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
3 Mitchell Place, Midtown
Perched atop Beekman Tower in Midtown East, Ophelia, an Art Deco-inspired rooftop cocktail lounge, is decked out for the holidays. As part of the festive transformation, the bar features hundreds of candles, cozy and warm white rugs, and wall projections of snowy landscapes. The festive destination is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays while enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
This holiday season, Pier 15’s Watermark will once again become a joyous winter wonderland. Running through December 30, 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 Pop-Up Cocktail Bars
364 Atlantic Avenue, Boerum Hill; 48 Cypress Avenue, East Williamsburg; 649 East 9th Street, Alphabet City; 35 West 8th Street, Greenwich Village
Miracle, the original holiday cocktail pop-up bar concept founded by Greg Boehm, returns with four locations across the city 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 at Someday is open through January 4, while Miracle at Vacations, Ninth Street, and 8th Street are open through December 31.
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.
Through January 4, 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.
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.
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. Head over to Molly’s this holiday season and enjoy a pint of Guinness under glowing red string lights and other festive decorations.
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.
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.
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.
Times Square’s Margaritaville Resort is celebrating the holidays in style at its 5 o’Clock Somewhere rooftop bar. At their “Christmas Island” pop-up 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.
Gnomeo’s
118 St. Marks Place, East Village
The East Village’s cocktail bar Romeo’s is transforming into “Gnomeos,” turning the already quaint bar into a cozy, festive holiday paradise. The festive decor includes wreaths, garlands, and sparkling Christmas trees, with the holiday spirit even spilling outside with a redesigned Gnomeo’s logo. In addition to the decor, the bar will offer a seasonal cocktail menu with winter-inspired drinks, including “Romeo’s Homemade Eggnog,” “Gingerbread Mule,” “Holiday Appletini,” a “Sweet Potato Milk Punch,” and other creative concoctions.
Williamsburg’s Sunday in Brooklyn restaurant is now “Snowday in Brooklyn,” a seasonal apres-ski holiday pop-up. The cozy, wood-paneled space now doubles as a warm, winter getaway, complete with a special holiday-themed menu featuring seasonal cocktails and festive bites.
The city’s only rotating restaurant, perched above Times Square and completing a full 360-degree turn every 45 minutes, has transformed into a holiday snowglobe in the sky. The upstairs bar and lounge now features festive decor and seasonal cocktails, including a “Gingerbread Old Fashioned,” “Peppermint-tini,” and “Le Decadent.” You can make a reservation here.
Offering an over-the-top, 21+ Christmas experience in the heart of Midtown, Frosty’s pop-up bar returns with all of its holiday splendor–and more. Open through January 4, the bar features seasonal cocktails, interactive holiday photo experiences, twinkling lights, and of course, festive music. Admission starts at $30.78 and can be purchased here.
The Grinch might be around, but he won’t steal the holiday cheer at Roberta’s in Bushwick. The beloved pizza spot has turned its back room into a festive tiki bar for the third year in a row, featuring seasonal cocktails, gingerbread house contests, and Christmas trees all month long. Roberta’s Domino Park and Penn Plaza locations will also feature holiday lights, decor, and even surprise visits from Santa. Reserve your spot here.
Chelsea’s Porchlight bar has launched its seasonal holiday pop-up, Winter Camp Porchlight, an apres-ski-inspired retreat designed for festive happy hours and cozy get-togethers. The cocktail menu features drinks like the “Frozen Grasshopper,” the “Jack Frost” with brown butter-washed apple brandy, “Aged Egg Nog,” “Winter Spritz,” and the “Campfire Old Fashioned” topped with a toasted marshmallow. Walk-ins are welcome.
Tucked away within the Arlo SoHo hotel, the already quaint and cozy Foxtail cocktail bar is now a glittering, holiday-themed retreat. Patrons can enjoy festive cocktails, including the “Spiked Mexican Hot Cocoa,” “Yuletide Toddy,” “Tree Topper,” and more. Foxtail is also offering a $45 special for two holiday cocktails and your choice of appetizer. You can make a reservation here.
Sveta
64 Carmine Street, West Village
Sveta, the West Village’s European fusion restaurant, has decked the halls for the holidays. Guests can sip Christmas-themed cocktails from festive mugs amid twinkling decorations and a winter wonderland atmosphere.
Los Posados
San Patricios, 8 Erie Street A, Jersey City
Created by the team behind last year’s popular Jingle Jangle holiday pop-up at The Dead Rabbit, Jersey City’s beloved Mexican-Irish cantina and pub San Patricios has transformed into Las Posadas, its own festive seasonal activation. The space has received a full holiday makeover, extending to its food and drink menu, which features festive cocktails such as the “Sleigh Queen,” “Piñata de Navidad,” “Que Pasa, Calabaza?!,” “Turkey Dinner,” and more. Make a reservation here.
Editor’s Note 12/5/25: This story was updated to include additional information and newly added images.
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