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 open now, returning 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 a sister pop-up Sippin’ Santa at Thief in LES!
Where: 649 E 9th St
2. Santa’s Secret, Hudson Yards
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.
Where: 11th Ave & Hudson Blvd E
🎅 Buy tickets to Santa’s Secret here!
3. 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
Frosty’s is a pop-up bar experience returning to Midtown this November 30! 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. Stay tuned to see when the official opening date is!
Where: 220 W 44th St
4. Loreley Garden’s Heated Winter Wonderland, Lower East Side
Loreley Beer Garden’s Heated Winter Wonderland is back serving 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
5. Maccabee Bar, West Village
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A Hannukah-themed pop-up bar will be returning to NYC this holiday season, complete with decor and festive cocktail drinks! While we’re still waiting for an official announcement, we can expect similar unique offerings to last year like the Everything Bagel Martini and the Latke Sour. It will be in NYC at Ollie in the West Village from November 28 – December 31!
Where: 64 Downing St
6. Sippin’ Santa, Lower East Side
Get cozied up with festive cocktails, seasonal mugs, and over-the-top decorations at Sippin’ Santa in LES. It’s set to operate from November 20 – December 31, and feature all sorts of twinkling lights, vintage garlands, reindeer figurines, and so much more garb. The cocktails too, like the Holiday On Ice (pictured above), Merry Spritzmas, North Pole Bowl (for two), and more have us very excited! It’s popping up at Thief in the Lower East Side.
Where: 161 Ludlow St
7. 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! It’s running through December 30. Learn more here.
Where: 78 South St
🎅 Buy tickets to Santa’s Winter Wonderland here!
8. City Winery Winter Domes, Midtown
The Winter Domes at Rockefeller Plaza will be opening back up later this month 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
9. Jingle Jangle, FiDi
This Irish Christmas pop-up bar at The Dead Rabbit is heavenly, thanks to their festive decor and outstanding drinks. Running through January 1, 2024, you can expect a “nostalgic celebration of Irish family festivities.” There is 10+ kitsch-themed cocktails, over-the-top decor, a magical Christmas soundtrack with all your favorite hits, and so much more! Learn more here.
Where: 30 Water St
10. Whiskey Wonderland, SoHo
A winter-themed subterranean speakeasy called “Whiskey Wonderland” is set to pop-up at Great Jones Distilling Co. starting November 24! Manhattan’s first Whiskey distillery will allow guests to transport 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! Make a reservation here.
Where: 686 Broadway
11. Sleyenda, Cobble Hill
Stop by this fun and flirtatious holiday pop-up in Brooklyn from November 25 – December 30 called Sleyenda! The 2 time James Beard nominated spot Leyenda will turn into into a decorated wonderland from head to toe. Don’t forget about their holiday-themed hand-crafted cocktails (like the Coquito Ho Ho Ho and Nutcracker Old Fashioned) served in festive glassware, including Santa’s Boots, Tom & Jerry Mugs, giant Santa heads and more! Learn more here.
Where: 221 Smith St, Brooklyn
12. Grinchy’s at Roberta’s, Bushwick
Roberta’s is one of our favorite pizza spots in Bushwick, and this year they are welcoming back pop-up called “Grinchy’s” for a limited time! From December 1 through January 10, 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 exclusive feasting menu of suckling pig, prime rib, and dry-aged duck and festive cocktails.
Where: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn
13. Krampus’ Cove, Boerum Hill
This spine-chilling immersive holiday pop-up experience, Krampus’ Cove, is coming to Brooklyn on December 1. 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 will be able to 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.
Where: 364 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
14. Partridge, East Village
The Standard East Village is welcoming Partridge, a pop-up restaurant just in time for the festive season starting November 24! In place of the property’s famed Winter Garden, the property’s restaurant space formerly known as Narcissa has been transformed into a ‘70s holiday fantasy in decor and menu.! It’s the perfect spot to sip on Snowball Coladas (spiced rum, advocaat, cacao, pineapple, nutmeg) and snack on ‘70s pickle platters, cheesy crab dips, and chicken schnitzel! Learn more about Partridge and make a reservation here.
Where: 25 Cooper Sq
15. Camp Porchlight, Chelsea
This Chelsea bar is debuting their holiday pop-up Camp Porchlight, which will bring 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 like the Frozen Candy Cane Negroni and Hot Buttered Rum. It starts November 27 and runs through New Years!
Where: 271 11th Ave
16. Feliz Coctelería, East Village
Experience all the holiday festivities at this “Latin inspired” pop-up in the East Village through mid-January! You’ll be able to take in all things celebratory of Navidad and the holiday spirit. We’re talking immersive twinkling lights, eclectic ornaments, and limited edition holiday drinks served in seasonal glassware, curated by Garret Group Beverage Director Max Stampa-Brown. Make your reservation here.
Where: 260 Avenue A
17. Snowday in Brooklyn, Williamsburg
Sunday in Brooklyn’s holiday pop-up, Snowday in Brooklyn, has officially opened for the season! This spot serves their winter-themed drinks in the most adorable glassware, all while you sit in a wintry space covered in wreaths, garland, and ornaments. Learn more and make a reservation here.
Where: 348 Wythe Ave
18. The Pink Winter Lodge: Neon Frost Edition, Midtown
Magic Hour Rooftop’s winter installation is officially here, with the rooftop transformed into a pink winter wonderland! Take Instagram-worthy photos all throughout their eye-catching space that has a iconic carousel, neon walls, pink trees, an interactive custom snow globe, and more! Don’t forget about their seasonal sips and playful bites too like the hot cocktail Après Ski and treats like the S’mores Stack and Cookie Skillet. Learn more here.
Where: 485 7th Ave, Floor 18
This post has been written by BIANCA BAHAMONDES, JUSTINE GOLATA, COREY FULLER, & BRIANNA PERRY
Also published on Medium.