There is no better place to get into the season's spirit than New York City. Whether you’re going to a holiday show, shopping for the perfect gift, or just looking for something to do- make sure to stop at some of the city's most festive holiday bars and restaurants. The Sarsen Team has compiled a list of NYC's top holiday bars and restaurants that bring a fun and festive ambiance and decor.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden are Astoria’s German-leaning is a spacious setting decked out during the holidays with Christmas trees, even 25-foot-tall one in the garden, along with. 10-foot Santa sled and festive lighting.
(718) 274-4925
Chumley's
Historic speakeasy Chumley’s has been open the last few years as a throwback American restaurant with dishes like whole stuffed squab and lamb Wellington, and come the holidays, the dark-wood dining room is bedecked. Ornaments hang from the ceiling, garlands line the walls, and there lit wreaths hang all around.
(212) 675-2081
City Winery Pop-up at Rockefeller Center
City Winery is popping up on Rockefeller Plaza with its clear heated igloos for the holidays. Lounge in these winter domes during the holidays for a up close view of the iconic tree, skating rink, and Radio City Music Hall. Booked in advance at [email protected] and try some mulled wine, spiked cider, charcuterie and cheese, and more are available.
(646) 751-6033
Frosty’s Christmas Bar
Frosty’s Christmas Bar is back for the 2022 Holiday season better than ever! They have decked the halls across 4 Bars, 3 Levels for infinite possibilities and Christmas fun at Bacall’s & Blue Midtown! with sensational seasonal cocktails, wonderfully interactive holiday photo experiences, lights & music, the party always goes late!
220 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(332) 330-3859
https://frostyschristmasbar.nyc/
The Garret Coctelería
The Garret Bars' immersive holiday pop-up, Feliz Coctelería, is back and more festive than ever, with bright, colorful, festive, and fun! Aside from their Christmas decor, they also do some amazing Christmas-themed cocktails and plenty of photo opportunities!
349 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
(917) 398-3044
https://thegarretcocteleria.com/feliz-cocteleria
Moxy NYC Times Square
Some of the Moxy hotels in NYC — Times Square, East Village, Chelsea — have transformed into a pink fantasy of the holidays, down to pink hot chocolate. Locations feature hot pink twinkle lights, overwhelming pink lighting, pink flowers, pink furniture, and pink Christmas decorations. That aforementioned hot chocolate is made with white chocolate, vanilla vodka, and edible pink glitter.
(212) 967-6699
The NoMad
The Library at the trendy Nomad hotel has a top-notch Christmas tree during the holidays: It’s quite tall, generously bedecked in lights, and trimmed with red and metallic ornaments. Garland-wrapped mezzanine railings complete the festive picture in the space for drinks and snacks. Plus, on Sundays through December 22, the NoMad Bar transforms into a “Holiday Spectacular” with holiday-inspired drinks like a boozy hot chocolate, milk punch with spices, and the Santa’s Little Helpers with vodka, sherry, passionfruit, vanilla, and lime.
(212) 796-1500
Ophelia Lounge NYC
This swanky Beekman Place cocktail lounge is perched on the 26th floor in Midtown East, making for sweeping views of the East River and beyond. During the holiday season, the distinctive space is done up with a “snow globe in the sky” themed decor. That translates to glimmering garlands featuring thousands of crystals, sparkly snowflakes hung from the tall ceilings, and gilded candelabras, with white sheepskin throws draped over the furniture.
(212) 980-4796
Paddy Maguire’s
This is a classic Irish pub in NYC, and they really go all out for the festive season.
If you fancy some casual drinks, some cheap food, and a good time, this is a really nice place to check out.
The decor won’t disappoint, and the vibe here is really lovely too.
PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown
For those looking to get into the seasonal spirit but with secular decorations, head to the PHD Terrace rooftop, where decorations are more winter-themed. There’s a ceiling full of twinkle lights, white and gold flowers everywhere, and tons of greenery. Seasonal drinks include a peppermint mojito and a Goldtini with almond milk, coconut Ciroc, creme de cacao, amaretto, and a gold glitter rim.
(646) 756-2044
Rolf's German Restaurant
If seeking truly extreme Christmas decorations, head to this kitschy, over-the-top Third Avenue German restaurant. Rolf’s is a sight to behold during the month of December, though the decorations are up year-round. A word of warning: If going after 8 p.m., this place might feel like a sorority mixer.
(212) 477-4750
Rosemary’s Enoteca & Trattoria
You can see the massive Christmas tree that sits atop Rosemary's from three blocks away. The dining room at the charming West Village Italian spot also has some tasteful holiday lighting; another, smaller tree packed with gold ornaments, lights, and red bows; garlands on the ceiling; and wreaths adorning the brick walls and the garland-strung staircase to the second floor. Rosemary's is also still one of the top date-night restaurants in Manhattan.
(212) 647-1818
The Springs
Greenpoint cocktail bar the Springs becomes the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge in December with tons of festive lights, a tree, a fireplace, Fornino pizza, and themed cocktails. Plus, there’s a literal Christmas tree shop in the backyard that has a sled for photo opps. There’s a full calendar of events here, too.
(347) 227-7114
Serra Alpina at Eataly
Eataly’s rooftop restaurant Serra always changes with the seasons, and its winter version is decked out with trees, fake snow, and a cabin feel. It’s especially nice to go on a snowy day, as the rooftop is glass. The menu includes hearty dishes such as osso buco; saffron risotto; and fondue with fingerling potatoes, bread, and root vegetables. There are also warm and cold coffee cocktails, including the Truffletini with white truffle-infused vodka.
(212) 937-8910
Old Town Bar
Old Town doesn't go overboard with the Christmas decorations, but the holiday spirit is definitely alive at the bar. This is one of New York's great, old taverns, dating back to 1892, and a very reliable Union Square go-to for low-key drinks, a simple burger, and a handsome mahogany bar. It's big, too, so there shouldn't be too much trouble finding a seat.
(212) 529-6732
Tavern On the Green
This classic tourist stop in Central Park is an excellent place to stop for a drink. For the holiday season, the bar room is full of greenery, a Christmas tree, lights, and frequent live jazz. Try a spiced cider or other festive cocktails to warm up after exploring the park, and be sure to head to the courtyard for a photo op with the towering tree.
(212) 877-8684
