New York City transforms into a holiday destination every winter, and its Christmas-themed bars are some of the most popular seasonal attractions. From historic taverns covered in lights to full-scale pop-up experiences, these festive spots offer unique cocktails, vibrant décor, and classic New York holiday charm. If you’re planning a Christmas outing in the city, here are the six best Christmas bars to visit in NYC, plus a few honorable mentions.

1. Miracle on 9th Street (East Village)

Miracle on 9th Street is one of New York’s most well-known Christmas pop-ups. The bar features floor-to-ceiling decorations, custom holiday glassware, and a rotating list of seasonal cocktails. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors, so making a reservation early is recommended. Miracle remains one of the top Christmas bars in NYC for anyone looking for a true holiday experience.

 

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2. Pete’s Tavern (Gramercy)

Pete’s Tavern, one of the oldest bars in New York City, becomes a holiday landmark every December. The interior is decorated with thousands of lights, garlands, and classic Christmas displays. Despite its popularity, walk-ins are possible during off-peak hours. For example, visiting for lunch on a weekday, such as Wednesday, can allow you to walk in with little to no wait.

3. Frosty’s Christmas Bar (Multiple Locations)

Frosty’s is a high-energy Christmas pop-up known for its immersive decorations, themed rooms, and festive cocktails. The bar often includes DJs, holiday characters, and multiple floors of décor. It is one of the best choices for groups or anyone seeking a lively holiday night out.

4. Rolf’s German Restaurant (Gramercy)

Rolf’s is famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations, which cover nearly every inch of the restaurant. The ornaments, garlands, and lights create one of the most photographed holiday interiors in the city. Due to its popularity, reservations often book quickly, so planning ahead is essential.

5. Loreley Beer Garden (Lower East Side)

Loreley Beer Garden offers a cozy holiday atmosphere with heated outdoor areas, mulled wine, seasonal beers, and winter cocktails. It is a more relaxed Christmas bar option in NYC, ideal for those who want festive décor without overwhelming crowds.

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6. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (Midtown & Union Square)

Lillie’s Victorian is known for its vintage-inspired interiors and ornate holiday decorations. Both locations transform into elegant Christmas spaces filled with garlands, wreaths and Victorian-style holiday touches. It is a great choice for photos, gatherings, and holiday dinners.

Honorable Mentions

These additional Christmas bars in NYC are also worth visiting:

• Papillon Bistro & Bar
• Oscar Wilde
• Lillie’s Victorian (alternate location)
• The Mean Fiddler

Tips for Visiting NYC Christmas Bars

To make the most of your holiday bar-hopping experience:

• Book reservations through Resy or OpenTable whenever possible.
• If reservation slots are full, try walking in during off-peak hours such as weekday afternoons.
• Arrive early to avoid long lines and get better photo opportunities.
• Expect special holiday drink menus and limited food offerings at many pop-ups.