Looking to warm up with cocktails and a little festive cheer? These holiday pop-up bars bring the lights, the kitsch, and the kind of drinks that put a real glow in your cheeks. Act fast, these seasonal favorites vanish quicker than your self-control at an open bar.
Papillon Bistro goes all out for the holidays... we’re talking two floors of over-the-top Christmas décor and festive energy. This year-round French spot serves up holiday magic with every bite and every sip (don’t skip their seasonal cocktails). Walk-ins only!
281 3rd Ave | Gramercy
PHOTO: ROLF'S
This old-world German spot is NYC’s most over-the-top holiday dining experience. Rolf’s is packed with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, ornaments, and festive decor. The Bavarian eats are solid, but the holiday cocktails steal the show. Complete your NYC holiday bucket list with a reservation at Rolf's.
649 East 9th St | East Village
35 W 8th St | Greenwich Village
PHOTO: Mircale on Ninth StreeT InsTAGRAM
Miracle on 9th Street is a beloved East Village tradition, and this year, they’ve added a new location on 8th Street at MACE. Their specialty? Wildly inventive holiday cocktails. Naughty or nice, treat yourself to a Jingle Balls Nog or the deliciously boozy Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****r!.
129 East 18th St | Gramercy Park
PHOTO: PETE'S TAVERN
Pete’s Tavern is a NYC classic year-round, but come December, it turns into a full-blown holiday hideaway. Think glowing lights, vintage garlands, and snow village vibes. Cozy up with a drink, grab a bite, and stay a while. No reservation? No problem, walk-ins are welcome.
1150 Broadway | Flatiron
230 Fifth is a wintertime must, packed with heated rooftop igloos, skyline views, and seasonal cocktails. This year, they’re spreading the holiday cheer by taking walk-ins. Grab a pic, stay for the drinks, and check out their calendar of festive events while you’re at it.
7 Rivington St | LES
PHOTO: LORELEY BEER GARDEN
Loreley’s Holiday Winter Wonderland is back through 1/4, glowing with reindeer, snowmen, and festive lights. Reserve a spot in the heated outdoor garden, then sip Boozy Bourbon Hot Chocolate or Spiked Eggnog in ornament glasses. Daily drink specials include $16 steins and half-price holiday cocktails. Have fun!
266 W 47th St | Theater District
PHOTO: THE MEAN FIDDLER
The Mean Fiddler is a NYC staple for bottomless brunch and happy hour, and during the holidays, it adds a festive twist. This year’s special: You're a Mean One Bottomless. 90 minutes of holiday drinks like Whoville Frozen Margs and Resting Grinch Face for $30 with entrée, plus a round of naughty-or-nice shots.
1604 Broadway | Times Square
PHOTO: Frosty's Christmas Bar
Full of festive photo ops, holiday drinks, music, and more, Frosty’s Christmas Bar is the talk of Times Square. With four floors, ten bars, and millions of lights, it’s almost impossible to put into words. By day, it’s family-friendly. By night, it’s 21+, perfect for a date, post-work hang, or festive night out with friends.
231 Hudson St | SoHo
PHOTO: FOXTAIL
Foxtail, the sly speakeasy inside Arlo SoHo, has reopened its Holiday Hideaway for the season. It’s a cozy, low-key escape with warm seasonal cocktails, moody vibes, and just the right touch of festive.
237 3rd Ave | Gramercy Park
Photo: Paddy Maguire's Ale House TRIPADVISOR
You won’t find an Instagram or website to prove Paddy Maguire’s is top-notch, but one look from the street, and you’ll know it’s the real deal. Come December, this cozy locals-loved ale house goes all out with lights, ornaments, and holiday charm.
485 7th Ave, 18th Floor | Garment District
Photo: Moxy Times Square
Magic Hour has gone full ski lodge this season. Check out the Magic Hour Mountain Lodge, a chic western-inspired escape bringing Aspen to Midtown. Expect endless photo ops, a new carousel, themed treats, cozy winter cocktails, and jaw-dropping Empire State Building views.
348 Wythe Ave | Williamsburg
Photo: Snowday in Brooklyn
Sunday in Brooklyn transforms for the season with Snowday, a cozy holiday pop-up filled with blankets, lights, and festive decor. It’s more mellow than your average Christmas bar, but still brings just enough cheer to get you feeling merry. Grab a reservation through 12/31, with a few seats held for walk-ins.
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Updated December 2025
