The Best Holiday Restaurants in NYC: A 2024 Round-Up

There’s nothing quite like New York City during Christmas time to get you in the holiday spirit. With lights sparkling over Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and stunning decorations in every neighborhood, the city is extra special during the holiday season.

During this time, locals and tourists both seek out over-the-top Christmas-themed restaurants and pop-ups to get into the holiday spirit. Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll outline the best Christmas restaurants to dine out this holiday season. Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with these must-visit NYC restaurants.

The best NYC restaurants to visit this holiday season

1. Papillon

If you’re visiting Manhattan this holiday season, Papillon might be the right spot for you. Located in the heart of Midtown, this bistro & bar is one of New York’s top Christmas bars. This spot truly goes all out with holiday decor. Papillon also crafts amazing holiday cocktails that guests can enjoy with their menu of American entrees, sandwiches, and salads.

Pro tip - if you’re in town for Halloween they also do an incredible job decorating for the spooky season! Just know that they only take walk-ins during the holiday season, so plan accordingly!

Address: 22 E 54th Street New York, NY 10022

Website: papillonbistro.com

2. Oscar Wilde

This Nomad bar embodies the spirit of Irish playwright Oscar Wilde, celebrating life with Victorian sophistication and glamour. Oscar Wilde gives incredible dining experiences for each holiday. From the Lunar New Year to Halloween and everything in between, this restaurant has amazing festive decorations year-round. But we have to say, Christmas really takes the cake at this eatery.

The bar embodies the spirit of Irish playwright Oscar Wilde, celebrating life with Victorian sophistication and glamour.They also offer a delicious brunch menu on the weekends made up of french toast, avocado toast, and more!

Address: 45 West 27th Street New York, NY 10001

Website: oscarwildenyc.com

3. Tavern on the Green

Tavern on the Green is an iconic New York City establishment located in the heart of Central Park. During the season, this restaurant adds Christmas decorations, lights, and even a Christmas tree. It’s a must-see!

During this season they also offer a holiday brunch featuring a Very Merry 3 Course Menu selection by Executive Chef, Bill Peet.

Address: 67th Street & Central Park West, New York, NY 10023

Website: tavernonthegreen.com

4. Rolf’s

Rolf’s German restaurant, located in Gramercy, is most known for its Christmas decorations. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be enveloped in the festive atmosphere. Think hundreds of thousands of Christmas Lights and thousands of ornaments and icicles all strung and lined throughout the restaurant. In addition to these, there are hundreds of porcelain dolls and wreaths, artificial fir trees, garlands, ribbons, and other festive bits and pieces.

At Rolf’s they offer a large variety of German beers and holiday drinks during the season. Check out the Christmas Smoothie cocktail, made with Merry’s vanilla cinnamon and a splash of Goldschlager, or the Rolf’s Holiday Martini, made with Merry’s Irish Cream Liqueur, vodka and Meletti Choccolato Liqueur.

Address: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Website: rolfsnyc.com

5. Lillie’s

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment has two locations, one in Times Square (Victorian-themed) and one in Union Square (Halloween-themed). These restaurants have incredible atmospheres year-round, but the closer we get to Christmas Day they get even better. Sometimes, even Santa has to stop by. Make sure to check out this winter wonderland.

Pro tip: if you miss Christmas, don’t worry! Lillie’s is also stunning around Valentine’s Day!

Address:

(Times Square) 249 West 49th Street New York, New York

(Union Square) 13 East 17th Street New York, New York

Website: lilliesnyc.com

6. Pete’s Tavern

Pete's Tavern is located in the historic neighborhood of Gramercy Park and already has an inflatable Santa on the roof by Halloween. Every year on November 1st, the tavern officially kicks off the holiday season with their beloved annual holiday tradition. They deck the place out with shimmering festive lights and fill every nook and cranny with decorations.

Pro tip: Pete’s also has a phenomenal happy hour Monday-Friday. Might as well enjoy a $7 glass of wine while soaking in the festive spirit.

Address: 129 East 18th Street, New York, New York 10003

Website: petestavern.com

7. Miracle on Ninth Street – Christmas pop-up

You’ve heard of Miracle on 34th Street, but have you heard of Miracle on Ninth Street? The one on Ave C?? The city’s premier snow-covered and Santa-filled pop-up is back for the season, serving up cocktails in novelty glasses and a healthy dose of holiday cheer. Come dressed to take pictures and be ready to thoroughly enjoy yourself.

They also offer a few Christmas cocktail-making classes that include Egg Nog and The Naughty List & Snowball Old-Fashioned!

Address: 649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009

Website: Resy

8. Valerie

Valerie is a stunning cocktail emporium located in Midtown Manhattan. This is a great spot year-round to try delicious, intricate cocktails. However, around Christmas time Valerie becomes even more stunning with wreaths, lights, and more. For a lovely atmosphere, good cocktails, and pretty decor checkout Valerie this holiday season.

Pro tip: Valerie also offers a happy hour featuring $1 oysters, $12 cocktails, $9 wines, and $7 drafts. Available Monday – Friday from 4PM-7PM. 

Address: 45 West 45th Street between 5th & 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10036

Website: valerienewyorkcity.com

9. Loreley Beer Garden

Loreley is the first-of-its-kind Biergarten in New York City. Open since 2003, this restaurant has become a staple of the Lower East Side. The vibes here every season are truly immaculate from pumpkin kegs in the fall to white & blue margaritas for the fourth of July. And for the holiday season, Loreley goes all out with holiday cocktails, decor, and more! Step into their winter garden for a beautiful dining experience this Christmas season!

Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Website: loreleynyc.com

10. Balthazar

Balthazar has been one of New York’s most iconic restaurants, located in SoHo, since 1997. The bustling, romantic brasserie serves traditional French fare from breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends.

The ambiance here is naturally Old New York and when Christmas time rolls around it only gets better.

And if you’re in town for actual Christmas day, Balthazar is open and ready to serve you!

Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

Website: balthazarny.com

11. The Churchill Tavern

The Churchill is New York's finest English tavern, serving the best of British, and local craft beer. This tavern is a beautifully decorated, unique two-story space that provides an atmosphere that is exceptional in NYC. They go all out for Christmas, and highly recommend booking a reservation to make sure you don’t miss out!

Pro tip: During soccer season Churchill Tavern is a fantastic spot to watch a game!

Address: 45 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016

Website: thechurchillny.com

12. Molly’s Pub

Established in 1895, Molly’s is one of New York City’s most authentic Irish pubs! But they’re not only known for their St. Paddy’s Day parties, they go big for Christmas too! This amazing pub offers a Christmas pre-fix for only $60 per person.

Check out Molly’s for pretty Christmas lights and a Guinness this season!

Address: 287 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Website: mollysshebeennyc.com

13. Rosemary’s

Rosemary’s is the spot for the ladies who want to enjoy a nice happy hour and Italian food. The ambiance here is very cute and the menu is tasty! However, during Christmas time this spot gets even better. Stop by to see their pretty Christmas decorations, Christmas tree, and more! You can even attend their annual tree-lighting to enjoy hot chocolate, carolers, and holiday cookies 🍪.

They have three New York locations to visit, Midtown, East Village, and West Village. All three offer great happy hour drinks during the week!

Address:

(Midtown) 825 Third Ave, New York, NY 10022

(East Side) 350 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10010

(West Village) 18 Greenwich Avenue,New York, NY 10011

Website: rosemarysnyc.com

14. Leyenda

Brooklyn, we did NOT forget about you! Leyenda is a cocktail bar + restaurant celebrating Latin American spirits, cocktails & food in Brooklyn, NY. One cool thing about this spot is they break down where the inspiration and tequila of each cocktail originates in Mexico! Here you can enjoy traditional and contemporary takes on dishes from across Central and South America while soaking in all the festive decor.

Address: 221 Smith St, Brooklyn, New York 11201

Website: leyendabk.com

15. Red Rooster

Last but certainly not least, we have a Harlem restaurant! Located in the heart of Harlem, Red Rooster serves comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine.

On Christmas day, Red Rooster offers special menus and family-style prix fixe options. From cornbread with pumpkin butter to jerk short ribs and everything in between, the comfort food options are amazing.

Get into the holiday spirit with NYC's best festive dining spots

This season, make a reservation, grab your friends and family, and experience the festive atmosphere these establishments have to offer. NYC's diverse restaurant scene has you covered – no ugly Christmas sweater required.