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Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,

The 7 Best Holiday Bars In NYC

Sabrina Ziccardi and Chandler Presson Sabrina Ziccardi and Chandler Presson | November 5, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,

Ophelia-Snow-Globe-Media-Launch-Party-012.jpegThere's nothing quite like the holidays in New York City, but cold weather and the everyday shuffle can make it difficult to get into the holiday spirit. Never fret, these seven festive holiday bars will get you appreciating the magic of the season in no time.

See also: Bank of America Winter Village At Bryant Park Returns To NYC

Miracle on 9th Street

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649 E. 9th St. / 347.866.7739 / Website

Miracle on 9th Street is returning to the East Village at the Cabinet for its 10th consecutive year. Home to the original holiday pop-up bar, Miracle will be decked out with holiday decor and serve festive-themed cocktails. The pop-up bar is now open, so be sure to bring your holiday spirit and enjoy some equally fun and delicious Christmas drinks. Reservations can be made directly on Resy's website.

Frosty's

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220 W. 44th St. / 332.330.3859 / Website

Returning again this year, Frosty’s is located at Bacall’s & Blue Midtown. The pop-up bar will be spread across four bars at three levels for an infinite amount of holiday fun. The event will offer festive photo ops, seasonal cocktails, and more. Sign up for information about ticket pre-sales here!

Rolf's German Restaurant

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281 3rd Ave / 212.473.8718 / Website

Known for its holiday decorations, Rolf's is a restaurant and bar serving guests traditional southern German and Bavarian cuisine. The ambiance is full-on Christmas-ready, decked out in holiday decor, ornaments, icicles, garland, ribbons and Christmas lights hung all along the ceiling. Rolf's brings the best while enjoying a fancy meal, classic holiday cocktails like apple cider or spiced eggnog and warm hospitality. Rolf's is open seven days a week, and reservations are accepted via telephone only.

Oscar Wilde

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45 W 27th St. / 212.213.3066 / Website

Want your holidays to be merry and bright? As one of NYC’s most famous bars, Oscar Wilde restaurant and bar is the place to be this holiday season. Inspired by the Irish playwright, the restaurant pays homage to his profound story. Offering American bites, this restaurant is an elaborately designed, Victorian-styled bistro and bar serving up cocktails and delicious food. This time of year, the place is decorated with holiday decor, so be sure to book your reservations and enjoy some quality time at Oscar Wilde NYC.

Snow Globe in the Sky at Ophelia

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3 Mitchell Place / 212.980.4796 / Website

Cocktail lounge Ophelia is back to decorating its sky-high space, immersing its guests inside the world of a snow globe. Their Snowglobe in The Sky installation will feature a glittery illumination designed to look like a floating snowglobe on New York City's skyline. Garlands, crystals and sparkling snowflakes will hang from the top of the ceiling above the bar's main area. Located on the top floor of the Beekman Tower, this surreal experience will allow guests to get a clear view of midtown Manhattan, the perfect way to ring in the holidays.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark

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78 South St. Pier 15 / 212.742.8200 / Website

Boasting a whopping 10,000 square feet of outdoor bar and restaurant space, Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark transports you straight from NYC to the North Pole. Guests will have access to outdoor activities and installations such as Mrs. Claus’ Candy Bar and Santa’s Game Room. Opening on November 8, this one is a fan favorite year after year.

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

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249 W. 49th St. / 212.957.4530 / Website

Every year, this posh cocktail bar and dinner spot goes all out with the decor, from Alice and Wonderland to spooky Halloween decorations. Our personal favorite? Their Christmas decor, which is on display in the Times Square location. Complete with multiple Christmas trees, thousands of sparking lights, gorgeous garlands and more ornaments than you can count, Lillie’s will get you in the spirit in no time. Not to mention, the drinks are delicious!

The holiday season is fleeting, so be sure to enjoy a delicious drink and good company in the most festive bars that NYC has to offer. Merry everything!


Photography by: courtesy of Ophelia Lounge NYC

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