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
The holiday-themed cocktail pop-up bar is one of NYC’s most popular, and they’re back with their staple kitschy holiday décor and festive, well-crafted cocktails (like the Christmapolitan, Yuletide, and Jingle Balls Nog)! 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! There’s also an additional location in Brooklyn at Thief (595 Union Ave, Brooklyn)!
When: Now through December 31st
Where: 649 E 9th St
2. Frosty’s, Midtown West
Frosty’s is an annual pop-up bar experience that is back in Midtown once again this holiday season! 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.
When: Now through December 30th
Where: Bacall’s (220 W 44th St)
3. Starbucks Reserve Winter Wonderland Pop-Up, Empire State Building
Immerse yourself in a wintery canopy illuminated by sparkling lights—a celebration of all things coffee, in one of the world’s most iconic buildings – when you step into the Starbucks Reserve® Winter Wonderland. Located on the second floor of the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building® store, this world of extraordinary coffee and cocktails offers new Starbucks Reserve holiday creations like new eggnog flavored drinks, returning Peppermint Mocha classics, and the new Empire State Cocoa Cocktail (available only at this pop-up). Plus, you can dazzle everyone on your holiday gift list by shopping exclusive new Starbucks Reserve merch, from espresso martini ornaments to colorful mugs and tumblers, stylish apparel, and more. Don’t miss it!
Visiting Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 10 pm & Friday – Saturday, 10 am – 11 pm
Where: Starbucks Reserve® Empire State Building® Store, 2nd Floor
4. Loreley Garden’s Heated Winter Wonderland, Lower East Side
Loreley Beer Garden’s Heated Winter Wonderland is back again, serving hearty food and drink like Boozy Bourbon Hot Chocolate, Spiked Eggnog, Hot Bourbon Apple Cider, Famous Mulled Wine, 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.
When: Now through January 5th, 2025
Where: 7 Rivington St
5. Jingle Jangle, Pier 17 & FiDi
Legendary Irish bar The Dead Rabbit is well known by now for their yearly pop-up Jingle Jangle, and this year they’ve expanded! Alongside hosting in their FiDi location, they’ve added an additional location at Pier 17 Rooftop, where you can find kitsch-themed cocktails, over-the-top decor, a magical Christmas soundtrack, and so much more. Think of it as a “nostalgic celebration of Irish family festivities” of sorts…and did we mention there’s an ice skating rink too?
When: Now through January 5th, 2025
Where: The Dead Rabbit (30 Water St) // The Rooftop at Pier 17 at Seaport
6. Santa’s Winter Wonderland, Seaport
Take in gasp-worthy views of the waterfront and the Brooklyn Bridge at Santa’s Winter Wonderland installation at Watermark. The 10,000-square-foot outdoor bar and restaurant has turned into an over-the-top winter wonderland, serving holiday cocktails and bites, offering gifts from Mrs. Claus’ Candy Bar, and even special Meet and Greet opportunities with Santa! 🧑🎄 -Learn more here.
When: Now through December 31st
Where: 78 South St
🎅 Sign up for Santa’s Winter Wonderland waitlist here!
7. Whiskey Wonderland, SoHo
A winter-themed subterranean speakeasy called “Whiskey Wonderland” is returning to Great Jones Distilling Co once again this year! Manhattan’s first Whiskey distillery transports guests directly to the North Pole, thanks to their holiday-themed winter chalet serving theatrical seasonal cocktails made with Great Jones’ whiskey. Don’t forget about their wintry bites like Chocolate Fondue, Winter Truffle Flatbread, and Duo Holiday Sliders either!
When: Now through January 11th, 2025
Where: 686 Broadway
8. Snowday in Brooklyn, Williamsburg
Sunday in Brooklyn’s holiday pop-up, Snowday in Brooklyn is always one of our favorite spots in Brooklyn! Each year their dinner menu gets a holiday twist, serving festive food and winter-themed drinks in the most adorable glassware, all while you sit in a wintry space covered in wreaths, garland, and ornaments.
This year’s special Snowday menu includes Cheese Fondue, French Onion Soup, Pigs in a Blanket, and Togarash Popcorn…plus festive cocktails like “Blizten’s Bramble” and “Grinch Don’t Kill My Vibe.”
⛄ See the full menu and reserve a table
When: Now through December 31st
Where: Sunday in Brooklyn (348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn)
9. Grinchy’s at Roberta’s, Bushwick
Roberta’s is one of our favorite pizza spots in Bushwick, and this year they are welcoming back a pop-up called “Grinchy’s” for a limited time! As you can imagine, the space will be decked out in Christmas lights, giant candy canes and Grinch-themed decor like you’ve never seen before.
When: December 5th – January 10th, 2025
Where: Roberta’s (261 Moore St, Brooklyn)
10. City Winery Winter Domes, Midtown
The Winter Domes at Rockefeller Plaza will be opening back up later this year 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.
When: December 2024
Where: Rockefeller Plaza
11. Sleyenda, Cobble Hill
This fun and flirtatious holiday pop-up in Brooklyn is back again this year called Sleyenda! The 2 time James Beard nominated spot Leyenda will once again turn into into a decorated wonderland from head to toe. Don’t forget about their holiday-themed hand-crafted cocktails served in festive glassware, including the Nutcracker Old Fashioned, the Coquito Ho Ho, and the (frozen!) Candy Striper.
When: Now through December 31st
Where: 221 Smith St, Brooklyn
12. Winter Camp Porchlight, Chelsea
This West Chelsea bar has welcomed back their holiday beloved pop-up Winter Camp Porchlight this year, which brings apres-ski vibes to the city without the rentals, road trips, and risk! Expect the bar to be transformed into a cozy and cocktail-ridden winter lodge…all while you sip on drinks curated by the brand new Beverage Director Trevor Langer! We’re talking drinks like the Travel Date (date-infused Manhattan riff with walnut liqueur) and boozy Eggnog (Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Laird’s Apple Brandy, Appleton 8yr Jamaican Rum, Egg and Cream).
When: Now through December 31st
Where: 271 11th Ave
13. The Frosty Farewell, Midtown
How about a pop-up Christmas bar…inside of a train station?! Why yes, beloved spot The Irish Exit has turned into The Frosty Farewell, an aptly-named winter takeover for those on-the-go. It’s located inside of Moynihan Food Hall at Penn Station, and you can grab quick festive cocktails like the Naughty List (Dewar’s 12 Scotch, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Chocolate, Oats, Salted Caramel Cream) and Santa’s Helper (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Campari, Blood Orange, Rosemary, Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda). It’s worth a visit even if you aren’t traveling!
When: Now through early January
Where: Moynihan Train Hall (421 8th Ave)
14. Santa’s Secret, Chelsea
Not only is this a pop-bar, but it’s a full blown immersive holiday experience! Enjoy Christmas-themed cocktails, a live band, and an eye-popping variety show of unique acts…all while making your way through a winter wonderland and Santa’s secret speakeasy. It’s the perfect night out for drinks and a show! Learn more about Santa’s Secret here.
When: Now through December 31st
Where: 11th Ave & Hudson Blvd E
🎅 Buy tickets to Santa’s Secret here!
15. Krampus’ Cove, Boerum Hill
This spine-chilling immersive holiday pop-up experience, Krampus’ Cove, is back at Someday Bar in Brooklyn. From the same team behind the award-winning Halloween pop-up bar Black Lagoon comes this Christmas variation, celebrating the pulpy and macabre legend of Krampus.
Guests can enjoy a decked out bar area and sinister inspired cocktails, such as the Violent Night (Ilegal Mezcal, black sesame, chai, Giffard Banane Du Bresil, lime, and Bitter Queens Tobacco Bitter) and the Better Watch Out (Ford’s Gin, spiced cranberry, Amontillado Sherry and lemon). Learn more and book a time here.
When: Now through December 31st
Where: 364 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
16. Sugar Factory’s Santa’s Wonderland, Midtown
This sugary Christmas pop-up at Sugar Factory is the epitome of Santa’s wonderland! With a location in Times Square, this unique dining experience is serving all sorts of holiday-themed delights and drinks! Try out the Winter Wonderland Pancakes and wash them down with a North Pole Mule or Santa’s Cafecito. Not to mention the decor is delightful too! See the full menu and book your spot here.
When: Now through January 5th, 2025
Where: 694 8th Ave
17. Feste at The Standard, East Village
The Standard, East Village has opened up their brand new holiday-themed pop-up called Feste which is happening now! The restaurant has turned the space’s Italian eatery into a cozy paradise…complete with red and white checkered tablecloths, a Christmas tree with Italian themed ornaments, and much more! Of course they’re seriving tasty holiday dishes all season long, including a special Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day brunch. See the full Feste menu and reserve your table here!
When: Now through February 15th, 2025
Where: 25 Cooper Sq
18. Blitzen’s Bar, Midtown
This over-the-top holiday bar at Omni Berkshire Place is now open for the season and is in partnership with NYC mixologist legend Julie Reiner! Blitzen’s Bar not only embodies the festive holiday theme, but also has an exclusive cocktail menu featuring classic holiday flavors like rosemary, cranberry, pumpkin, and apple. Some of their standouts worth the mention are “The Blitzen,” a unique twist on a rum negroni; the “Frost Bite,” a seasonal take on a pina colada and “Tidings of Whiskey & Joy,” a play on the New York Sour! Stop in if you’re in the Midtown area. Learn more about Blitzen’s Bar and see the full menu here!
When: Now through January 6th, 2025
Where: 21 E 52nd St
19. Noche Buena, Long Island City
Noche Buena is officially here, and it’s NYC first Latin-themed Christmas pop-up bar! It’s recently launched at Skybar and The Vault (Main floor and Rooftop) in Long Island City, and is inspired by the Hispanic Heritage of Christmas Eve. Not only is the bar’s interior decked out with piñatas, papel picado, flowers, and lanterns, but there’s also plenty of Latin music and holiday-inspired drinks to create a multi-sensory experience!
When: Now through December 31st
Where: 45-06 Pearson Street Rooftop, Queens
20. Foxtail’s Holiday Hideaway
Arlo SoHo’s beloved speakeasy Foxtail has taken on a holiday transformation “infused with mid-century glamour.” A lovely cocktail menu headlined by Spiked Mexican Hot Cocoa and Yuletide Toddies are worth mentioning, but we say go for their own concoctions like the Christmas Fruitcake or Tree Topper. Make a reservation at Foxtail’s Holiday Hideaway here!
When: Open now
Where: 231 Hudson St (inside Arlo SoHo)
21. The Saloon at Clover Club
Hit the slopes at Clover Club in Brooklyn, who have transformed their interior into a kitschy ski chalet! Complete with a pot belly stove, ski trail signs, foe animal pelts, and so much more it’s the perfect spot for “expert” cocktails only. Their seasonal food menu includes Mini Shepherd’s Pie, Deviled Eggs, Steak Tartare, Curry Crab Flatbread, and more with a cocktail menu of 10 speciality drinks!
When: Now through February 28th (Wednesday – Saturday)
Where: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn
22. Magic Hour Rooftop
Magic Hour Rooftop’s winter installation is officially here, with the rooftop transformed into a gingerbread house wonderland! Take Instagram-worthy photos in front of the gingerbread house photo moment and even purchase gingerbread house decorating kit ! Don’t forget about their seasonal sips and playful bites too like the hot cocktail Après Ski and treats like the S’mores Ornament and Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich. Learn more here.
When: Open now
Where: 485 7th Ave, Floor 18
23. The Frosted Garden at PHD Terrace
The year-round rooftop at PHD Terrace has turned into “The Frosted Garden” for the festive season! This magical winter wonderland is adorned with over 20,000 stunning blue hydrangeas and thousands of twinkling lights, turning it into the most mesmerizing blue icy wonderland. Take photos with the flower garden and enjoy cocktails like the Frosted Fizz (Herradura Blanco Tequila, Blue Curacao, Lime, Salted Rim) and Winter White Spritz (Luster infused Vodka, White Cranberry, Prosecco) right in the heart of Midtown. Plan your visit here.
When: Open now
Where: 210 W 55th St
24. Ophelia’s Snow Globe in the Sky
Midtown’s festive art deco rooftop bar gets a winter remix with crystals and snowflakes cascading down from the ceiling. Its menu is an ode to its design, thanks to cocktails like “the flapper” (vodka, DiSaronno, lemon, pineapple, raspberries, angostura bitters, Moet, and almond dust) and the “Beekman Classic Martini.” Head online to learn more about the offerings and skyline views.
This post has been written by BIANCA BAHAMONDES, JUSTINE GOLATA, COREY FULLER, BRIANNA PERRY, & DANIELLE VALENTE