20 Incredible Christmas Bars in NYC to Experience this Holiday Season

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If you are looking to get into the holiday spirit, there is no better place than New York City. From sparkling lights to festive pop ups, the city turns into a true winter wonderland each December, and it’s something as a local I look forward to every single year. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is by visiting the many Christmas bars in NYC, each one offering its own magical twist on the holidays.

Whether you want cozy corners filled with twinkle lights or over-the-top décor that looks straight out of a Christmas movie, these bars bring the cheer in full force. You can sip seasonal cocktails, listen to holiday music, and soak in the festive atmosphere that only New York can deliver.

Get ready to explore the most fun and festive holiday bars in New York City that will make your December nights truly unforgettable.

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The Best Christmas Bars in NYC: an Intro to Eating & Drinking Your Way Around New York

Before diving into all of the amazing Christmas bars in NYC, let’s go over some important info for visiting!

💸 Are the Christmas Bars in NYC Expensive?

New York City is expensive and the Christmas bars in NYC are no exception. That’s why we recommend going for just a festive drink. Holiday drinks can be upwards of $25 (plus tax and tip), so you’ll want to save a bit of money for experiencing them. They’re certainly worth checking out, but just be aware of this!

❣️ What Part of New York is Best for Christmas Bars?

There are incredible Christmas bars all over New York City! The best area for experiencing many holiday themed bars is Midtown and close to the Seaport, although you can really find them in so many neighborhoods!

We also have a Christmas in NYC Map, which will have all of the pins sharing the best bars, Christmas trees, and holiday activities for you.

✍🏻 Reservations for Experiencing the Christmas Bars in NYC

New York City in December is very busy, and because of this, the top Christmas bars in NYC get packed, even on weekdays.

Most bars in NYC allow you to simply show up and grab a stool at a bar, but some of the rooftops require reservations, and the pop-ups are typically ticketed events. If you have your heart set on any specific bar, we’d recommend checking their site in advance, or showing up once we open to secure a spot.

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22 Incredible Christmas Bars in NYC

Ready to start exploring the best Christmas bars in NYC? From the most festive decorations to incredible rooftops and epic pop-up experiences, this city truly has it all, and we’re here to share every bit of it with you.

🎄 The Best Christmas Bars in NYC for Festive Decorations

Looking for Christmas bars in NYC with the most impressive decorations? Here are the places that truly go all-out for the holidays every year.

1. Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is one of the most over-the-top Christmas bars in NYC, transforming every inch of its Victorian interior with garlands, ornaments, and twinkling lights. Known for creative themed cocktails and a luxe holiday aesthetic, this place is pure festive magic.

Grabbing a drink at Oscar Wilde is one of the best things to do in December in New York, and It’s a place we just keep coming back to year after year.

2. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

Lillie’s has the same owner as Oscar Wilde, so it’s no surprise that its decked out in the same manor. With old-world decor and grand holiday displays, Lillie’s Victorian feels like stepping straight into a Christmas movie.

They have two locations – one in Midtown and the other in Times Square, making them the perfect spots to grab a drink after exploring some of NYC’s top holiday displays in the Midtown area. Both locations go big on seasonal cocktails and cozy festive vibes, and they also have great bites to pair with them.

3. Sveta

Sveta on Carmine Street in the West Village is a standout among Christmas bars in NYC for its whimsical cocktail presentations and festive atmosphere. The ceilings are draped in pink blooms and fairy lights.

The bar serves specialty drinks in creative pieces such as tea sets and vases, making it a destination where the décor is part of the entire experience.

Sveta is a cool and unique place year round, but it definitely shines even brighter during the holiday season.

4. Blitzen’s

Looking for a cozy bar in NYC for Christmas? Blitzen’s is a true gem with it vibrant neon lights and cozy pub-like atmosphere, and is located inside the Omni Berkshire Place Hotel.

5. The Mean Fiddler

The Mean Fiddler puts a lively and fun spin on the season, with Christmas music, fun drinks, and late-night energy. It’s perfect for a quick drink in Midtown, or great for groups looking to dance the night away.

6. Watermark Winter Wonderland

Right on the waterfront at Pier 15, Watermark creates a cozy seasonal village with private glass houses, festive cocktails, and stunning skyline views. It’s ideal for those who love Christmas bars in NYC with an outdoor twist, and has plenty to offer other than just drinks.

7. Pete’s Tavern

As one of the oldest bars in NYC, Pete’s Tavern goes all-in on holiday decor, turning the entire space into a warm, classic Christmas wonderland. It’s beloved by locals and an absolute must if you’re looking for things to do in NYC during the month of December.

8. Loreley Beer Garden

This Lower East Side beer garden becomes a German-style winter lodge each December, offering mulled wine, hot chocolate cocktails, and outdoor fireplaces. It’s one of the coziest Christmas bars in NYC for groups and winter vibes, and also doubles as one of the top Christmas restaurants in NYC.

9. Valerie

Elegant yet festive, Valerie offers a classy holiday experience with gold accents, soft lighting, and seasonal cocktails. The Christmas décor adds a touch of glamour without feeling over the top — perfect for a date night or holiday gathering.

10. White Horse Tavern

A West Village institution since 1880, White Horse Tavern keeps things classic yet cozy during the holidays. With its vintage charm, soft lighting, and a touch of holiday décor, it’s the perfect spot for a warm drink on a winter night.

👀 The Best Rooftop Bars in NYC for Christmas

There’s nothing like a good rooftop, and New York sure knows how to do them. Spectacular views aren’t just reserved for summer here, as the bars make their rooftops cozy, with everything from heated igloos to offering robes to keep customers cozy.

11. Ophelia Lounge NYC

Set in a 1920’s penthouse overlooking the East River, Ophelia goes glamorous for the holidays with sparkling decor and an elegant seasonal ambiance. It’s perfect for a classy Christmas night out, and one of the best Christmas bars in NYC for treating yourself.

12. Mr. Purple

Located on the Lower East Side, Mr. Purple mixes holiday style with chic NYC rooftop energy. Expect festive cocktails, heated outdoor seating, and absolutely killer views of the skyline.

13. 230 Fifth Rooftop

230 Fifth brings is one of the most iconic rooftops in New York, and shines even brighter during the holidays. They have heated rooftop igloos and rent out robes making the atmosphere extra cozy.

Pair that with incredible skyline views, a backdrop of the Empire State Building, and vibrant photo ops and you have yourself one of the coolest Christmas bars in NYC for winter rooftop vibes.

14. Magic Hour Rooftop

Magic Hour is one of the most iconic rooftop bars in Midtown, and they have seasonal decorations on their famous carousel year-round. Christmas is exceptional, with perfectly frosted trees and twinkling lights adoring the moving merry-go-round.

Located at the Moxy Hotel next to Times Square, Magic Hour is the perfect place to grab a fun cocktail straight from the train station or while hopping around Midtown during the holidays.

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15. Salon de Ning

Sitting up on the top of the best Christmas hotels in NYC – The Peninsula Hotel, Salon de Ning turns into a romantic holiday rooftop with seasonal décor and cozy seating each December. It’s a stylish pick for celebrating Christmas in NYC above the bustling streets, with a perfect location across from Penn Station.

16. Somewhere Nowhere

Somewhere Nowhere is one of the trendiest rooftop bars in NYC, and is the place to go if you’re seeking something totally exclusive.

The bar goes big with immersive decorations, DJ nights, and views of the Empire State Building, and they also have gorgeous teardrop igloos that you can rent out. If you want one of the most chic rooftop Christmas bars in NYC, this rooftop lounge is definitely one for the bucket list.

🎊 The Best Christmas Bars in NYC: Special Popups

While New York’s bars go all out on decor, there are also some venues that offer really incredible pop-up experiences during the holidays that you won’t want to miss! They’re typically ticketed events, and get really crowded, so you’ll want to purchase your spot in advance and plan to arrive early for these ones.

17. Miracle Bars

Miracle is the original holiday pop-up that started it all, and the East Village location continues to deliver over-the-top décor and some of the best holiday cocktails in the city. It’s a staple when exploring Christmas bars in NYC, and now has locations all over the country!

18. Holly Jolly Bar

Holly Jolly Bar is a colorful pop-up filled with holiday props, themed drinks, and tons of opportunities for photos. It’s a fun place to grab cocktails with friends and embrace the season.

Ticket slots run on a 90-minute period, and include a welcome drink, and you can also grab some holiday-themed bites.

19. Emo Christmas

We have a brand new experience for the Millenials out there! Emo Christmas features pop punk music, emo decor, and a totally different Christmas atmosphere this year. It’s fun, nostalgic, and a unique twist on the traditional holiday pop-ups in NYC.

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20. Mariah Carey Christmas Pop-Up

All hail the Queen of Christmas! This themed pop-up celebrates Mariah’s iconic holiday music with décor inspired by her albums and nonstop festive vibes. It’s unique to New York City, and truly an iconic Christmas pop-up for the millennials out there.

21. Frosty’s Christmas Bar

Frosty’s is a fully immersive pop-up featuring multiple floors of themed rooms, live entertainment, and festive cocktails. If you love a party atmosphere, this is one of the most energetic Christmas bars in NYC.

22. Noche Buena

Noche Buena offers a totally different experience than the other Christmas bars in NYC! It offers a Latin-inspired Christmas celebration with themed drinks, bold decorations, and festive music. It’s the perfect twist on traditional holiday vibes, and has beautiful views of Manhattan from across the river.

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The Best Christmas Bars in NYC: Final Tips & What’s Next

Visiting Christmas bars in NYC is one of the most magical ways to experience the city during the holidays. With their dazzling decorations, creative cocktails, and festive energy, these spots bring joy to every corner of the city.

Each one offers something special, whether it is a cozy night with friends or an unforgettable photo opportunity under thousands of twinkling lights.

Before you go, remember that many of these holiday bars book up quickly, so it is best to make reservations or purchase tickets in advance. And while you are enjoying the holiday spirit, do not forget to tip your servers and bartenders who help make the season so special.

Most importantly, relax, have fun, and soak in every bit of the Christmas magic that makes New York City unlike anywhere else in the world.

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👀 What’s Next?

Now that you know all of the incredible Christmas bars in NYC, let’s help you explore all of the other ways to enjoy New York City!

Here are some other Christmas in NYC guides that will help you plan your trip:

🍴17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC
🏨 Top Christmas hotels in NYC
🎅🏻 29 Christmas Activities in NYC
🎄 The Top Christmas Trees in NYC
✨ The 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in NYC
🪟 The Best Window Displays in NYC
🎁 Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
📆 52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York
⛸️ 13 best ice rinks in NYC
❄️ A guide for winter in NYC
⭐️ The ultimate guide to Christmas in NYC

Want to learn more about visiting NYC? Here are our other New York guides:

✈️ How to Get from EWR to NYC
🛫 How to Get from LGA to NYC
🛬 How to Get from JFK to NYC
🌷 Guide for Spring in NYC
📆 Unmissable Spring Events in NYC
🍝 30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try
🌸 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
💧 The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York
❄️ Visiting NYC in Winter
📸 16 Favorite Instagrammable Places in NYC
💝 The Best Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in NYC
🤑 10 Things to Do in NYC for Free
📖 The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
🚇 How to Get Around NYC Like a Local
🎾 Experiencing the US Open in New York
🍁 20 Amazing things to do in fall in NYC
🎟️ 25 Fall events in New York
🍂 A guide for visiting New York in Fall
🎃 Halloween in NYC guide
🪦 Sleepy Hollow day trip from NYC
👻 Halloween in the Upper West Side

…and more coming each week!

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Christmas hotels in New York City! As a local, I love sharing about the best places to stay, see, and experience in New York, especially for this magical time of year.

Looking for more info about spending Christmas in New York? Don’t miss out on our other New York travel guides! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, for updates on our newest articles each week, and to get exclusive content and discounts.

Looking to plan the most magical trip to New York this holiday season? We’re here to help! From customized itineraries to finding you affordable flights, Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning will take care of it all, with a truly special local touch. Want to learn more? Sign up for your free consultation!

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