There’s no time of year quite like this in New York City…
From Christmas-themed restaurants, 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 although holiday decorations haven’t gone up quite yet, we’re ahead of the game…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 & restaurant, it’s known for it’s out of this world holiday decorations sure to put you in the seasonal spirit.
Where: 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!
Where: 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.
Where: 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 we can’t wait to enjoy the extravagant decoration for the holiday season.
Where: 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 décor and festive, well-crafted cocktails (like the Christmapolitan, Yuletide, and Jingle Balls Nog) are sure to impress. There’s also a sister bar Sippin’ Santa in LES that has awesome decorations too. Learn more about both of them here.
Where: 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!
Where: 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! The Heated Winter Wonderland is opening on November 16 and we couldn’t be anymore excited to sip on one of their boozy holiday drinks.
Where: 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 sure to be even more jaw-dropping.
Where: 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.
Where: 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.
Where: 45 E 28th St
11. Molly’s, 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.
Where: 287 3rd Ave
Hours: Mon (5 pm – 2 am) Tue-Fri (5 pm – 4 am) Sat-Sun (12 – 4 am)
12. Paddy MaGuire’s, Gramercy
This Irish tavern always goes all-out for the holidays. In the coming weeks, stop by to enjoy the festive decor, play pool, and guzzle down some beers.
Where: 237 3rd Ave
13. Frosty’s Pop-Up Bar, Midtown
This holiday pop-up bar in Midtown is set to return with its 3 floors of holiday decorations on November 30! You’ll find everything from wreaths and ribbons to lifesize 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.
Where: 220 W 44th St
14. The Springs, Greenpoint
This Greenpoint spot is set to turn into the “Ho Ho Holiday Lounge” starting November 28, and will be decked out from head to toe in decor! Of course they’ll have delicious Christmas cocktails and holiday bar food too! While you wait, be sure to stop by their happy hour Monday – Friday from 4 pm – 7 pm for deals like a $10 cocktail of the day and $6 craft beer of the day.
Where: 224 Franklin St, Brooklyn
15. 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! It’s set to open up November 25! Learn more here.
Where: 221 Smith St, Brooklyn