or not, you can have Christmas brunch in the very same store where the movie “Miracle on 34th Street” was filmed, all for $75 per adult and $55 for children! The brunch option is available from November 29 – Christmas Eve and the restaurant is located inside Macy’s Herald Square.
🎅 See the full menu and reserve your table here!
Where: 151 W 34th St
3. Bubby’s
Bubby’s is one of our favorite breakfast spots in NYC, so it’s no shock that their Christmas brunches are top tier as well. Leading up to the big day, they’ll be hosting a festive “12 Days of Brunch” from December 21st – January 1st, in which they’ll be rotating seasonal brunch specials as well as a special menu of Swedish Pancakes, Roasted Duck Cranberry Hash, Steak Benedict and Eggnog Pie.
Plus, on Christmas Eve there will be a special brunch service from 8 am – 4 pm, where New Yorkers can chow down on all the Bubby’s classics before the big day. They will not be having brunch on Christmas Day this year.
Where: 120 Hudson St
4. Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Take in a waterfront Christmas brunch at Santa’s Winter Wonderland, which is set to reopen at Watermark in the Seaport this November! The festive restaurant takeover will be serving brunch with Santa on Saturdays and Sundays (12 – 4 pm), with the jolly man even giving out free toys to kids during the meal!
The whimsical holiday installation extends beyond brunch too, inviting New Yorkers to enjoy heated igloos, seasonal drinks, holiday decorations and activities, and waterfront views.
🎅 Reserve your brunch spot at Santa’s Winter Wonderland here!
Where: 78 South Street at Pier 15
5. Mandarin Oriental
Celebrate Christmas Day at Mandarin Oriental with a tasty day-of brunch from 12 – 6 pm (last seating at 5 pm)! For $195 per person and $75 for 12-under, you can feast on all kinds of buffet options, carved meats, and assorted pastries and sweets. We’re talking everything from a raw bar to honey glazed ham to lobster mac & cheese…there’s so much to taste test.
Not to mention this delicious meal overlooks Central Park on the most magical day of the year…it’s so worth it.
🎅 See the full menu and reserve your table here!
Where: 80 Columbus Cir
6. City Cruises
How about a Christmas brunch on a boat? City Cruises’ festive brunch cruise options are incredible this year, with both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch journeys to pick from! New Yorkers can set sail this December and enjoy a cozy brunch meal…alongside plenty of festive decor on deck, live music, and incredible skyline views.
Packages vary in terms of price and offerings, but you can expect standard brunch menus, alcoholic beverages, live music, and festive decor. Check out some options below:
- Christmas Day Signature Brunch Cruise: Brunch buffet, bottomless mimosas, DJ entertainment (2 hours)
- Bateaux New York Christmas Eve Premier Brunch Cruise: 3 course brunch meal, free champagne, mimosas, sparkling cider, DJ entertainment (2.5 hours)
- New York Bateaux Christmas Day Premier Brunch Cruise: Plated brunch, bottomless mimosas, DJ entertainment (2.5 hours)
Where: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers
7. New York Marriott Marquis
This wonderful Christmas hotel in Times Square is once again hosting their beloved Very Merry Santa Brunch this year, which is set to take place on December 14th! Families can book a 90-minute spot at the New York Marriott Marquis and enjoy a one-of-a-kind brunch buffet with other delights from Ess-a-Bagels, Union Square Market, and more!
Tickets here include all kinds of brunch treats (from complimentary bellinis and mimosas to a bagels and schmear bar and build your own parfait stations), as well as family photos with Santa, kid-centric activities, and much more. The event starts at $159 per person, with children under 2 free. Learn more about this awesome brunch here!
Where: 1535 Broadway