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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! There’s not a more magical time than the Holiday season in New York, with so much to be seen and done: watching the tree go up at Rockefeller Center, gazing at Fifth Avenue’s store windows, ice skating in Central Park, browsing the outdoor holiday markets, a show with the Rockettes, and for those with the Christmas AF spirit, trekking all the way to Dyker Heights for the outrageous lights. But if you’re like me (been-there-done-that-blasé-New-Yorker), you’ll be more into the cool Holiday pop-ups! Here are the most festive NYC spots to cozy up to this winter!
⇒ The Winter Garden at the Standard East
25 Cooper Sq.
East Village
www.standardhotels.com
One of the bigger yurts with three separate seatings
One of the most enchanting holiday pop ups is The Standard East Village‘s annual Winter Garden,on the corner of Bowery and 5th St. For the holiday season, the hotel’s patio decks the halls into a winter wonderland with cute heated Alpine yurts in which you can cozy up while enjoying a fondue feast. Some are big enough for groups (great holiday event idea), and the smaller ones are crazy romantic – I can only imagine what goes on behind closed yurts! Although the tents are well heated, you can also borrow one of their complimentary furs while you sip on your hot toddy. To enjoy the yurt experience this winter, make sure to email wintergarden@standardhotels.com for reservations – be patient, they usually take more than a day to answer. Bookings fill up, and the last seating is at 8:30pm. They also generally require a minimum spend depending on the number of people. You can order à la carte, but make sure to enjoy their fondue for $35pp. The fondue is decent (how can you mess up melted cheese amiright), the food is overall very average, but the atmosphere is unbeatable and service is super friendly.
Traditional Fondue Feast
We were lucky enough to be just two of us in this romantic small yurt!
Winter Garden Hours
Mon-Fri: 4pm-9pm / Sat- Sun: 12pm-9pm
⇒ SERRA ALPINA by Birreria at Eataly
Eataly NYC Flatiron, 200 5th Ave, 14th floor
Flatiron
www.eataly.com
The packed Eataly rooftop space for the Holidays
The 2019 holiday season turns Eataly’s glass-enclosed beer garden into a winter greenhouse inspired by the Italian Alps’ Stella Alpina. The large rooftop space located on the 14th floor of Eataly NYC Flatiron is filled with festive ceiling fixtures and lights, rustic tables, and an always-buzzing holiday crowd, all whilst enjoying Flatiron/Midtown skyline views. Walk-ins are welcome (especially for the bar area), bur reservations are highly recommended. The menu highlights simple Italian plates and winter comfort food classics. Serra Alpina is best for after work happy hour, where you should order one of their craft seasonal cocktails or vin brulé while nibbling on a cheese board. Food is meh, service is meh, but the vibe and setting are enchanting!
Open through the winter, from 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, 11pm on weekends
This cute private alcove table can be booked for private dining with a $850 minimum. Sits 10-12 people
⇒ MIRACLE Pop Ups Cocktails bars – several locations:
MIRACLE on 12th St at MACE
505 E 12th St
East Village
www.macenewyork.com
11/25-12/31 | Mon–Wed 4PM–2AM / Thurs–Fri 4PM–3AM / Sat 2PM–3AM / Sun 2PM–12AM | Reservations Available for 5+ at info@miraclepopup.com or (347) 866-7739
MIRACLE on 9th St at The Cabinet
649 E 9th St.
East Village
www.thecabinetnyc.com
11/18-12/31 | Mon–Fri 3PM–2AM / Sat & Sun 1PM–2AM | No Reservations
MIRACLE at Livingstone manor
42 Hoyt St.
Brooklyn
www.miraclepopup.com/locations
Mon–Thurs 4PM–2AM / Fri & Sat 1PM–4AM / Sun 1PM–2AM | Reservations Available for 10+ on certain nights with required minimum tab (info@livingstonmanorbk.com)
Santa Craft Cocktail at Miracle on 9th St
For the sixth season in a row, Christmas threw up into Miracle pop ups! A handful of NYC cocktail bars become a “Miracle”, a Christmas-themed pop-up concept born in 2014 and that has since expanded to several locations throughout the world. Every holiday season, the MACE bar space and its peers become Christmassy AF, with super kitschy holiday magic at every corner, from the over-the-top Christmas decorations to the holiday-themed drinks in Santa mugs. Crowd is young and lively, and lines are often out the door on evenings and weekends, but great stop for a one-time visit.
9th Street View
Always packed bar
⇒ Sippin’ Santa at BOILERMAKER
13 1st Avenue
East Village
www.boilermakernyc.com
Basically the almost-identical concept to the Miracle popups, but with a Tiki twist. Sippin’ Santa at Boilermarker is the companion pop-up to Miracle where Christmas meets Tiki, i.e. Santa on a surfboard instead of a sleigh and palm trees instead of pine. It’s also more underrated than the other popups so likely easier to get into. Cocktails are tropically festive and they apparently serve a decent burger!
11/25-12/31 | Mon–Wed 4PM–2AM / Thurs–Fri 4PM–4AM / Sat 12PM–4AM/ Sun 12PM–2AM
Sippin Santa at Boilermaker – Photo: @blakejones
www.boilermaker.com
⇒ Rolf’s
281 3rd Ave.
Gramercy
www.rolfsnyc.com
Christmas threw up at Rolf’s
The restaurant that literally looks like Christmas threw up on it. Rolf’s has been the NYC Holiday institution and a New Yorker tradition for decades. Rolf’s is a somewhat deserted German restaurant the rest of the year, known for its mediocre food and service (although both aren’t that bad to be truthful). But during the holiday season, the place is constantly packed with both locals and tourists, with crazy lines wrapping around the block. The ongoing hype is exclusively due to its over the top, kitschy Christmas decorations that invade every single corner of the Gramercy space. There’s supposedly $65k worth of decorations, with 100,000 lights, 20,000 ornaments, and a bunch of those scary teutonic dolls. If you want to avoid the hours-long lines for the cramped bar area, you’ll need to make a lunch or dinner reservation well in advance by calling 212-477-4750. Every guest must order at least a main course, and prices increase during the holiday season of course. Menu wise, expect an offering of schnitzels, schnapps and egg nog. Portions are huge, and it’s definitely not the most refined meal, but the schnitzel and apfelstrudel are actually very satisfying. I was expecting a tourist trap, but always end up having a lot of holiday fun! Despite the sometimes Grinch service, no one gets in the Christmas spirit quite like Rolf’s!
Open daily for lunch and dinner from noon on until 10:00pm
Holiday Decorations all winter long!
Always packed dining for the holidays
Cramped bar area for those without a rez!
The obligatory Schnitzel!
Their ApfelStrudel is actually delicious – and huge!
⇒ Paddy Maguire’s Ale Houe
237 3rd Avenue.
Gramercy
www.paddymaguiresnyc.com
Paddy Maguire’s Ale House
This place is if you can’t get into Rolf’s – Paddy Maguire’s Ale House is just 2 blocks away and although it’s just another (slightly dodgy) Irish pub, you’ll get your kitschy Christmas light fix (for cheap)!
⇒ The Hoxton
97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
Williamsburg
www.thehoxton.com
Hoxton Williamsburg Winter Hideaway – www.timeout.com/newyork
Last winter, cozy domes invaded The Hoxton‘s courtyard for the first time. This year, the hotel has launched a Winter Hideaway experience where you can dine in your very own gorgeous glass house. Perfect for holiday get-togethers and groups, the glass houses are beautifully curated with blankets and faux furs (and equipped with heating). Depending on the size, houses can seat between 6 and 12 people with a minimum spend of $500, They serve a full winter menu (fondue, chocolate fountains, hot toddies, you name it). Food is very average though, go there for the Williamsburg winter coziness!
Grab a table through March for 1 of 2 seatings each night from 5pm-9pm, 7 days a week.
Last year’s romantic winter domes by night
⇒ Après Arlo at ARLO Soho
Arlo Hotel – 231 Hudson Street
Soho
www.arlohotels.com
Après-Arlo – forbes.com
Last year, Arlo Hotels transformed their outdoor spaces into winter igloo transporting guests to 20th century Antarctica. This year, Arlo Soho’s courtyard becomes the Swiss Alps, or at least the closest rendition of “après-ski” right by the Hudson River. Heated cedar cabins offer cozy hideaways to enjoy a full menu of hot toddies and hearty gut-warmers!
Open through March 15, 2020
⇒ The Lodge at Gallow Green
McKittrick Hotel, 542 W 27th St.
Chelsea
www.mckittrickhotel.com
Crazy cozy lodge at Gallow Green
Outdoor fireplace
Another classic NYC Holiday favorite is The Lodge at Gallow Green, atop the McKittrick Hotel. Every winter, the hotel’s rooftop becomes a super cozy and beautifully curated cabin hideaway, with several rooms and ambiances. This is the most romantic, charming rooftop getaway, that will make you feel like you’re cozying up in your ski cabin, as you snuggle up under plaid blankets by the outdoor fireplace while sipping on your hot cocktail (get the “Sleep No More” cider and rye). Come here with your romantic holiday date (just make sure you behave in the “sleeping bunk” rooms!)
Open Sun-Wed 5pm-12am / Thurs-Sat 5pm-1am
Reservations highly recommended
Lodge rooms – don’t get any naughty ideas!
⇒ Clicquot Chalet at Mr. Purple
Hotel Indigo, 15th Floor, 180 Orchard St.
Lower East Side
www.mrpurplenyc.com
For the second year in a row, Hotel Indigo’s vibey rooftop bar has transformed its poolside space into an après-ski themed pop-up, in partnership with Veuve Cliquot s’il vous plait. Expect a beautifully curated “snow globe” overlooking the sweeping NYC rooftop views, a champagne bar of course, and a $16 hot chocolate (lesson learned: stick with champagne)! The Clicquot Chalet holds approximately 25-50 people so reservations (with a table minimum) are encouraged via Mr. Purple’s website. A trendy (overpriced) Christmassy pop-up, all for the ‘gram!
⇒ Snowday in Brooklyn
Sunday in Brooklyn, 68 South 2nd St, Brooklyn
Williamsburg
www.sundayinbrooklyn.com
Cozy Brooklyn Winter Decor – photo @ericmedsker
sundayinbrooklyn.com
Snowday in Brooklyn is a seasonal holiday pop-up bar in the main Bar Room of Sunday In Brooklyn (you know, that brunch spot with the malted pancakes!). Spend Sunday or any day by enjoying holiday cocktails by the fire place, cozy blankets, tableside raclette, stroopwafel, games for your table and more! They offer limited reservations on Resy but several seats are kept for walk ins.
Sun-Thurs: 5pm-11:30pm / Fri-Sat 5pm-12:30am
⇒ Donner and Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge at Bell Book & Candle
141 W 10th St.
West Village
Donner and Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge at Bell Book & Candle
This season, Donner and Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge takes over West Village’s Bell Book & Candle (last year it was at The Springs in Greenpoint – cf below). This West Village cozy classic becomes an gram-worthy Christmas dream with this short-lived pop up: over the top, kitschy Christmas decor at every corner of this relatively big pub-like space . Festive drinks & a seasonal menu is served at this basement-set American eatery that gets most of its produce from its roof garden!
Until Christmas Monday -Thursday from 4pm – 2am, and Friday – Sunday from 12pm – 2am.
Donner and Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge at Bell Book & Candle
⇒ Ho Ho Holiday at The Springs
224 Franklin St., Brooklyn
Greenpoint
www.thesprings-bk.com
The Springs in Greenpoint during the holidays
After hosting Donner & Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge last year, this season The Springs in Greenpoint becomes the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge for 2019 holiday. The bar’s back patio will even be transformed into a Santa Land with a magical sled for those Instagram-able moments. The lounge will also welcome Greg’s Trees Christmas Market, and he’ll bring his complete line of holiday products, the largest variety of Christmas trees in New York City – very kid friendly!
MON-THURS 4PM – 2AM / FRI 2PM – 2AM / SAT-SUN 12PM – 2AM
HAPPY HOUR 4-7PM MON-FRI
⇒ Snowglobe in the Sky at Ophelia
The Grand Terrace
3 Mitchell Pl., 26th Floor
Midtown East
www.opheliany.com
Ophelia Lounge NYC
The rooftop bar atop the Beekman Midtown becomes a Snowglobe in the Sky with sweeping panoramic NYC views. Snowflakes and lights hang from the ceiling decorating this elegant winter wonderland, along with crystal streamers, fur-lined seats — and (overpriced) cocktails. We’re talking $20 min! Come with your Midtown boss or banker friend ;).
Sun-Wed: 5PM TO 12AM / Thurs-Sat: 5PM TO 2AM
⇒ Sleyenda at Leyenda
221 Smith St, Brooklyn
Cobble Hill
www.leyendabk.com
The Cobble Hill Mexican restaurant Leyenda becomes “Sleyenda” for another consecutive holiday season! They will donate $1 from every cocktail to women-focused organizations like Global Fund for Women, New York Women’s Foundation, Outsmart NYC, and the Me Too Movement. Don’t go without having a coquito por supesto!
Open from 5pm-1am
Sleyenda Hot Toddies
⇒ Grinchy Tavern at East Village Tavern
158 Avenue C
East Village
www.nypost.com
For all Dr. Seuss fans, the EVT is for you! The Grinchy Tavern takes over for the season with Dr. Seuss-esque decor and cocktails inspired by the book and movie. Scenes of the Grinch decorate the walls and instead of regular Christmas trees and garland, you’ll find an upside-down tree, whoville flowers and two Seuss-inspired tress. The Grinchy Tavern pop-up happens daily, from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
⇒ Chumley’s
86 Bedford St.
West Village
www.chumleysnewyork.com
https://ny.eater.com/
This upscale revival of the legendary West Village speakeasy gets a holiday makeover this season! It’s getting more popular around Christmas so reservations are a must. More on Chumley’s and its famous bone marrow burger here.
⇒ Naughty or Nice at The SKINnY Bar & Lounge
74 Orchard St
Lower East Side
www.theskinny-nyc.com
Skinny bar & lounge
The LES bar takes a fun grinch-like take on the holidays with its “Naughty or nice” pop bar, where you’ll find a “hangry Santa” at the bar nightly, as well as “dirty Christmas caroling” singalongs!
Good for drunken late nights until 4am!
They also have drag and burlesque shows, karaoke, trivia, speed dating and ugly sweater parties of course.
SKINnY Bar East Village
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
