The 10 best holiday-themed bars, restaurants and pop-ups in NYC right now

The Cabinet Mezcal Bar transforms into a Christmas-themed pop-up bar for the holiday season. Officially opening for the season on November 6, Miracle on 9th Street serves up themed drinks along with over-the-top holiday decorations and collectible drinkware. It’s the place to see and be seen for the holidays, both IRL and on your feed. Existing faves like the “Snowball Old-Fashioned” and “Christmapolitan” are joined this year by the “Sugarplum Stampede” and “Sleigh-Saurus,” so come ready to drink even the merriest of elves under the table. 

Address: 649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–1am; Fri, Sat 1pm–1am; Sun 1pm–midnight

Rolf’s is so committed to the bit, it keeps its twinkling lights, dangling ornaments and overall Christmas vibes up 24/7/365. The Bavarian comfort food is legitimately delicious (apple strudel and potato pancakes are a couple of the festive faves), but most of the diners are there to soak in the over-the-top holiday atmosphere. Officially named “The Most Festive Restaurant in America,” Rolf’s brings the holiday heat all year.

During the holiday season, this spot can be especially hard to get into; if you’re trying to visit, plan ahead or prepare for a long wait. 

Address: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Opening hours: Mon–Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

The Dead Rabbit becomes Jingle Jangle, so you can start (or continue!) a holiday tradition. Starting November 16, festive decor, including oversized ornaments and thousands of string lights, plus jolly bartenders in Santa hats, make it a destination for locals and tourists alike. Order up standard pub fare like a Scotch egg and “chips” (that’s fries, for you Yanks), alongside warming drinks like nutmeg-dusted Irish coffee.

If you’re planning a party for the holidays, you can rent out Jingle Jangle for events, with everything from a semi-private booth to a totally custom menu. 

Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–2am; Fri, Sat 11am–3am; Sun 11am–2am

If you’re heading to see the Dyker Heights holiday lights, make sure to stop by this Bay Ridge restaurant before or after—it’s just a five-minute drive away. With glittering lights and old-school charm, both of these longtime NYC traditions are even better together. 

Hearty faves like burgers and pizzas will warm you up after a long evening spent admiring the sparkling homes of Dyker Heights. 

Address: 7902 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11:30am–11pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–1am

This Lower East Side beer garden changes its decor every season; the Heated Winter Wonderland runs November 5 to January 10. 

Loreley decorates its indoor bar and outdoor garden with green boughs, glittering lights and giant ornaments. Get toasty (and toasted) with seasonal drinks like bourbon hot chocolate, spiked eggnog, mulled wine or a hot toddy. 

The garden opens at noon, so heading out early (aka taking a “winter Friday”) is your best bet for getting a choice table.  

Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Sun–Tue noon–midnight; Wed noon–1am; Thu noon–2am; Fri, Sat noon–4am

Now in its 90th year, this long-standing holiday tradition is more than just skating. Head to a rinkside Holiday Chalet or an Anniversary Lodge for groups of up to eight, where you can kick back after working up an appetite. If you’re in the mood for a post-skate plate of pasta, head to Jupiter, the Italian restaurant at Rink Level.

If you’re looking to book a chalet, expect a reservation fee, plus a $25-per-person hospitality minimum. 

Address: 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, New York, NY 10020

Opening hours: Varies by season

This Gramercy tavern has been open since 1864, and O. Henry is said to have written his famous Christmas story “The Gift of the Magi” in its booths.

Sure, it’s got holiday flair, but it’s also the rare seasonal spot with real literary history. See if you can let O. Henry’s spirit guide you to a seat, then order up a hot buttered rum to get filled with holiday inspiration. (At the very least, you’ll get filled with hot buttered rum.)

Pete’s isn’t too far from Rolf’s, so it’s a solid backup if your party can’t get a table at the better-known holiday spot.

Address: 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Daily noon–2am

This Philippe Starck–designed après-ski–style lounge inside Saks Fifth Avenue brings a little extra style to your holiday plans. 

Fireplaces, wood paneling and fancy pots of fondue make Le Chalet at L’Avenue one of the chicest ways to warm up while you take in all of NYC’s holiday windows. Raclette and tartiflette join cocktails by star bartender Nico de Soto. 

Le Chalet is just steps from Rockefeller Center and the Saks light show, so you can plan a full evening around your visit. 

Address: 8 E 50th St, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10022

Opening hours: Mon 11:30am–4pm; Tue–Sat 11:30am–9pm

This annual holiday pop-up takeover turns Sunday in Brooklyn into a “snow day” with cozy blankets, seasonal drinks and more wintry delights. 

Step onto their first floor, which has been totally transformed into a winter escape, and sip a hot chocolate or holiday cocktail while you eat cozy foods to warm you up from the inside out. 

Snowday in Brooklyn is open for dinner only; if you can’t score a reservation, they hold a few spots for walk-ins to come in from the cold every night. 

Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm (seasonally)

This vibey Victorian bar and restaurant redecorates top to bottom for the holidays: think thousands of lights, ornaments, trees and even glowing animals. 

As Oscar Wilde himself put it, “Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess." The bar named for him takes this advice seriously, with decorations so over-the-top you can’t help but be bowled over by the holiday magic. Grab a festive cocktail and comfort food like shepherd’s pie, then settle in for a night defined by excess. 

This year, they’re booking out 30 days in advance, so be sure to score your table before they’re full for the holiday season. 

Address: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 2pm–1am; Thu, Fri 2pm–2am; Sat 11am–2am; Sun 11am–1am