Nine NYC Holiday Bars to Visit this December
by Shruti Shah
It’s beginning to a lot like Christmas… cocktails! We’ve rounded up the top NYC spots to get into the spirit, from themed pop-ups to bars and restaurants that are truly decked out for the holidays.
Naughty or Nice at The Skinny
If you’re not feeling the holiday spirit this year, Naughty or Nice at The Skinny might be for you. The Skinny takes a twisted approach to the norm, boasting an anti-holiday themed pop-up this year. Tacky decor, ornate lights, and decorations cover every square inch from floor to ceiling. Santa’s Reindeer heads line red painted walls and living room vignettes with fireplaces provide the perfect backdrop for a Hangry Santa’s workshop. Open now through the end of January.
The Skinny, 174 Orchard Street, New York, NY, (212) 228-3668
The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge at The Springs
The massive 7,500 square foot pop-up lounge is a unique one-stop-shop for holiday cocktails, Fornino Pizza, and Greg’s Trees. A complete line of Christmas Trees will be available for purchase including the “fraser fir,” “noble fir,” “nordmann fir,” “balsam fir,” and the exquisite new “silver fir.” The holiday pop-up will be open starting December 5th until January 1st.
The Springs, 224 Franklin St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, (347) 227-7114
Photo courtesy of The Late Late
The Late Late’s Tacky Winter Takeover
It wouldn’t be the holidays without tacky decorations or tacky sweaters. The Late Late’s tacky winter takeover is not to be missed. Think of your wacky grandmother’s living room exploding with holiday decorations. Warm-up with a number of seasonal specialty cocktails including the “Oh, F…udge!” with Hennessy VSOP, Green Chartreuse, hot chocolate, marshmallow meringue, and peppermint candy. It’s open daily until January 20th.
The Late Late’s, 159 E Houston St., (212) 633-2000
MidWinter Night’s Dream Terrace at PHD
Midtown’s favored all-year-round rooftop has turned into a whimsical dreamland with thousands of hanging twinkle lights, ascending series of winter white and gold floral installations, swings, and cozy blankets. You won’t want to miss this year’s holiday edition of PHD Terrace’s Insta-famous “floral tunnel.” We recently visited and loved the festive new cocktails such as the winterized mojito.
PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown, 210 W 55th St, New York, NY, (646) 756-2044
Photo Courtesy of Miracle
Miracle on 12th Street
Every year, the East-village bar Mace transforms into a miracle pop-up. Enjoy festive takes on classic cocktails, kitschy Christmas decor, and nostalgic vibes. Miracle on 12th Street is just one of the themed locations. The pop up Christmas Cocktail Bar concept, Miracle has locations throughout the country. Enjoy holiday drinks in playful, Santa-shaped mugs. Try Miracle’s signature cocktails (including the “Christmapolitan” and “Run Run Rudolph”) as well as the newly-created “SanTaRex,” served in a bright green tyrannosaurus rex ceramic mug.
Mace, 505 E 12th St, New York, NY, (347) 866-7739
Pink Holiday Playground at Magic Hour
Moxy Times Square’s Magic Hour has been transformed into a pink oasis with ceilings covered in hundreds of hot pink twinkle lights, oversized rotating mirror balls, and human-sized festive bears. The festive decor is all anchored by a central carousel to create a one-of-a kind experience for the season. Indulge in holiday bites and beverage offerings such as Magic Hour’s “dough-pie” pink edition, a glittery “snow globe” cocktail, and an oversized “disco ball” red sangria.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY, (212) 268-0188
Photo Courtesy of 6sqft
Pete’s Tavern
For over 30 years, this historic Italian restaurant has been decking the halls with lights. Adorable and intricate dioramas are prominently displayed in the windows for those passing by. The restaurant serves up incredible dishes and serious holiday vibes. Revel under the red lights with a cocktail in hand.
Pete’s Tavern, 129 E 18th St., New York, NY (212) 473-7676
Rolf’s
Rolf’s is an obvious choice for over-the-top holiday decor because the ambiance is truly unparalleled. Year after year, the German restaurant never ceases to amaze us. Be prepared to wait in line. All surfaces in the restaurant are covered with lights, wreaths, and colorful ornaments. Sip on mulled wine, spiked eggnog, and other festive drinks. Holiday decorations will be up until March.
Rolf’s, 281 3rd Ave. New York, NY (212) 477-4750
Photo Courtesy of Sippin’ Santa
Sippin’ Santa at Boilermaker
Looking for that Christmas in July feel? Enjoy a tiki Christmas twist at Boilermaker in the East Village for Miracle’s sister pop-up, Sippin’ Santa. Guests can expect unique tiki-Christmas themed cocktails, including the “Kris Kringle colada” and “Christmas Eve destruction.” Also new this year, the “jingle bowl,” a festive and shareable large format rum punch served in a bowl resembling a hot tub, complete with Santa and his reindeer taking a boozy soak.
Boilermaker, 13 1st Ave., (212) 995-5400