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 set to return 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!
When it’s returning: November 18 – December 31
Where: 649 E 9th St
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
Frosty’s is an annual pop-up bar experience that returns to Midtown every holiday season! 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.
When it’s returning: November 2024
Where: Bacall’s (220 W 44th St)
3. Loreley Garden’s Heated Winter Wonderland, Lower East Side
Loreley Beer Garden’s Heated Winter Wonderland is back this November 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 it’s returning: November 14 – January 5
Where: 7 Rivington St
4. Jingle Jangle, FiDi
This Irish Christmas pop-up bar at The Dead Rabbit is heavenly, thanks to their festive decor and outstanding drinks. It’s set to return this November, where you can expect a “nostalgic celebration of Irish family festivities.” There is kitsch-themed cocktails, over-the-top decor, a magical Christmas soundtrack with all your favorite hits, and so much more! Learn more here.
When it’s returning: November 19 – January 5
Where: The Dead Rabbit (30 Water St)
5. 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 turns 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 set to return this November. Learn more here.
When it’s returning: November 8
Where: 78 South St
🎅 Sign up for Santa’s Winter Wonderland waitlist here!
6. 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 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! Stay tuned for reservation info for 2024!
When it’s returning: November 2024
Where: 686 Broadway
7. Maccabee Bar, West Village
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A Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar returns to NYC each holiday season, complete with decor and festive cocktail drinks! It’s typically the only bar dedicated to holiday…serving Hanukkah-inspired food and drink like the Everything Bagel Martini and Latke Sour. While we’re still awaiting for info on this year’s location, we can expect it to pop-up in November so stay tuned!
When it’s returning: November 2024
Where: TBA
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. Stay tuned for info on this year’s return!
When it’s returning: December 2024
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. Stay tuned for an official announcement on when this Bushwick staple is set to return for 2024.
When it’s returning: December 2024
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 it’s returning: November/December 2024
Where: Rockefeller Plaza
11. Sleyenda, Cobble Hill
This fun and flirtatious holiday pop-up in Brooklyn will return 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 Santa’s Boots, Tom & Jerry Mugs, giant Santa heads and more! Stay tuned for more info about this year’s rendition of Sleyenda!
When it’s returning: November/December 2024
Where: 221 Smith St, Brooklyn
12. Camp Porchlight, Chelsea
This West Chelsea bar is welcoming back their holiday beloved pop-up Camp Porchlight this year, 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 curated by the brand new Beverage Director Trevor Langer! Stay tuned for more information on this year’s specifics!
When it’s returning: November/December 2024
Where: 271 11th Ave
This post has been written by BIANCA BAHAMONDES, JUSTINE GOLATA, COREY FULLER, & BRIANNA PERRY