Now that holiday season is ramping up, you’ll probably be spending some time with friends, family, and coworkers. If you plan on throwing a private event, holiday get-together, or even a traditional office party, you’ve got to have a place to do it! Depending on the size of your guest-list, price range, and overall atmosphere, there’s a ton at stake to consider when choosing a place. To make it a little easier (and to let you know about them before they’re all booked), we put together a list of the best places around for a private holiday party!
1. The Landing at PENN 1, Midtown
The Landing in Midtown is the perfect spot to throw an event, thanks to their two gorgeous private rooms that can host anything from a holiday happy hour to a group dinner. Their stunning interior that’s influenced by the Roaring 20’s is sleek and filled with colorful artwork, creating an exemplary atmosphere. Plus, their rotating menu curated by head chef Jonathan Ho (who has worked under Michelin-starred chefs) is outstanding and will please any crowd. Learn more here.
Where: 1 Pennsylvania Plaza
2. Kokomo, Williamsburg
Kokomo is a great dining spot if you want to throw a low-effort, high success event. This Carribean restaurant is a Brooklyn staple, thanks to their scrumptious cuisine and elegant dining space. Choose a private dining package in either “The Swing Room” (up to 24 people), “The Paradise Room” (up to 32 people), or “The Champagne Room” (up to 38 people) for a 2-3 hour time frame at a fixed rate. Or for something more laidback, consider one of their open bar packages that grants you access to the areas listed above for a few hours time. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
3. Brooklyn Winery, Williamsburg
Nothing’s cozier than a holiday glass of wine, and that’s what you’ll find (and more) at Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg! Each personalized package here includes in-house catering from Executive Chef Shaun Lafountain, with menus featuring New American cuisine made from Brooklyn Winery’s own renowned, small-batch wines. You’re able to host anything from a family-style dinner service to cocktail parties with an open bar and premium cocktails here, so your options are endless. Venue buyouts are typically capped at 150 people for this spot. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 213 N 8th St, Brooklyn
4. JACX&CO, Long Island City
If you’re looking for your holiday event to have a little bit of everything, consider JACKX&CO, a massive food hall that is now welcoming private events and large groups to their Long Island City space! This mouthwatering food hall hosts a variety of vendors with top chefs that can help elevate your special event, including Taïm, Ghaya, Beebe’s, The Bar at JACX&CO, and more. Plus their rustic and chic space gives off a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You have to check out their seasonal offerings and specialty cocktail menus too! Venue buyouts are typically capped at 300 people for this spot. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 28-17 Jackson Ave, Queens
5. Sereneco, Greenpoint
This beautifully green-filled space in the heart of Greenpoint serves a range of menu options from Executive Chef Dennis Hong directly to your party. Sereneco also offers an elevated beverage program helmed by Owner & Beverage Director Billy Van Dolsen, featuring locally-made spirits, apertifs, and a natural wine program! If you decide on this food/wine bar combo, you can do a partial buyout of the restaurant (12-18 people with $75 3-course menu) or a full buyout (up to 48 people for a dinner and 65-70 for a cocktail hour). Inquire about your event here.
Where: 113 Franklin St, Brooklyn
6. Ray’s, Lower East Side
If you’re looking for a space that feels cozy and friendly, Ray’s in LES will give you the holiday feeling of being together with some special people! Their generously sized bar is the perfect place to host an event of any size and its downstairs speakeasy is the perfect swanky overflow when you’re ready to have a few drinks. Since the decor and atmosphere is so divey, it’s a great spot to have a funky holiday party. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 177 Chrystie St
7. The Skylark, Midtown
This rooftop bar and event space on the 30th floor is likely one of the most picturesque places you could throw your holiday event. Choose between The Skylark’s “Living Room” (complete with a full-service cocktail bar), the “Pool Room,” or take in panoramic vistas from the seasonal rooftop terrace. This spot can host any kind of events, including up to 80 people for a seated dinner and up to 250 people for cocktail events. Both the culinary and mixology experiences are superb here too, so you won’t have to worry about that. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 200 W 39th St
8. The Musket Room, Nolita
The Musket Room is a Michelin-starred restaurant that we highly suggest if you want to ball out on your event. Options here include their Garden Dining Room, which can accommodate up to 25 guests for a seated dinner and 30 guests for cocktails and canapés. Or, for a larger crowd, a full restaurant buyout can accommodate up to 60 guests for a seated dinner and 75 guests for a cocktail reception. Our favorite part though? Their Backyard Garden which accommodates 20 guests for seated lunch/dinner or 30 guests for a reception. Plus, this female-operated spot just launched their tasty fall menu. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 265 Elizabeth St
9. Rainbow Room, Midtown
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The Rainbow Room might be one of the most famous venues for rent in NYC, since it’s located in Rockefeller Center right above the NBC Studios. Their massive ballroom of over 4,000 square feet can fit up to 350 depending on the type of event. Their locally-sourced food menu is as upscale as you’ll find, and their alternative event spaces (like the Private Dining Room and Bar SixtyFive) are other options to entertain in as well. There’s a reason this spot has been hosting A1 events since the 1930s. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza 65th Floor
10. Georgia Room, Flatiron
Although you’ll typically find Georgia Room as a nightclub on the weekends, this vibrant and inclusive lounge is a great spot to rent for an party of your needs. Complete with couches, ample bar space, and open floor plan, this is the perfect spot for a corporate holiday party or even a cocktail hour. The lounge vibes are very strong here, so consider that if you go with this type of venue! Inquire about your event here.
Where: 23 Lexington Ave, Fl 2
11. Crosby Street Hotel, SoHo
Not only is The Crosby Hotel one of the coolest hotels in NYC, but their three private rooms are some of the most luxurious spaces to host an event. Choose between their “Prince,” “Lafayette,” or “Spring” event rooms based on size and get to entertaining! Or inquire about their screening room where you can even throw on a holiday movie to get in the spirit! Inquire about your event here.
Where: 79 Crosby St
12. Tribeca 360, Tribeca
Event production is everything at Tribeca 360, where as you guessed it, the 360 views of the Manhattan skyline are phenomenal. You can host anything from a corporate dinner to a cocktail social hour here, and all under the careful watch of the production crew at Apogee Events. The venue can hold up to 720 people based on the event type, so you can do just about anything here. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 10 Desbrosses St
13. 501 Union, Gowanus
501 Union is a subtle, yet elegant space that’s filled with lofted, natural light and an industrial feel. Their main highlights include opulent wallpaper, custom built globe chandeliers, an outdoor garden space, and two Carrara marble bars. This venue is overseen by Gowanus Hospitality Group, so if you’re going to shell out the money for this stunning venue, you’ll have the help you need to make it a success. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 501 Union St, Brooklyn
14. Current, Chelsea
This 6,000 square foot waterfront venue is perfect for hosting up to 360 guests! Current hosts everything from galas to corporate conferences here, so odds are you’ll be able to get creative for your party. Plus, their state-of-the-art technology in the main space alongside the Hudson River views will be sure to please all. Inquire about your event here.
Where: Pier 60 Chelsea Piers
15. Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg
This historic Brooklyn factory turned hotel is another great event space located in Williamsburg. The Wythe Hotel’s 7 versatile event spaces can fit up to 350 based on event type, and their in-house event staff makes planning a party so much easier. Since this hotel was once a factory, the chic and rustic vibes of each space is one of our favorite aspects of booking here. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
16. Gemma, East Village
Looking for more of a dinner/drink party than a full venue takeover? Try Gemma. This Italian Trattoria located on the ground floor of The Bowery Hotel serves the finest seasonal cuisine with an extensive Italian wine list in an ambient setting. For parties of 12+, they offer group dining rates that come with a prix-fixe menu. Inquire about your dinner here.
Where: 335 Bowery
17. Locanda Verde, Tribeca
Locanda Verde’s warm and comfortable atmosphere, leisurely Italian spirit, and heartfelt cooking are just some of the reasons it makes our list for best holiday dining options. Their private dining room which features a working stone fireplace, and brick-lined arched windows can fit up to 60 guests! Inquire about your event here.
Where: 377 Greenwich St
18. Pineapple Club, East Village
The Pineapple Club’s cheekily decorated interior makes it one of our favorite spots to host a holiday party. This cocktail bar and restaurant can host up to 140 people and even allows for customizable spaces and floor plans. If you’re looking for a holiday/tropical crossover theme, you’ve found your spot! Inquire about your event here.
Where: 509 E 6th St
19. Gelso & Grand, Little Italy
Gelso & Grand is another Italian joint whose rustic and elegant private dining space and full bar is perfect for hosting upwards of 100 guests. Their most known for their wood fired brick oven pizzas and cannolis, but the menu is truly full of mouthwatering options. You’re sure to get compliments if you choose this spot. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 186 Grand St
20. Library of Distilled Spirits, Union Square
The glowing library of distilled spirits on shelves and cozy furniture are just some of the things we like about the Library of Distilled Spirits. Their 1,500+ curated spirits from around the world are put to work in the form of innovative cocktails that can please any holiday crowd. With food being served from their sister restaurant Bowery Road, this is a great spot for a holiday dinner and out-of-this-world drinks! Inquire about your event here.
Where: 80 E 13th St
21. Apotheke, Chinatown & NoMad
Apotheke is more of a cocktail bar than anything, so we suggest doing something along the lines of a cocktail reception with passed bites at one of their two locations. As the name suggests, drinks are based on ancient botanicals and restorative and medicinal properties. This is a great spot for casual hors d’oeuvres and drinks for the holiday season. Inquire about your event here.
Where:
Chinatown – 9 Doyers St
NoMad – 9 W 26th St
22. Jungle Bird, Chelsea
Jungle Bird is a sleek cocktail bar that comes complete with a private space called their Canopy Room. It’s an upstairs space with a private bar that holds 75 people (or can be combined with the main bar to hold up to 185). In terms of food, they have a full menu to choose from, and it can be set up beforehand, with a choice of either 3 seasonal dishes or 5 that are replenished every 90 minutes and are in a family style format. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 174 8th Ave
23. Ainslie, Lower East Side & Williamsburg
Whether you’re looking to do a holiday brunch or a full-on dinner, this multi-level restaurant offers a variety of spaces to host a private event. Ainslie’s Williamsburg location offers a cozy living room, spacious beer garden, and quaint rooftop, that all allow for different vibes and sizes of a group. Depending on the space, you’ll be able to fit up to 150 people at this spot. Inquire about your event here.
Where:
Williamsburg – 76 Ainslie St, Brooklyn
Lower East Side – 199 Bowery
24. Hidden Leaf, Midtown
Tucked inside the Midnight Theatre is Hidden Leaf, a beautiful restaurant that focuses on cuisine from southern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, & Vietnam. Private events are available to be booked here, typically for dinner-type parties. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 75 Manhattan West Plaza
25. Cecconi’s DUMBO, Brooklyn
Cecconi DUMBO’s private dining patio is one of the best places to host a party and catch some views on the Brooklyn side of NYC. The indoor section can seat up to 36 people, and even provides an intimate atmosphere too if you want to close up their Venetian blinds. Plus, the food is fantastic here (including brunch), and the cocktails are great too. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 55 Water St, Brooklyn
26. Chatroom, Bushwick
This brand new event & product rental space from the folks at Elsewhere is the perfect space to host anything from happy hours and team lunches to holiday parties and cocktail outings. The venue (with a capacity of 200 standing and 100 seated) offers catering packages, open-bar packages, in-house staffing, floor to ceiling windows, a DJ booth, large projection screens, and so much more! Inquire about an event here.
Where: 599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn
27. MáLà Project, Multiple Locations
With a few different locations around NYC (including a brand new spot in Greenpoint), MáLà Project is a Sichuan dry pot restaurant that makes perfect for a group dinner. Their large party prix-fixe menu for $45 per person is family style, with a choice of two Appetizers/Dim Sum (like Spicy Chicken with Cucumber or Sweet Lotus Root) one Rice or Noodle Entree ( like DànDàn Noodles, MáPó Tofu, or MáLà Dry Pot), and one dessert (like Gold & Silver Manto). Inquire about your event here.
28. Brooklyn Bowl
This multi-dimensional venue in Williamsburg can fit up to 900 people across its 23,000 square feet of space, and it’s a unique experience compared to other venues. Of course the space is vast and the culinary offerings by Blue Ribbon are scrumptious…but the addition of the 16 bowling lanes adds casual fun and competition to your holiday outing! Inquire about your event here.
29. 74Wythe, Williamsburg
Spanning over 15,000 square feet across three stories and four interconnected space, this venue in Williamsburg is breathtaking and can fit up to 800 people. It comes with loads of space…including a hidden cocktail lounge, outdoor courtyard and retractable glass enclosure. It’s a perfect fit for any size group and has lovely Manhattan skyline views too. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 74 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
30. Tavern on the Green, Central Park
Located right on the edge of Central Park, Tavern on the Green and its event space is a picturesque place to book. Their 11 spaces across their venue range in capacity and atmosphere…perfect for whatever size party you’re throwing. Options can range from prix-fixe menu for parties of 24-32 guests to grand corporate events of up to 1,500 people. Inquire about your event here.
Where: 67th St & Central Park West