NYC’s most festive holiday bars and restaurants
Nowhere is as picturesque as New York City during the holidays, with iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Bryant Park’s Winter Village, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, and festive decorations brightening every street corner. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sip on seasonal cocktails or somewhere to enjoy over-the-top holiday-themed decor, the city offers many options to revel in holiday cheer. Ahead, find a list of festive bars and restaurants across NYC that will help you get into the holiday spirit (and spirits) this season.
Ophelia’s Snow Globe in the Sky
3 Mitchell Place, Midtown
Perched atop Beekman Tower in Midtown East, Ophelia, an Art Deco-inspired rooftop cocktail lounge, is reopening its beloved holiday-themed Snow Globe in the Sky. As part of the festive transformation, the bar turns into a shimmering snow globe 26 stories above NYC, with crystals and sparkling snowflakes featured throughout. The festive destination is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays while enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark
Pier 15, 78 South Street, the Seaport
This holiday season, Pier 15’s Watermark will once again become a joyous winter wonderland. Running through December 31, Santa’s Winter Wonderland will bring a festive assortment of holiday decorations to the Seaport. The attraction features candy-cane-lined hallways, a game room, a candy bar, and outdoor heated glass houses where patrons can enjoy seasonal food and drinks, including spiked hot chocolate, toasted tableside s’mores, and more, all while taking in stunning waterfront views.
Miracle on Union & Miracle on 9th Street
595 Union Avenue, East Williamsburg & 649 East 9th Street, Alphabet City
Miracle, the original holiday cocktail pop-up bar concept founded by Greg Boehm, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Known for its immersive decor and inventive Christmas-themed cocktails, Miracle serves festive drinks in unique glassware—from Santa-hat-wearing T-Rex mugs to Santa pants-shaped cups. Miracle on Ninth Street is open at Cabinet Mezcal Bar in Alphabet City through December 31. In Brooklyn, Santa has come early to Miracle on Union, located at the bar Thief in East Williamsburg.
Rolf’s German Restaurant
281 3rd Avenue, Gramercy
Perhaps New York City’s most famous holiday-themed bar and restaurant, Rolf’s celebrates Christmas year-round. The iconic restaurant is decked out with roughly 15,000 ornaments mounted on the ceilings and walls, as well as wreaths, garlands, 800 dolls, and 10,000 twinkling lights. Rolf’s incredible decor (delicious eggnog cocktails and pumpkin martinis) is a sight to behold at any time of year but even more so during the holidays.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
249 West 49th Street, Times Square & 13 East 17th Street, Union Square
Known for its stunning decorations all year, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment’s ambiance is elevated even more during the holidays at both New York City locations. The walls are adorned with Victorian-era photographs, stained glass, and memorabilia while soaring ceilings are dotted with vintage light fixtures. During the holidays, the bars become even more charming with wreaths, lights, and ornaments.
Pete’s Tavern
129 East 18th Street, Gramercy Park
Priding itself as the city’s oldest continuously operating bar and restaurant, Pete’s Tavern is a must-visit for spectacular holiday decor. Pete’s tin ceiling is draped with red string lights, while sparkling ornaments, nutcrackers, and other festive decorations adorn every nook and cranny of the restaurant.
Papillon Bistro
22 East 54th Street, Midtown East
Midtown East’s Papillon Bistro brings the festive decorations of Fifth Avenue, located just steps away, into their warm, inviting space. During the holidays, the establishment is decked out with string lights, ornaments, garlands, trees, and every other festive decoration imaginable. Papillon is a sister restaurant to Lillie’s and Oscar Wilde’s, also featured in this list. The restaurant is walk-in only during the holiday season.
Oscar Wilde
45 West 27th Street, Flatiron District
Embodying the wit and flamboyance of its namesake, Flatiron’s Oscar Wilde brings a playful twist to Victorian elegance. The restaurant boasts an impressive art collection with pieces from the 1880s, a magnificent French fireplace from the 1840s, 26 antique clocks, and the city’s longest bar at 118.5 feet. For the holidays, the space dazzles even more with festive decor, complemented by a selection of Christmas-themed cocktails and seasonal menu items. This year, the holiday makeover will be unveiled after Thanksgiving.
Loreley Beer Garden
7 Rivington Street, Lower East Side
From November 14 to January 5, the Lower East Side’s Loreley Beer Garden transforms into a winter wonderland. With seasonal decorations both inside and in an outdoor heated beer garden, the space offers a cozy setting for guests to enjoy holiday-themed drinks and festive decor, free of charge. Expect a slew of decorations, like illuminated reindeer, 6-foot snowmen, candy canes, a sleigh, gingerbread houses, a snow globe display, Christmas trees, and much more. The bar also offers daily happy hour deals and seasonal brunch on weekends.
Tavern On The Green
Central Park West & 67th Street, Upper West Side
Revel in the holiday cheer at one of the city’s most famous restaurants. The landmarked Tavern on the Green, designed by Calvert Vaux and built in 1870, embraces the holiday season with Christmas trees, lights, live jazz, and festive decorations. Enjoy seasonal cocktails like spiced cider and other festive drinks to further liven up the experience, and don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the large Christmas tree in the courtyard. The decorations will be unveiled on the night of the tavern’s tree-lighting ceremony on December 2.
Valerie
45 West 45th Street, Midtown
Known for its creative cocktails and stunning interior, Valerie in Midtown becomes even cozier during the holidays with wreaths, lights, and other festive decorations. The bar has happy hour Mondays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering deals on oysters, cocktails, and other beverages.
Great Jones Whiskey Wonderland
686 Broadway, Noho
Noho’s Great Jones Distilling Co., Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition, invites guests to get warm and cozy with creative holiday cocktails made with their signature whiskey. The distillery’s special whiskey wonderland menu features festive drinks like “Krampusnacht Nip” and “Sleighball Soup,” perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Whiskey Wonderland will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights through January 2025. Reservations can be made here.
Molly’s Pub
287 3rd Avenue, Gramercy Park
Considered one of New York City’s most authentic Irish pubs, Gramercy’s Molly’s Pub transforms its warm and rustic space with a festive Christmas makeover. The pub is also offering a Christmas prix-fixe menu for $60 per person, which includes a choice of entrée, two sides, and a dessert. Head over to Molly’s this holiday season and enjoy a pint of Guinness under glowing red string lights and other festive decorations.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea
17 Barrow Street, Greenwich Village
Located in a historic, landmarked carriage house built in 1767, One if by Land, Two if by Sea is a beloved date night destination, offering delicious meals in a warm, dimly lit atmosphere. Candle-lit tables, brick fireplaces, and ornate chandeliers under high ceilings enhance the romantic ambiance. During the holiday season, the restaurant is transformed with elegant festive decorations, including twinkling string lights, a glittering Christmas tree, and more.
White House Tavern
567 Hudson Street, West Village
As New York City’s second-oldest bar, White House Tavern has witnessed many holiday seasons come and go. The bar holds a special connection to the festivities, as Welsh poet Dylan Thomas—famous for writing “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”—was a regular here. A life-sized portrait of the poet greets patrons as they stand at the bar. During the holidays, the tavern transforms into a cozy festive retreat, adorned with twinkling lights, sparkling ornaments, and lush decorations that spill onto its facade and outdoor space.
The Churchill Tavern
45 East 28th Street, Nomad
Located in a beautiful two-story space, the Churchill Tavern delivers an authentic English pub experience with a selection of the finest English and local craft beers. The tavern also boasts an extensive menu with traditional English cuisine and more modern fare. During the holiday season, the tavern decorates its already cozy space with classic Christmas decor, including string lights, garlands, trees, and much more.
Margaritaville Resort Times Square
560 Seventh Avenue, Times Square
Times Square’s Margaritaville Resort is celebrating the holidays in style at its 5 o’Clock Somewhere rooftop bar. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails like the “Sleigh Ride” (a blend of Fireball Whiskey, passion fruit tequila, cranberry, and lemon) or the “Kringle & Coke” (spiced rum, lemon, and Coca-Cola), along with other seasonal concoctions while reveling in festive cheer. Younger guests can enjoy hot cocoa and free cookies at the “License to Chill bar,” a family-friendly hub for holiday festivities.
Leyenda
221 Smith Street, Boerum Hill
Known for their creative cocktails and dishes that celebrate the traditions of Latin America, Boerum Hill’s James Beard Award-nominated Leyenda is a great spot for Brooklynites looking to indulge in new culinary experiences surrounded by festive decor. At the end of November, Leyenda transforms into “Sleyenda,” serving festive cocktails in playful mugs. Menu items include the “Nutcracker Old Fashioned,” the “Coquito Ho Ho,” and the frozen “Candy Striper.”
Jingle Jangle at the Dead Rabbit
30 Water Street, Financial District, and The Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South Street, the Seaport
The Dead Rabbit’s beloved Jingle Jangle pop-up is back this year, taking over its three-floor space on Water Street. Established in the Financial District in 2013, the Dead Rabbit has become one of NYC’s most renowned bars, celebrated for its old-world charm and creative cocktails.
The Water Street bar will serve seasonal dishes alongside holiday-themed cocktails, extravagant decor, and an enchanting Christmas soundtrack of classic tunes. You can make a reservation here.
And for the first time ever, the famous bar has also transformed the Rooftop at Pier 17 into a whimsical winter wonderland, with holiday decor, comfy seating, and a limited-time bar serving holiday-themed beverages. Exclusive menu items include the “Naughty List,” a velvety hot chocolate topped with salted caramel cream and an optional shot of booze, “Santa’s Helper,” a refreshing bitter spritz made with gin, blood orange, and grapefruit soda, and “Gingerbread Man,” a bourbon-based drink with gingerbread spices, demerara, bitters, and topped with a gingerbread man-embedded ice cube. Jingle Jangle at Pier 17 kicks off on November 21. Book a spot here.
