There’s nothing quite like Christmas in New York City. From the real-life magic on 73rd street to a 21-year-old in a soiled Santa outfit splayed out on your doorstep, the signs of the season are popping up all over town.
So why not indulge in a holiday spirit (or four) at one of the 10 highly festive bars we’ve compiled below, all of which have decked the halls to the nth degree this year. From rooftop igloos to knock-you-on-your-ass nog, here’s your guide to maximum merriment.
Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Sippin’ Santa at Boilermaker
East Village
A very Mele Kalikimaka version of the holidays, complete with surfing Santa decor and barkeeps in Hawaiian shirts. This tiki-themed good time also has a roster of seasonal mixes for warming thyself island style, from a Kris Kringle Colada to the signature Sippin’ Santa, a rum-soaked gingerbread number served in a Santa glass. Merry Christmas, brah.
The Holiday Movie Revival Pop-Up at Arthouse Hotel New York City
Upper West Side
For the nostalgic cinephile, Arthouse’s lobby and Wine Bar have both transformed into scenes from iconic Christmas movies, from the house of Kevin McCallister to the living room from A Christmas Story to the burnt Christmas tree from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. And for discerning fans, yes, even Die Hard has a presence. From the swill list, we recommend the Punch served from a leg lamp, an homage to “fra-gee-lay.”
Grinchy Tavern at East Village Tavern
East Village
A Whoville takeover of a go-to watering hole, Grinchy Tavern is all things mean and green, from the Grinchhopper (with green creme de menthe and creme de cacao) to the complimentary green Jell-o shots served at the top of every hour.
158 Loisaida Avenue (map)
Website
Winter Chalet at Industry Kitchen
South Street Seaport
A whimsical scene of classic holiday magic, Industry Kitchen is dripping in sparkling lights, snow-laced trees and reindeer clacking on the roof. Sip a Frozen Peppermint Slide or Spiked Hot Chocolate and nibble on Gingernut Pizza with eggnog frosting.
Winter Rose Holiday Garden Pop-Up at Dream Downtown
Chelsea
Perfect for impressing one’s holiday mate or date du jour, the Dream’s lobby is saturated floor-to-ceiling with 15,000 red roses amidst red velvet loungers with rose-infused cocktails and bites to complete an artful take on holiday hoopla.
355 West 16th Street (map)
Website
Clicquot Chalet at Mr. Purple
Lower East Side
Through February, the hotel rooftop bar and eatery has transformed into the Clicquot Chalet. Step into their “snow globes” dressed with cozy fur throws and cheers with a glass of bubbly or apple cider and rum hot toddy. If you can’t get enough of the whole snowglobe in the sky craze, check out the wintery alternative options at Ophelia and the Winter Hideaway at the Hoxton.
180 Orchard Street (map)
Website
The Holiday Village at The Turk’s Inn
Bushwick, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn-cum-Wisconsin Supper Club and music venue is covered head-to-toe in season’s greetings, from a Christmas tree installation to nutcrackers to a big ‘ol inflatable heated tent with faux fireplac. On Saturdays and Sundays, Turk’s will also feature a Holiday Market with a fine selection of local purveyors and last-minute gifts. Peruse the wares whilst sipping on Spiced Mulled Cider and Hot Toddies.
234 Starr Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Nog Shop at Quality Meats
Midtown
The Smoking Section has paused its regularly scheduled programming over at Quality Meats and transformed into the Nog Shop. One part chic and one part nostalgic, they’re serving up an Aprés Ski Sangria and a Quality Nog that will sneak up on even the seasoned nog veteran.
57 West 58th Street (map)
Website
The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge at The Springs
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
If you’re still looking to pick up a tree, this one’s a double-whammy. Inside you’ll find jolly decorations, cozy fireplaces and jovial cocktails. Outside, Greg’s Trees has set up shop with a serious selection of Firs from the basic Balsam to the stunning Silver, all accompanied by a very Instagrammable sled.
224 Franklin Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Pink Holiday Playground at Magic Hour
Times Square
A very Times Square take on Christmas, the rooftop lounge of the Moxy is fully decked with 12,000 pink, twinkling lights. And they didn’t stop there. The drinks and fare are sharing in the Pantone festivities with on-theme items like a $100 Pink Dough Pie (essentially a boozy, bourbon-glazed doughnut pizza to share) and a Vanilla Vodka Hot Chocolate with edible pink glitter. A little bit Holiday Barbie, but then again, that chick knew how to party.
485 Seventh Avenue (map)
Website
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