17 Stunning & Festive Christmas Restaurants in NYC
If you’re searching for the most festive Christmas restaurants in NYC, you’re in for a holiday treat. From cozy cafes wrapped in twinkling lights to elegant rooftops overlooking the city, New York takes holiday dining to a whole new level.
The city turns into a magical wonderland each December, with sparkling decorations, themed menus, and cheerful vibes everywhere you go. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays, or a local looking for something different, it’s the perfect time to eat, sip, and celebrate this season.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best Christmas restaurants in New York City that truly capture the magic of the season and make your dining experience unforgettable.
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The 16 Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC: What You Need to Know
New York is filled with incredible spots to celebrate the season, but not every place goes all out for the holidays. The best Christmas restaurants in NYC combine delicious food with dazzling decorations, making every meal feel like a festive event.
From cozy French bistros covered in garlands to rooftop spots glowing with fairy lights, there’s something for every kind of holiday mood.
If you’re planning to explore a few this season, keep reading for helpful tips on how to dress, when to book, and where to find the most magical spots across the city.
How to Dress for Christmas Restaurants in NYC
The vibe really depends on where you’re going. Some Christmas restaurants in NYC are casual and cozy, while others are upscale and photo ready. For festive rooftop spots or elegant bistros, you may want to dress up a little with sparkly tops, winter boots, or a classic holiday dress.
If you’re visiting themed bars or cozy cafes like Glace or Ralph’s Coffee Truck, comfy layers and a warm coat are perfect. You can never go wrong with something red or glittery for those holiday photos.
Making Reservations for Restaurants in NYC During Christmas
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for dining in New York, so reservations are highly recommended. Many of the most popular Christmas restaurants in NYC start booking up weeks in advance, especially for dinner and weekend brunch.
Rooftops and special dining spots like igloos or glass cabins tend to fill faster, so arriving early or calling in advance is advised.
Use OpenTable or Resy to check availability, and if you have your heart set on a specific spot, try going on a weekday or booking for lunch instead. Some festive cafes and bars also accept walk ins, but it’s always safer to plan ahead.
Where are the Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC?
You can find festive restaurants scattered all across the city, but the most magical ones are usually in Manhattan. Midtown and the West Village are packed with Christmas themed spots, while SoHo and NoHo are known for their cozy, stylish cafes.
If you want incredible holiday views, rooftop restaurants in the Meatpacking District or near Bryant Park are ideal. For something more local, Brooklyn and Queens have plenty of charming holiday decorations as well. No matter where you go, you’ll find that the entire city sparkles this time of year.
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Incredible Christmas Restaurants in NYC
When it comes to holiday magic, New York knows how to do it right. These incredible Christmas restaurants in NYC don’t just serve great food.
They transform into full festive experiences with glittering lights, cheerful decor, and cozy winter vibes that make every meal feel make you fully dive into the holiday spirit.
The Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC: The Most Spectacular Decor
If you’re searching for the ultimate wow factor, these Christmas restaurants in NYC are the ones that go all out. From ceilings covered in ornaments to entire rooms wrapped in twinkling lights, every corner feels like a holiday movie set. Bring your camera because you’ll want to capture every single detail!
1. Rolf's
Rolf’s is the most iconic of all the Christmas restaurants in NYC. It is famous for its ceiling covered in thousands of ornaments, lights, and tinsel.
The German restaurant feels like stepping into a holiday snow globe and serves hearty dishes and festive drinks surrounded by the most extravagant decorations. It is a true New York City Christmas classic and one you will never forget, and is actually decorated for several months!
We recommend going here early in the season to beat the crowds, or if you plan on visiting in the height of the season to get there super early. (We saw people lining up over an hour before they opened).
2. Papillon
Located near Rockefeller Center, Papillon transforms into a glittering wonderland each December, and is definitely one of my favorite Christmas restaurants in Midtown.
With walls blanketed in ornaments and garlands and bartenders serving up themed cocktails, it is easily one of the most photogenic Christmas bars in NYC. Whether you are stopping by after ice skating or simply soaking in the Midtown holiday lights, Papillon is the perfect spot to toast the season.
Papillon has happy hour on Saturdays!
3. Panna II
If you’re looking for one of the most festive Christmas restaurants in NYC, Panna II is an absolute must. This tiny Indian spot in the East Village is famous for its over-the-top colorful holiday lights that cover every inch of the ceiling.
Walking in feels like stepping inside a Christmas tree, with twinkling bulbs and glowing ornaments hanging above every table. The food is authentic and affordable, but it’s really the wild, colorful atmosphere that makes it a holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike.
4. Raising Canes
Raising Cane’s on Broadway goes all out for the holidays and wraps its entire storefront in sparkling lights and ornaments. While it is technically a fast food spot, this festive display has become one of the city’s most unexpected and viral Christmas stops.
Even if you are not sitting down for a meal, it is worth stopping by for a few fun photos and a boost of holiday cheer.
5. La Boucherie
This French bistro incorporates elegant garlands and lights to match its Parisian atmosphere, and is a sophisticated spot for a festive holiday meal. La Boucherie has 4 different locations in NYC, from petite cafes to grand dining rooms.
No matter which one you choose to go to though, you'll be greeted with stunning decor and delicious French food to go with it.
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6. LouLou
LouLou’s in Chelsea is one of the coziest Christmas restaurants in NYC, especially when it’s all decked out for the holidays.
This is another French bistro which transforms into a winter wonderland each December, with garlands, lights, and sparkling decorations inside and out.
Grab a cocktail by the bar or enjoy French comfort dishes like truffle croquettes or steak frites while the festive lights shimmer through the windows. It’s romantic, lively, and perfect for a holiday night out in the city.
Pssst they also have a speakeasy!
7. Tavern on the Green
Tavern on the Green is a holiday institution, and one of the most iconic Christmas restaurants in NYC. Nestled in Central Park, this historic eatery glows with fairy lights, garlands, and a massive Christmas tree.
Inside, the cozy atmosphere and warm cocktails make it a perfect spot for a holiday dinner or a seasonal drink surrounded by classic New York charm. Outside, you can sit on the heated terrace with glass panels to enjoy the outdoors while keeping cozy.
8. Skin Flints
Over in Bay Ridge, Skinflints offers small town holiday warmth right in Brooklyn. Every year, this local favorite decorates its dining room in old school holiday style and turns into one of the most nostalgic Christmas bars in NYC. Expect friendly service, comfort food, and a true neighborhood vibe.
The Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC: Romantic & Delicate Decor
Not every festive spot needs to be bold and bright. Some of the best Christmas restaurants in NYC are filled with soft lights, candles, and elegant touches that create the perfect mood for a romantic night out. These restaurants capture the cozy, intimate side of the holiday season.
9. Rosemary’s
Rosemary’s adds subtle, tasteful décor to its Italian-inspired space, making it a cozy spot for holiday meals and a nice glass of wine. It's the perfect pick for low-key Christmas charm, with some seriously tasty Italian food.
There are three different Rosemary's locations in the city, so this is a fabulous place you can easily reach no matter what neighborhood you're exploring beforehand.
10. Serra by Birerria
Located above Eataly Flatiron, Serra by Birreria transforms with every season. Winter is when it becomes a snow dusted greenhouse filled with evergreen branches, hanging lights, and cozy winter drinks.
It is one of the most beautiful Christmas restaurants in NYC for anyone who loves a more elegant holiday setting, perfect for lunch time.
11. RH Rooftop Restaurant
For a more elegant Christmas dining experience, RH Rooftop Restaurant at the Restoration Hardware gallery in the Meatpacking District is pure magic during the holidays.
The glass atrium is filled with chandeliers, fairy lights, and beautiful holiday decor that make it one of the most Instagram-worthy Christmas restaurants in NYC. It’s a great spot for brunch with a view or a cozy evening dinner surrounded by city lights and festive charm.
This is where I was surprised for my birthday dinner, and it was such a romantic and beautiful place to dine!
12. One if By Land, Two if By Sea
Known as one of NYC’s most romantic restaurants, this West Village gem becomes even more magical during the holidays with twinkling lights and elegant décor, perfect for a holiday date night.
Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!
The Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC: Cafe's & Bakeries
If you prefer a quick stop of cup of coffee over a full meal, New York has plenty of holiday themed cafes and bakeries that sparkle just as much as the restaurants.
Sip on peppermint lattes, try festive pastries, and enjoy the warm glow of fairy lights while escaping the winter chill. These spots are small, charming, and full of Christmas spirit.
13. Ralph's Cafe
Ralph’s Café on Madison Avenue is one of the most charming Christmas restaurants in NYC, especially during the holidays. Tucked inside the Ralph Lauren flagship store on the Upper East Side, it feels like stepping into a chic winter retreat.
The green and white décor, cozy seating, and warm coffee aroma make it the perfect stop after exploring the beautifully decorate homes in the Upper East side.
Try their signature hot chocolate or a peppermint latte for the full holiday vibe.
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14. Ralph's Coffee Truck
Ralph Lauren’s Coffee Truck outside his Madison Avenue store may not be a full restaurant, but it’s one of the cutest holiday spots in New York, and right in the heart of where the best Christmas decorations in NYC are.
Dressed up with garlands, lights, and festive decor, the truck serves hot chocolate, coffee, and holiday treats that feel straight out of a Christmas movie. Stop by for a quick caffeine fix while shopping along Fifth Avenue or exploring Midtown’s holiday displays.
15. Glace
Glace is one of the best Christmas cafes in NYC, not due to its decor, but actually because of its viral hot chocolate creations. With toasted marshmallow rims and peppermint candy toppings, this is the ultimate holiday treat, and is as delicious as it is Instagrammable.
16. Lafayette Grand Bakery
Lafayette Grand Bakery in NoHo feels like being teleported right to Christmas in Paris. The high ceilings, twinkling lights, and beautiful pastry displays make it a must-visit during the Christmas season.
Come for brunch or a coffee break and treat yourself to their famous croissants or festive desserts. The indoor decorations and warm atmosphere make it one of those Christmas restaurants in NYC that you can’t help but return to year after year.
17. Remi Coffee & Flower Shop
This beautiful coffee shop doubles as a flower shop, serving delicious specialty brews while surrounded by seasonal florals like Pointsettas. It truly is the perfect place to enjoy a slow morning or to work in a peaceful and festive environment.
We suggest trying their signature Rose latte!
The Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC: Final Thoughts, Tips, & What's Next
New York turns dining into an experience during the holidays, and these Christmas restaurants in NYC prove it. Whether you’re visiting for the season or lucky enough to call the city home, make sure to book a festive dinner or cozy coffee stop before the decorations come down.
If you love holiday travel, check out our other festive guides for the best Christmas markets, winter getaways, and seasonal events around the world.
Also, don't forget to plan your dining experiences in advance, and get reservations before the spots book up!
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What's Next?
Now that you know all of the incredible Christmas restaurants in NYC, let's help you explore all of the other ways to enjoy New York City!
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