As we near the holidays, we decided to put together a list of some of the most festive holiday-themed bar revamps around New York City. Each year various bars and restaurants go all out in holiday spirit decorations, transforming into magical winter wonderlands for a few months. Some rooftops become alpine lodges or igloos, while other spaces focus more on kitschy and colorful decor. However, the one thing they all have in common are their fun and festive cocktail offerings!
Whether you’re looking to enjoy some holiday cheer this season, trying to find the next venue for your holiday party, or just want to check out a new space, here are all of the holiday pop-up bars that should be on your winter bucket list!
1. Miracle on 9th Street, East Village
What: The holiday-themed cocktail pop-up bar reopens for its ninth season, with their staple kitschy holiday décor and festive, well-crafted cocktails. The pop-up originally began at Mace in 2014, but has since grown globally with over 120 locations worldwide, with this year’s location being at The Cabinet in Alphabet City!
Where: 649 East 9th St (Miracle on Ninth at The Cabinet); 595 Union Ave, Brooklyn (Miracle on Union at Thief’s)
2. Frosty’s, Midtown West
@secretnyc_ Christmas is only a week away and we’re feeling the Holiday Spirit!🎄 Have you been to @FrostysNewYork yet? ‼️Here is an insider tip: We recommend coming on a weekday if possible as it does get packed later in the day! #mysecretnyc #nyctok #nycchristmas2022 #nycchristmasbar #nycpopup #nyctiktok #fyp ♬ original sound – Secret_nyc
What: Frosty’s is a pop-up bar experience happening at Blue Midtown. Get ready to take in the most amount of ceiling holiday decorations you’ve (probably) ever seen, all while dining and sipping on festive bites and drinks. The over-the-top-decor is picturesque and the friendly staff is dressed in ugly sweaters. Plus, the four bars spread across three levels makes it seem like you’re stepping into a Christmas movie. Tickets start at $25 and more information can be found here!
Where: 220 W 44th St
3. Magic Hour’s Pink Winter Lounge, Midtown
What: This gorgeously decorated ski lodge-themed rooftop is welcoming back it’s pop up winter lounge this year once again. When you’re not gazing at the 25,000 sparkling crystals hanging overhead or trying to capture a perfect photo of the Empire State Building, be sure to try out one of their Après Ski (boozy pink hot chocolate) or the Pink Campfire S’mores! The photo-ops and atmosphere must be experienced!
Where: 485 7th Ave, Floor 18
4. Maccabee Bar, West Village
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What: A Hannukah-themed pop-up bar is coming to NYC next month, complete with decor and festive cocktail drinks! Maccabee Bar (which will be located inside Ollie’s in the West Village) will be serving unique offerings like the Everything Bagel Martini and the Latke Sour. The pop-up opens December 13 and runs through December 31! Learn more about it here.
Where: 64 Downing St
5. Loreley Garden’s Winter Wonderland, Lower East Side
What: Starting today (11/23) Loreley Beer Garden’s Winter Wonderland is returning to serve hearty food and drink like Boozy Bourbon Black & White Hot Chocolate, Spiked Eggnog, Hot Bourbon Apple Cider, Peppermint Nitro Martinis, Gluhwein, Winter Sangria, Hot Toddys, and more. Between their heated garden out back and assortment of holiday decor, this is the perfect place to hangout, even on the coldest of days.
Where: 7 Rivington St
6. Tinsel Town, Upper West Side
What: Tinsel Town is taking over Pekarna this year, and it’s an enchanting and immersive Christmas experience. Find Santa, elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and lots of winter warmer drinks here throughout the next few weeks. As you can see from above, there’s no shortage of Christmas decor either, as you’ll find everything from bows to hanging trees to wreaths. Tickets are required for this pop-up, and you can learn more about it here!
Where: 594 Amsterdam Ave
7. Feliz Coctelería, Nolita
What: Experience all the holiday festivities at this “Latin inspired” pop-up! Sip on their festive cocktails like A Lump of Coal including blackberry, mint, mango butter, black sesame, tequila, lime, egg white, Chilean red wine, or the SanTiki Clause with Mezcal, sherry, cinnamon, almond orgeat, allspice, and lime all served in holiday-themed glassware. Make your reservation here.
Where: 349 Broome St
8. Santa Clause’s North Pole, Seaport
What: Take in gasp-worthy views of the waterfront and the Brooklyn Bridge at Watermark’s Santa Clause North Pole installation. The experience is based off of the new “The Santa Clauses” series on Disney+ and features festive IRL areas like Santa’s hallway lined with candy cane pillars, the Gingerbread House Bar, and Santa’s Living Room. When you’re done with the walkthrough, eat and dine at one of Watermark’s heated glass houses or snap a photo in front of the giant snow globe! Check out the specialty menu and learn more here.
Where: 78 South St
9. City Winery Winter Domes, Midtown
What: Starting on Friday (11/25), The Winter Domes at Rockefeller Plaza will be opening back up to help you warm up this winter. If you’re looking to stay at the heart of all the holiday festivities in NYC, or just need a quick break from shopping, City Winery’s winter dome igloos are a nice heated spot for you (and up to 8 people) to hang out.
Where: Rockefeller Plaza
10. Snowday in Brooklyn, Williamsburg
What: Part of Sunday in Brooklyn’s holiday pop-up, Snowday in Brooklyn has officially opened for the season! The spot will serve their winter-themed drinks in the most adorable glassware like polar bears, partridges, and Santa’s, as you sit in a wintry space covered in wreaths, garland, and ornaments.
Where: 348 Wythe Ave
11. “Pinkmas” at Museum of Ice Cream, SoHo
What: Journey through the enormous (and positively pink) holiday-themed art installations that have taken over the Museum of Ice Cream. There’s delicious treats like the “Pinktini,” holiday merchandise, and even a sprinkle pool! You can also check out the museum at night for an after hours adventure.
Where: 558 Broadway
12. Grinchy’s at Roberta’s, Bushwick
What: Roberta’s is one of our favorite pizza spots in Bushwick, and this year they are welcoming a pop-up called “Grinchy’s” for a limited time! From December 1 through January 3, the space will be decked out in Christmas lights, giant candy canes and tinsel like you’ve never seen before. Of course, it’s not complete without their hot toddies and frozen eggnog that will be available to order too!
Where: 6 Grand St, Brooklyn
13. The Skinny, LES
What: With all the festive holiday bars popping up around NYC, we definitely needed an anti-holiday one, and The Skinny is looking to celebrate with all of us, no matter if we’ve been Naughty or Nice! The bar will be decked in over-the-top gaudy Christmas decor and will even host events such as seductive burlesque performances! Plus, mouthwatering holiday-inspired food and cocktails are, of course, on the menu. Learn more here.
Where: 174 Orchard St
14. Jingle Jangle, FiDi
What: This Irish Christmas pop-up bar at The Dead Rabbit is heavenly, thanks to their festive decor and outstanding drinks. While you’re listening to their festive Christmas music, try out one of the delicious cocktails like Mistle-Tai (rum, hazelnut, pumpkin spice, and lime, topped with whipped cream), or the Reindeer Games (Irish rye whiskey, carrot, mascarpone, baking spices, egg white, and lemon). Plus, $1 from every cocktail ordered is donated to a nonprofit to help out the hospitality industry! We love a drink for a cause.
Where: 30 Water St
15. Santa’s Holiday Lounge, Flatiron
What: This warm and glowing holiday pop-up feels like you’re in a den of festive greatness. While you cozy up with pillows and blankets, you’re welcomed to try out one of their festive cocktails, like the Fireside Chat (rye, cinnamon, and chocolate bitters), the Elf Nog (Fernet Crème de Menthe, crème de cacao and cream) or the Home Alone (Monkey Shoulder Scotch, bourbon, and blood orange). They also have yummy wintry bites to snack on too!
Where: 33 W 26th St
This post has been written by BIANCA BAHAMONDES, JUSTINE GOLATA, COREY FULLER, & BRIANNA PERRY
Also published on Medium.