There’s no time of year quite like this in New York City…
From Christmas-themed pop-up bars, to lighting displays, to hotels, these NYC locales are just some of the places that typically deck their halls season after season with incredible decor! And we’re helping you bookmark spots to check out in the coming weeks as the holiday season rolls around!
1. Pete’s Tavern, Gramercy
This historical vintage bar has been open in Gramercy for more than a century! Beyond being the city’s oldest operating bar and restaurant, it’s known for it’s out of this world holiday decorations sure to put you in the seasonal spirit.
đź“Ť 129 E 18th St
2. Rolf’s, Gramercy
Rolf’s may be the best-known spot in NYC for a festive meal, and that’s for good reason! Loads of shiny ornaments typically transform the space and make for the ultimate photo-op!
đź“Ť 281 3rd Ave
3. Papillon Bistro & Bar, Midtown
The Papillon Bistro is the perfect place to escape the cold. Upon entry you’ll immediately be transported into Christmasland! Decked out with larger-than-life stockings, sparkling lights, and garland wrapped everything.
đź“Ť 22 E 54th Street
4. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, Times Square or Union Square
More casually known as just “Lillie’s,” this classy joint on 17th Street was completely decked for Halloween and now it’s filled with extravagant decorations for the holiday season!
đź“Ť 13 East 17th St
5. Miracle on 9th Street, East Village
Get your reservation in at Miracle on 9th Street, one of the most magical holiday pop-up bars in NYC going. It’s been around since 2014, and their staple holiday dĂ©cor and festive, well-crafted cocktails (like the Christmapolitan, Snowball Old-Fashioned, and Jingle Balls Nog) are sure to impress. There’s also another Miracle location in Brooklyn! that has awesome decorations too. Learn more about both of them here.
đź“Ť 649 E 9th St
6. Valerie, Midtown
Take in two levels of cocktail creations at this beautifully decorated bar. Stop in for lunch, happy hour, or dinner and enjoy all of the holiday madness from wreaths, lights, and bows!
đź“Ť 45 W 45th St
7. Loreley Beer Garden, Lower East Side
You can go in or out at Loreley’s—yes, even at this time of year. It has the largest heated patio on the Lower East Side and it’s extra cozy during this time of year! If you haven’t tried one already, you’ll definitely want to sip on one of their boozy holiday drinks.
đź“Ť 7 Rivington St
8. Oscar Wilde, NoMad
New Yorkers have grown to expect only the most outlandish and spectacular seasonal decor from Oscar Wilde as they continue to out-do themselves each and every year. After a smashing Halloween installation, their holiday decor is even more jaw-dropping.
đź“Ť 45 W 27th St
9. Atlantic Grill, Upper West Side
Influenced by the drama of Lincoln Center, we hope to see a gorgeously decorated tree in the luxurious space again this year. We love admiring the red and blue velvet curtains draping down alongside forest green leather seats while we savor some delicious seafood.
đź“Ť 50 W 65th St At, Lincoln Center Plaza
10. The Churchill Tavern, Flatiron
The Churchill Tavern could very well be in England—they offer English classics with a twist like black pudding croquettes, Scotch eggs and fish ‘n chips, as well as a wide range of British and local beers. They usually deck their halls for the holidays with loads of garland, bows and lights, and have a snug fireplace so it’s a wonderful spot to curl up with a pint.
đź“Ť 45 E 28th St
11. Molly’s Shebeen Bar + Restaurant, Kips Bay
Grab a drink under the hundreds of glittering lights strung across the entire space. Molly’s makes for a spectacular spot to hide from the cold and cozy up to a cocktail.
đź“Ť 287 3rd Ave
12. Paddy MaGuire’s Ale House, Gramercy
This Irish tavern always goes all-out for the holidays. Stop by to enjoy the festive decor, play pool, and guzzle down some beers.
đź“Ť 237 3rd Ave
13. Frosty’s Pop-Up Bar, Midtown
This holiday pop-up bar in Midtown has returned with its 3 floors of holiday decorations! You’ll find everything from wreaths and ribbons to life-size toy soldiers here, all while knocking down a few festive cocktails like the Baby, it’s Cold Outside Martini or the Very Merry Punch. It’s important to note that this pop-up is ticketed at $25 per person and reservations can be made here.
đź“Ť 220 W 44th St
14. Leyenda, Carroll Gardens
Enjoy the spirited return of “Sleyenda,” a pop-up in Brooklyn featuring over-the-top festive decorations, holiday-themed hand-crafted cocktails (like the Nutcracker Old-Fashioned and Coquito Ho Ho Ho), and so much more! Learn more here.
đź“Ť 221 Smith St, Brooklyn
15. Tavern on the Green, Central Park
Central Park is gorgeous during the holiday season, thanks to the snow, Wollman Rink, and incredible restaurant Tavern on the Green. Not only do they transform their iconic eatery into a decorative wonderland, but they also host incredible Christmas brunches throughout the season.
đź“Ť W 67th St (in Central Park)
16. La Grand Boucherie, Midtown
This beloved French brasserie in Midtown is bringing the Parisian holiday fantasy to life, housing a 26-foot Christmas tree in its grand lobby, with approximately 1,000 ornaments and 15,000 string lights adorning its branches, while 700 feet worth of garland will sparkle throughout the space! This is all while you feast on their special holiday menu of course. See all of La Grande Boucherie’s Christmas specials and reserve a table here!
đź“Ť 145 W 53rd St
17. Feste at The Standard, East Village
Lined with green garland, Italian Christmas trees, and plenty of mistletoe, this holiday pop-up inside The Standard, East Village is worth a meal this holiday season! The Feste seasonal activation is here through early February, and they’re serving up a tasty Italian menu inspired by Chef Angela Bazan’s Sicilian heritage. There’s also special menus too like a Christmas Eve Feast of Seven Fishes and Christmas Day brunch. See the full offerings and reserve a table here!
đź“Ť 25 Cooper Sq
18. Jingle Bell Book & Candle, West Village
Stop by Bell Book & Candle through December 30th to see their festive “Jingle Bell Book & Candle” takeover, which features plenty of decor and yummy holiday cocktails! Sip on drinks like the Canela Navidad (cinnamon-infused Cazadores tequila, lemon, grapefruit) or the Scrooged (rosemary infused Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Bacardi black barrel rum, Christmas spice, angostura). We can promise you’ll love it! See the full menu and book your reservation here!
đź“Ť 141 W 10th St
19. Linden’s, SoHo
Dine in a cozy yurt at the brand new Lindens Winter Village, nestled into the Arlo SoHo during holiday season! Guests can enjoy a three-course meal complemented by delightful seasonal cocktails, perfect for enjoying with friends and family! The yurts seat around 8-10 people and price out at about $95 per person for meal and drinks! It’s soooo cozy. See the full menu and reserve your spot here!
đź“Ť 2 Renwick St
20. Wildflower, Chelsea
With its playful vintage vibe, botanical-based cocktail specials, creative variations of gin and tonics, and New American Cuisine, Wildflower deserves a spot on the “nice” list for sure. Nestled next to the Highline, the restaurant features an outdoor patio with a retractable roof year-round. Trust us, you wouldn’t mind accessing it in any type of weather.
đź“Ť 505 W 23rd St
Cheers to some festive opportunities this winter! Where are you venturing?