The holidays in the Big Apple are second-to none, made evident by the many Christmas pop up bars in New York City. Christmas cocktails, it even sounds nice!
But choosing which of the Christmas pop up bars in NYC to visit can be difficult, especially if you’re limited on time. There’s new pop ups every year and after the pandemic even the annual events can be a coin flip.
So as a local who’s eager for all things Christmas (and booze) I’ve rounded up the best Christmas pop up bars in New York in 2022. This is the exact same list I share with my own family and friends, I hope it makes your visit easier too!
But hey, enough of the small talk. There’s a drink at Christmas pop up bar somewhere with your name on it!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Christmas Pop Up Bars in NYC
Miracle on 9th Street
In 2014, Greg Boehm followed the advice of his mother and created one of the best Christmas pop up bars in NYC. Boehm put a pin in the construction of his new bar, strung up decorations and opted to serve holiday cocktails.
The Miracle on 9th Street is perfectly cozy thanks to its warm, colorful lights and boozy holiday cocktails. Expect to drink out of seasonal cups like a T-Rex wearing a Santa hat and even Santa shot glasses (bottoms up!).
Because the menu only consists of drinks I suggest making dinner plans elsewhere. Just be sure to leave enough room for drinks — because you’re going to want more than one, this is one of the best Christmas pop up bars in NYC at the end of the day.
Something to note: The Miracle pop-ups are 21+ only
Address: 649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Tinseltown: Where Everyday Is Christmas
One of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York City has to be Tinseltown: Where Everyday is Christmas. At the bar you can expect to share Christmas cocktails with Santa, and hey – if Santa likes them who am I to disagree?
Tinseltown is also a step above the other Christmas pop up bars in NYC because it doesn’t feel like a traditional restaurant. It feels more like a hangout, with couches and a “living room” feel, perfect for the holidays!
You’ll need tickets to attend Tinseltown: Where Everyday is Christmas, so be sure to have those taken care of before arriving. The price of a ticket also includes your first drink too, cheers to the holidays!
Address: 594 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Igloos at Bryant Park
Looking for one of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York City for a date night? Why not rent a (clear) igloo at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, one of the best Christmas markets in NYC.
Fair warning – it’ll cost you a pretty penny but the location alone is worth it. You can enjoy a warm view of the ice skating rink and eager shoppers while enjoying a drink with your friends.
The small igloos seat 1-4 people and start at $215, and the large igloos seat 5-8 people starting at $430. Both small and large igloos are available for 90 minutes and are private for you and your party. To book your igloo click here.
Address: 41st Street and, 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Miracle on Union
Miracle on Union is a sister location to Miracle on 9th Street, one of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York. From the second you arrive there’s no doubt you’re in the right place, you’re greeted by Santa at the door!
The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to linger, and the drinks can make it easy to lose track of time. Come with the right group of friends and you might find yourself closing the place down at 2AM.
Out of all the Christmas pop up bars in NYC, Miracle on Union might have the best drinks. Quirky names like the Snowball Old-Fashioned, Grandma Got Runover by A T-Rex, and Christmas Carol Barrel are only the tip of the iceberg (no pun intended), the drinks are dangerously good!
Address: 595 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Ho Ho Holiday Lounge
At the Springs in Greenpoint, Brooklyn you’ll find one of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York, the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge.
The Palm Springs inspired bar completely outdoes itself for Christmas, decking the walls, booths, and even ceilings in holiday decorations. Plus, the Christmas tree near the bar gives the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge a small-town vibe.
If you’re looking for the best Christmas pop up bars for hot drinks beeline to the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge and try the Peanuts Christmas Special. Made with Screwball peanut whiskey, rye, and hot chocolate topped with marshmallows it’s the perfect adult drink for those young at heart.
Address: 224 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Sleyenda
Leyenda is a Brooklyn bar that shines a light onto Latin-American spirits, and for the holidays it transforms into one of the best Christmas pop up bars in Brooklyn, Sleyenda.
Staying true to its roots, the menu adds twists to popular Latin-American drinks. The Coquito Ho Ho, Kwanzaa Colada and Mexican Hot Chocolate are some of the classics that have gotten a distinctive makeover.
And for all my fellow Netflix lovers, Sleyenda is part owned by Julie Reiner who was recently a judge on the show Drink Masters. The decorated mixologist is just one more reason Sleyenda is one of the best Christmas pop up bars in NYC.
Address: 221 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Sip and Shop at Hudson Yards
Sip and Shop at Hudson Yards is one of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York City but it’s only up for one day!
On December 5th at Hudson Yards you can do enjoy a live DJ and do exactly as the name of the event suggests. Walk the mall and enjoy exclusive discounts (20% for VISA cardholders at select stores) while you sip on champagne.
The Christmas pop up bar is open from 4:00-8:00PM and again, it’s only on December 5th. While you’re there be sure to admire some of the best holiday decorations in NYC which are spread throughout Hudson Yards.
Address: Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Frosty’s
Frosty’s is one of the biggest Christmas pop up bars in New York City, with a whopping four bars across three floors. With that much real estate the photo-taking opportunities are aplenty, so be sure to bring your camera.
And with four bars, the drinking opportunities are also abundant. There are Christmas cocktails available for you and all your friends, including Bad Santa which is a house-made coquito.
And for your underage friends or kids, there’s a restaurant that allows minors too. That’s right, not all the Christmas pop up bars in New York are adult only!
For reservations to the restaurant, use Frosty’s website and select any available date. For full access to the Christmas pop-up bars you’ll need to purchase a ticket for between $30-$40.
Address: 220 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Feliz Cocteleria
As one of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York City, Feliz Cocteleria is perfectly cozy and warm. Celebrating Navidad has never been as fun as sitting under the twinkling lights and hand-cut paper snowflakes while enjoying a craft cocktail.
And on the topic of delicious cocktails, Feliz Cocteleria has plenty. The San-Tiki-Claus is made with mezcal, sherry, cherry, and cinnamon and makes it easy to have one too many.
The best Christmas pop up bars in NYC have good food too, and Feliz Cocteleria checks that box. The menu isn’t big, but the Latin food makes up for it in flavor. Whether you go with tacos or shrimp ceviche you’ll leave with a panza llena corazon contento (full belly happy heart).
Address: 349 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
Grinchy’s at Roberta’s
Roberta’s has my heart because they make my favorite pizza in the world, so Grinchy’s at Roberta’s naturally has to be one of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York.
Seriously — Roberta’s can do no wrong in my eyes, but don’t take my word for it, just visit for yourself. Roberta’s transforms into a holiday tiki bar where you can drink and eat your heart away under memorable decorations.
Another reason Grinchy’s at Roberta’s is one of the best Christmas pop up bars in NYC is because it’s so laid back. The vibe really does feel like a tiki bar, so it’s easy to sip on some beer and lose track of time.
For more of our favorite pizza joints be sure to read 15 EPIC Pizza Joints in New York City You Can’t Afford to Miss.
Address: 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Best Decorated Christmas Bars in NYC
Pete’s Tavern
Pete’s Tavern opened in 1864, making it one of the oldest bars in New York City. In fact they stayed opened through prohibition by posing as a flower shop (nothing to see here, officer).
If you don’t want to visit for the history though you’ll want to visit because this is one of the best Christmas bars in New York City. The bar oozes old-world charm and the hundreds of Christmas lights give it a modern dazzle.
The food at Pete’s Tavern is also top-notch. Bar food has no business being this good, but I’m glad it is! The Italian cuisine pairs nicely with a full beer glass!
Here’s a fun note to share with your friends when you visit:
It’s said O.Henry wrote the famous holiday short story “The Gift of the Magi” at Pete’s in 1905. Although you might be unfamiliar with the title, you’ve probably seen an adaption.
In the story two people want to get each other a gift but can’t, usually for financial reasons. They then sell their own most prized possession to get the gift for the other, only to find the other has done the same thing.
Many adaptions have been made off the story’s premise, including when Minnie Mouse trades her watch to buy Mickey a case for his harmonica and Mickey sells his harmonica to buy Minnie a chain for her watch.
This bit of holiday history is yet another reason Pete’s is one of the best Christmas bars in New York City!
Address: 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003
Dead Rabbit
Named after an Irish gang that ran rampant in lower Manhattan, the Dead Rabbit was opened in 2013.
The founders, Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry hail from Belfast, Ireland and had a simple goal. They wanted to create one of the best upscale cocktail bars in NYC with the atmosphere of an Irish Pub. And they delivered.
And to our luck, during the holidays the charming bars becomes one of the best Christmas bars in New York City.
The phenomenal cocktails being crafted at this New York City bar have earned it several awards, most notably #1 bar in the world in 2016. Pair the drinks with the decor and we have one of the best Christmas bars in NYC.
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
Loreley Beer Garden
Not only is Loreley Beer Garden one of the best Christmas bars in New York City, it’s also home to the largest heated outdoor patio in the Lower East Side.
Out in the heated patio area you’ll find a wall covered entirely by colorful ornaments that makes for a great backdrop for Instagram photos.
I highly suggest making reservations in advance so you don’t miss out on one of the best Christmas bars in NYC. Regardless if you choose to sit inside or outside, you’ll be surrounded by over-the-top Christmas decorations and twinkling lights.
While at Loreley Beer Garden, make sure to try any of their holiday cocktails. I’m partial to the famous Boozy Black & White Hot Chocolate made with bourbon and my wife loves the Spiked Eggnog!
Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Oscar Wilde
Quick history lesson: Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and one of the most popular playwrights in the late 19th century best known for his wit and flamboyance.
Unfortunately, Wilde’s reputation was tarnished after falling in love with a man. In the Victorian era being gay was not only frowned upon, but a crime. So much so that Wilde spent two years in prison because of it.
In the present, this Victorian style restaurant is a way to celebrate all that Oscar Wilde stood for. Hosting an impressive art (and object) collection dating back to the 1800’s you can enjoy a French fireplace from the 1840’s, stained glass from an Irish castle and so much more.
Making reservations at Oscar Wilde during the holiday season is non-negotiable. The decorations are unmatched and some of the best you’ll find among the many Christmas bars in New York City.
Every inch of the place gets decorated (including the ceiling), minimalism has no place here. And don’t even think about leaving without trying the Wilde bacon cheeseburger and truffle fries.
Local’s tip: check out all the clocks in the restaurant. You’ll find that they are set to 1:50. The reason? That’s the time that Oscar Wilde died. No corners are cut when it comes to attention to detail here!
Address: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Rosemary’s
Named after the owner’s mother, Rosemary’s aims to make dishes with the same love a home-cooked meal has. Heck, the restaurant even has its own rooftop vegetable garden that helps provide the produce they serve their guests.
Even better, Rosemary’s is one of my favorite Christmas decorated bars in New York City. The joint is cute as is, but with wreaths hanging on the windows and lights covering the ceiling it becomes as charming as can be.
In terms of drinks, the cocktail menu never fails to impress, especially the Garden Martini. The freshness was unmistakable — did I just accidentally order a glass of (spiked) pressed cucumber juice?
Address: 18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
Best Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York City (Post Summary)
- Miracle on 9th Street
- Tinseltown: Where Everyday Is Christmas
- Igloos at Bryant Park
- Miracle on Union
- Ho Ho Holiday Lounge
- Sleyenda
- Sip and Shop at Hudson Yards
- Frosty’s
- Feliz Cocteleria
- Grinchy’s at Roberta’s
- Pete’s Tavern
- Dead Rabbit
- Loreley Beer Garden
- Oscar Wilde
- Rosemary’s
Best Holiday Pop Up Bars in New York City (Map)
And there you have it folks! A quick roundup of the best Christmas pop up bars in New York City! Hope you found it useful. Cheers.
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