From winter wonderlands to festive cocktail lounges, these Christmas pop-up bars in New York City are the ones actually worth your evening.
New York in December has its own quiet shimmering glow. Streets feel softer, storefronts glow in emerald and gold, and even the most familiar neighborhoods take on a cinematic edge. There is something tender in the way the city slows down, if only slightly, over steaming cups of mulled wine, twinkling lights reflected in café windows, and the promise of evenings spent tucked into cozy, once-a-year experiences.
Holiday pop-ups and winter installations are part of that magic. They are temporary worlds built for wonder, places where New Yorkers and visitors alike can step outside of routine and into something more enchanted.
This guide curates the most spirited seasonal pop-ups, winter experiences, and festive bars across Manhattan and Brooklyn for 2025. From hosting to celebrating to simply wanting a dose of seasonal joy, these are the experiences that define the holidays with warmth, intention, and understated sparkle.
Looking specifically for Christmas Restaurants in NYC for 2025? See our dedicated guide: 29 Top Christmas Restaurants in NYC for 2025.”
Table of Contents Show
Iconic Holiday Experiences
City Winery Rockefeller Winter Domes
📍 Location: 77 Rockefeller Plaza — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: City Winery at Rockefeller Center | Date: Open Daily [Seasonal] | Dome Minimum: $300 food & beverage per dome
Few experiences bring you closer to NYC’s holiday heartbeat than a winter night at Rockefeller Center. Just steps from the world-famous Christmas Tree, City Winery’s Winter Domes return for the 2025 season. They offer one of Manhattan’s coziest and most atmospheric pop-up retreats.
Each private heated dome glows against the winter skyline. The space creates a bubble of warmth in the middle of Midtown’s festive energy. Settle in with friends or family over seasonal drinks. Mulled Wine, Spiked Hot Cider, Hot Chocolate, and Tea, paired with small plates like cheese boards, Mediterranean-style hummus, and charcuterie.
The experience feels impossibly charming. In the early evening, the plaza lights shimmer, and the tree casts a soft, quiet glow across the space. Families can also book special dome experiences, including build-your-own gingerbread houses. As a result, this pop-up feels just as magical for children as it does for adults.
It is a must-book moment for anyone who wants the Rockefeller tradition without the frenzy.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar — Heated Igloos & Winter Rooftop Experience
📍 Location: 230 Fifth Avenue — Flatiron, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: 230 Fifth Rooftop | Season: November 2025 through April 2026 | Prices: Varies | Igloo reservations recommended
230 Fifth is always one of NYC’s most photographed winter rooftops. Yet beneath the buzz, it offers a genuinely charming seasonal experience. The heated igloos sit against panoramic skyline views and the Empire State Building, creating a warm, glowing escape from the cold. They work well for small groups, after-work gatherings, or a festive night out.
Inside each igloo, soft lighting and clear dome walls frame the skyline. The winter menu leans cozy, too. You will find hot toddies, spiked cocoa, mulled wine, and classic cocktails. Shareable comfort-food staples, fries, sliders, and warm bites—round out the experience and suit the season.
Despite the size of the venue, the atmosphere often feels calm and inviting. Early evenings, especially on quieter weekdays, reveal a softer side of the rooftop as Manhattan settles into its winter rhythm. It becomes a quintessential New York holiday moment, casual, lively, and unmistakably scenic.
Chesa at The Peninsula New York
📍 LOCATION: 700 Fifth Avenue — Midtown, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Peninsula New York | Season: November 19, 2025 – March 21, 2026 [Tuesday – Saturday | Time: 5 PM–12 AM] | Prices vary; chalet reservations recommended
Chesa returns for the 2025–2026 winter season as one of New York’s most elegant seasonal pop-ups. It is an intimate, Swiss-inspired retreat set on The Peninsula’s West Terrace. Designed to feel like a winter lodge above Fifth Avenue, the experience blends alpine nostalgia with New York sophistication.
Private heated chalets and a softly lit outdoor terrace create the atmosphere of an après-ski hideaway. Warm wood finishes, flickering candlelight, and polished seasonal décor set the tone. Guests can settle in for Swiss-style fondue, artisanal charcuterie, winter-forward cocktails, and a curated selection of alpine wines. Each element feels indulgent yet comforting on cold evenings.
Because of this, Chesa works beautifully for holiday dates or small, refined celebrations. It also suits anyone seeking a slower, more cinematic winter moment in the middle of Midtown. Stepping inside feels like entering a world within a world, quiet, polished, and gently festive.
Reserve a private Chalet | Book a table on the West Terrace *
Après Skate Chalets at Rockefeller Center
📍 Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza — Midtown, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Rockefeller Center | Season: November through January | Reservations required
Rockefeller Center introduces a new alpine-inspired retreat for the holiday season: the Après Skate Chalets presented by Balsam Hill. Set just above the iconic Rink and in full view of the Christmas Tree, each private chalet offers a quiet pocket of warmth within the center of Manhattan’s festive rush.
Each reservation secures 40 minutes inside a cozy wood-trimmed chalet designed with soft lighting, winter greenery, and the charm of a mountaintop lodge. It is a front-row seat to the rink and the surrounding holiday lights—especially welcoming for families, couples, and anyone wanting a more intimate version of the Rockefeller experience.
Guests can order seasonal bites and warm cocktails from 5 Acres, Rockefeller Center’s farm-inspired restaurant known for its thoughtful approach to winter comfort food. Two complimentary digital chalet photos are included with each booking, making it a ready-made holiday moment.
A polished, atmospheric, and highly photogenic experience, the Après Skate Chalets offer a luxurious alternative to the crowds below. A private winter escape in the heart of Midtown.
Pinkmas at Edge × Museum of Ice Cream
📍 Location: Edge at Hudson Yards, 30 Hudson Yards — Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Edge NYC | Museum of Ice Cream | Season: Through January 5, 2026 | Tickets required
Pink takes over the skyline as the Museum of Ice Cream brings its beloved Pinkmas celebration to Edge for the first time, turning the city’s highest outdoor sky deck into a whimsical winter dreamscape. The experience blends sweeping Hudson Yards views with the Museum of Ice Cream’s playful imagination, creating an immersive, all-weather holiday installation suspended high above Manhattan.
Guests wander through vibrant pink rooms, candy-colored installations, and interactive visual moments set against the city’s dramatic winter horizon. Expect life-size ice cream pints, a sparkling banana-themed jungle, evolving light displays, and plenty of photo-ready corners designed to make the season feel a little more joyful and a little less serious.
Equal parts festive and fantastical, Pinkmas is a standout for families, design lovers, couples, and anyone who embraces the more playful side of holiday magic, wrapped entirely in blush and glitter.
Cozy, Family-Friendly Holiday Pop-Ups
Bryant Park Winter Village Igloos
📍 Location: Bryant Park [40th–42nd St & 5th–6th Avenues] — Midtown Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Bank of America Winter Village | Season: October 24, 2025 – March 1, 2026 | Igloo packages start around $254 [including taxes & fees]; pricing varies based on group size & date
Bryant Park’s Winter Village remains one of the city’s most enduring holiday traditions. A European-style open-air market, a free-admission ice rink, festive food stalls, twinkling lights, and this year, private, heated igloos nestled just beside the rink for a cozy, contained winter escape.
Each igloo session lasts 90 minutes and accommodates up to 8 guests, with food and drink packages that include warm carafes of hot chocolate or cider, Bavarian pretzels or artisanal sausages, fries or snack plates, and the option to order additional food or drinks before you arrive.
Though the igloos are heated, the atmosphere remains charmingly wintry: clear domes framing the rink and Midtown skyline, soft lighting, and a feeling of being tucked away from the bustle. It is a seasonal magic capsule, a lovely setting for family celebrations, cozy dates, or low-key holiday gatherings with friends.
If you plan to go, book early. Igloos go fast during peak holiday evenings.
The Gingerbread City [2025 Edition] *
📍 Location: 19 Fulton Street — South Street Seaport, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Gingerbread City | Season: December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Tickets required [free exhibition; workshop kits optional]
Step into a fantastical edible metropolis: gingerbread skyscrapers, candy-cane bridges, sugar-iced brownstones, and whimsical architecture that reimagines New York City in icing and spice. The 2025 edition of The Gingerbread City transforms the Seaport’s historic space into a confectionery urban landscape, part holiday magic, part design dream, all sweetness.
Visitors can walk through the exhibition [free of cost], marvel at the elaborate displays crafted by architects and pastry designers, and feel transportive holiday wonder. For those eager to get hands-on, there is an optional workshop: with a kit from a local artisan bakery, groups [typically up to four people] can build their own gingerbread creation inspired by the cityscape, then take it home as a souvenir.
A standout for families, design lovers, and anyone who wants to taste a bit of holiday imagination, The Gingerbread City is a festive, playful, and truly unique stop in 2025’s pop-up season.
Broadway Under the Stars
📍 Location: The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle — Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Shops at Columbus Circle | Dates: Thursdays — December 4, 11, 18, 2025 at 5 PM | Free and open to the public
Each December, Broadway Under the Stars turns the Shops at Columbus Circle into an intimate, glowing backdrop for live musical theatre. Cast members from current Broadway shows perform beneath illuminated star décor and winter lights, creating a rare, up-close encounter with New York’s most celebrated performers, without the need for a theatre ticket.
The series feels both spontaneous and intentional. A cultural pause in the midst of holiday shopping, a moment of warmth and artistry surrounded by the hum of winter foot traffic. Voices rise through the atrium, echoing through the glass and marble, giving visitors and locals a quiet reminder of the magic that sits at the heart of New York.
It is a gentle, joyful, and beautifully accessible way to experience the city in December, especially for families, theatre-lovers, and anyone craving a little enchantment woven into an ordinary evening.
IMMERSIVE HOLIDAY BARS & FESTIVE COCKTAIL POP-UPS
Holiday bars are where New York leans into its playful side, bright, immersive, and wonderfully over the top. These pop-ups celebrate nostalgia, sparkle, and the kind of cheer that doesn’t need to take itself too seriously. From beloved annual installations to new seasonal concepts, these are the spots for cocktails, laughter, and nights that drift a little longer than planned.
Miracle on 9th Street
📍 Location: 649 East 9th Street — East Village, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Miracle NYC | Season: Late November–December 2025 | Prices: Cocktails typically $16–$22 | Reservation fees apply
Miracle on 9th Street remains one of New York’s most beloved holiday cocktail pop-ups. It is a joyful, maximalist celebration of Christmas that transforms The Cabinet into a glittering holiday escape. First launched in 2014 by cocktail icon Greg Boehm, Miracle has since expanded worldwide. Yet, the East Village flagship still holds a neighborhood charm that feels distinctly, unmistakably local.
Inside, the décor goes all in. Every surface is covered in ornaments, vintage tinsel, garlands, twinkle lights, faux snow, and classic holiday figurines. As a result, the room glows like a cinematic Christmas scene. It’s loud, playful, and unapologetically festive. A place where even the most reluctant holiday guests eventually give in to the cheer.
The cocktail menu is the centerpiece of the experience. Drinks are served in collectible Miracle glassware, which guests can buy. Seasonal favorites often return each year, including gingerbread-spiced Old Fashioneds, bright cranberry-forward Christmapolitans, creamy nogs, and warming hot rum specials. New cocktails also join the lineup annually, keeping longtime visitors excited to try something different. Miracle usually includes a small Hanukkah section too, which adds a thoughtful, inclusive touch to the menu.
Since the venue focuses almost entirely on cocktails, food options are limited to gourmet popcorn and house-made Chex Mix. Fortunately, the surrounding East Village restaurants make it easy to dine before or after your reservation. Many guests treat Miracle as the festive final stop of their night.
Things To Know for 2025
- Reservations include a non-refundable fee [historically around $9.95 per guest].
- The fee typically includes a limited-edition Miracle holiday hat or a similar collectible.
- Walk-ins are accepted; however, waits can be long during peak December evenings.
- Reservations are for 90-minute time slots.
- 21+ only — no exceptions.
- Tables are held for 10 minutes past the scheduled time.
- Food is minimal: gourmet popcorn & Chex Mix only.
- No reservations by phone.
Miracle’s mix of camp, nostalgia, and high-craft cocktails creates one of NYC’s most joyful holiday experiences. It is the spot to start—or end—a festive night in the East Village.
Frosty’s Christmas Popup Bar
📍 Location: 1604 Broadway — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Frosty’s Christmas Popup Bar | Season: November 21, 2025–December 31, 2025 | Tickets required [21+ only]
Frosty’s Christmas Pop-Up Bar returns for the 2025 holiday season, louder, brighter, and even more immersive than years past. Spread across multiple festive rooms, the experience blends theatrical décor, interactive photo installations, and a high-energy bar scene that carries late into the night.
Think glittering ornaments, full-scale holiday set pieces, and cocktail creations designed for both nostalgia and spectacle. Seasonal drinks rotate throughout the month, and every corner is crafted for moments worth capturing, from twinkling light tunnels to oversized holiday sculptures.
Frosty’s continues to be one of Midtown’s most spirited holiday celebrations, drawing locals and visitors looking for a night that feels playful, uninhibited, and unmistakably seasonal.
Things To Know for 2025
- Season: November 21–December 31, 2025
- Tickets: Required for entry [online purchase recommended]
- Age: 21+ only — valid ID required
- Atmosphere: High-energy holiday party with themed rooms, music, cocktails, and photo ops
- Tip: Tickets often sell out for peak nights—book early
Jingle Jangle at The Dead Rabbit
📍Location: 30 Water Street — Financial District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Dead Rabbit | Season: November 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Prices: Vary [Food & cocktails à la carte, reservations recommended]
Back for its fourth winter, Jingle Jangle returns to The Dead Rabbit as one of NYC’s most festive and immersive holiday pop-up bars. Each November, the celebrated Irish cocktail institution transforms its historic multi-floor space into a nostalgic winter wonderland filled with merry décor, lights, and a soundtrack of seasonal favorites that set the tone for memorable holiday nights.
The pop-up celebrates Irish family festivities with over-the-top garlands, twinkle lights, and playful holiday accents throughout every room. Guests can sip on warming, seasonal cocktails and indulge in comforting dishes alongside classic pub offerings, making it a lush stop whether you’re popping in with friends or making an evening of it.
Cocktails often lean into nostalgic holiday riffs. Think rich, spiced flavors, winter-forward ingredients, and creative twists that reflect both Irish heritage and the season’s spirit. Past editions have featured festive music, themed drinks, and a lively but welcoming atmosphere that keeps the bar buzzing well into the night.
In 2025, one dollar from every holiday cocktail purchased during Jingle Jangle will again be donated, continuing the bar’s tradition of giving back during the season.
Come for the cocktails, the décor, or simply the charm of one of New York’s most beloved bars wrapped in holiday nostalgia, Jingle Jangle remains a FiDi favorite.
Good to Know
- Season: November 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Reservations: Available in advance; walk-ins often welcome earlier in the night
- Atmosphere: Festive holiday décor, Irish pub spirit, seasonal cocktails, and dishes
- Tip: Weekends fill quickly — book ahead for prime time
Grinchy’s at Roberta’s
📍Location: 261 Moore Street — Bushwick, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Grinchy’s at Roberta’s | Season: Through January 3, 2026
Grinchy’s returns to Roberta’s for the 2025 holiday season, bringing its irreverent, neon-green personality back to Bushwick. What began as a cheeky seasonal takeover has evolved into one of Brooklyn’s most beloved holiday pop-ups. Part tiki, part Christmas fever dream, and entirely Roberta’s in spirit.
The space transforms with oversized ornaments, twinkle lights, pops of Grinch-green, and a relaxed, slightly mischievous energy that makes it a neighborhood favorite. Grinchy’s leans casual, creative, and fun, the kind of setting that works beautifully for gatherings that do not need a dress code.
Seasonal Cocktails
The 2025 pop-up features a menu of warm and winter-bright drinks, including:
- Hot Toddies
- Frostie the Snowman
- Grinchy’s Old Fashion
Each is playful, unfussy, and completely on-theme, just right for settling in after a cold night in Bushwick.
Festive Small Bites
Roberta’s created special menu items just for the pop-up:
- Grinchy’s Pretzels
- Bee-Sting Popcorn — a riff on their cult-favorite pizza
- Classic Christmas cookies
A more limited menu than previous years, but still rooted in Roberta’s signature creativity.
Good to Know
- Runs through January 3
- More low-key than many Manhattan pop-ups
- Food menu focuses on special seasonal bites rather than full feasts
- Atmosphere: Expect a cozy, slightly rebellious take on holiday décor. Tinsel, candy-cane accents, and a laid-back vibe that gently parodies traditional Christmas cheer. It’s charming in a way only Brooklyn can pull off.
Snowday in Brooklyn
📍Location: 348 Wythe Avenue—Williamsburg | 🌐 Website: Snowday in Brooklyn | Season: Through December 31, 2025 | Hours: 5:00 PM – 10 PM daily
Snowday in Brooklyn returns for the 2025 season, transforming Sunday in Brooklyn’s upstairs dining room into a winter hideaway wrapped in twinkle lights, layered greenery, and the kind of cozy warmth that makes you forget how cold Williamsburg’s waterfront can feel in December.
The space leans into whimsy. Oversized ornaments, garlands draped from the rafters, softly lit corners, and the signature Snowday blankets that regulars eagerly wait for each year. It strikes that sweet spot between nostalgic and stylish, giving guests a festive backdrop without feeling theatrical.
The seasonal menu keeps things intimate and indulgent. Expect winter-forward cocktails, house-made hot drinks, and a lineup of comforting bites, including their beloved molten cheese fondue, the dish that has unofficially become Snowday’s holiday calling card.
Reservations follow the same structure as previous years, with most tables booked in advance and a handful of walk-in seats held nightly. This makes Snowday just right for small holiday catch-ups, date nights, or anyone who wants the seasonal magic without the chaos of a themed bar.
Snowday is a December-only moment, and part of its charm is knowing it disappears as soon as the new year begins, making every visit feel like a fleeting holiday ritual worth savoring.
Magic Hour Rooftop
📍Location: 485 7th Avenue, 18th Floor — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Magic Hour Rooftop | Season: Through March 2026
Magic Hour Rooftop at Moxy Times Square returns this year with a full alpine transformation, leaning deeper into its Aspen-inspired concept than ever before. The west terrace becomes a winter lodge in the sky, wood-trimmed accents, glowing lanterns, snowfall illusions, and that unmistakable après-ski warmth layered into every corner. It is theatrical, playful, and unmistakably Magic Hour.
The chalet-style design brings together cozy textures, soft lighting, and a touch of winter fantasy, turning the rooftop into one of Midtown’s most immersive seasonal escapes. Come for brunch, late-night cocktails, or a celebratory holiday meetup, the space blends high-energy nightlife with seasonal charm.
Seasonal Sips & Sweet Treats
This year’s menu leans indulgent and winter-forward:
- Powder Snow Cider Donuts
- Chocolate Log Cake
- Frosty Acorn
- Sweet Treat [signature dessert cocktail]
Cocktails continue to riff on après-ski culture, offering warm, spiced drinks and alpine-inspired twists that fit seamlessly into the lodge setting.
Magic Hour is known for its visual drama, and this seasonal edition is no exception. The carousel glows against the skyline, the city hums below, and the overall effect feels like stepping into a neon winter postcard.
Good to Know
- Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are strongly recommended.
- Venue is 21+, except during brunch, which is open to all ages.
- Groups of 15+ must submit a Custom Reservation Inquiry.
The Elf Bar Holiday Pop-Up at The Continental Sports Lounge
📍Location: 82 Beaver Street — Financial District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Elf Bar NYC | Season: December 4 – 24, 2025 | Tickets required for entry
The Continental Sports Lounge transforms once again into The Elf Bar, a festive, high-energy holiday playground tucked into the heart of the Financial District. The space glows with twinkling lights, immersive installations, and mischievous elf characters woven throughout the décor, creating a theatrical, delightfully irreverent take on December in New York.
Throughout the pop-up, guests can expect themed cocktails, lively holiday music, and an atmosphere that sits somewhere between a Christmas party and a playful downtown night out. It is a spirited stop for coworkers celebrating after office hours, couples easing into a festive night, and friend groups seeking something lively without crossing into full nightlife territory.
It is bold, charmingly chaotic, and unapologetically merry, a December detour that feels fun and easy in a season where everything else tends to be overbooked.
Midwinter Night’s Dream Midtown at PHD Terrace
📍Location: 210 West 55th Street — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Midwinter Night’s Dream: Enchanted Forest Edition | Season: Winter 2025
PHD Terrace brings back its celebrated holiday transformation with Midwinter Night’s Dream: Enchanted Forest Edition, turning its Midtown rooftop into a glowing, fairy-tale escape. Thousands of lights, cascading winter florals, and enchanted-woodland touches create a cinematic backdrop that feels whimsical without losing its New York edge.
The installation stretches through the winter season, giving guests a festive, atmospheric destination well beyond December. Sip cocktails beneath the illuminated floral tunnel or take in views of Midtown and Times Square. The space feels like a holiday reverie suspended above the city.
Seasonal Cocktails
The 2025 menu leans indulgent and imaginative:
- Midwinter Dream — Belvedere Dirty Brew, Orange Cream, Espresso, Lindt Orange Chocolate
- Winter White Spritz — Grey Goose White Peach Rosemary Vodka, White Cranberry, Prosecco, Club Soda
- First Class Holiday — Absolut Vodka, Passion Fruit, Vanilla, Lime, Prosecco
Desserts
- Dirty Snowman — Bailey’s Hot Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Ice Cream
- Winter Rose — Vanilla Marshmallow, Chocolate Ganache, Honey Cookie
The combination of decadent drinks, playful winter sweets, and a lush forest-inspired setting makes this one of Midtown’s most photogenic and transportive holiday pop-ups.
Heated Winter Wonderland
📍Location: 7 Rivington Street — Lower East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Heated Winter Wonderland | Season: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Hours: Weekdays: 5 PM [Monday – Thursday] | Weekends: Brunch Saturdays & Sundays, 12 PM–4 PM
Loreley Beer Garden’s annual Heated Winter Wonderland returns for the 2025–2026 season, transforming its indoor and heated outdoor spaces into a festive holiday retreat. Known for going all-in on décor, Loreley layers garlands, twinkling lights, ornaments, and winter greens across the entire beer garden, creating an atmosphere that feels lively, welcoming, and unmistakably seasonal.
The drink menu reads like a holiday wish list: bourbon hot chocolate, spiked eggnog, famous mulled wine, hot toddies, winter sangria, and rotating seasonal craft beers. Drop by after work, meet friends for holiday cocktails, or settle into weekend brunch. The space feels warm, spirited, and effortless to enjoy.
The best part: admission is free, making it one of the city’s most accessible festive pop-ups for groups, after-dinner drinks, or spontaneous winter nights out.
The Lodge Rinkside Bar + Food Hall—Bryant Park
📍Location: 41st Street & 6th Avenue — Bryant Park, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park | Season: October 2025 – March 2026 | Price: Varies
The Lodge at Bryant Park’s Winter Village continues to be one of New York’s most beloved seasonal retreats. A warm, bustling escape tucked beside the iconic ice rink. Located on the northeast corner of the Rink deck, The Lodge blends festive cocktails, casual dining, and rinkside views into an atmosphere that feels lively and deeply winter-coded.
Signature drinks like Mulled Wine and Alpine Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate make it a cozy stop after skating, while the surrounding food hall offers everything from comfort snacks to heartier bites. Whether you are warming up between laps on the ice or settling in with friends to watch the skaters glide under the lights, The Lodge delivers that unmistakable holiday energy Bryant Park is famous for.
Casual, spirited, and always busy in the best way, it is a reliable go-to for anyone seeking winter cheer without needing a reservation or a full night out.
Sippin’ Santa on Grand at The Last Call
📍Location: 588 Grand Street — East Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Sippin’ Santa | Season: November 14 2025 – December 31 2025
Sippin’ Santa returns to Brooklyn for the 2025 holiday season, this time transforming The Last Call on Grand Street into a tropical Christmas daydream. Think: tiki nostalgia, holiday kitsch, and winter cocktails that lean rum-forward and delightfully playful.
The bar glows with vintage lights, neon accents, and beach-meets-Christmas décor, creating a warm escape from December’s wind chill. Guests can sip through an entirely seasonal menu featuring drinks like Frost Bite, Coco Ho Ho Ho, Nui Nui New Year, Holiday on Ice, and the late-night favorite Silent Nightcap. Expect whimsical garnishes, themed glassware, and a sense of humor folded into every pour.
Unlike Manhattan’s more polished holiday pop-ups, Sippin’ Santa delivers a relaxed, spirited energy, perfect for friend gatherings, casual date nights, and anyone who prefers their Christmas cheer with a tropical twist.
Festive without fuss, lively without chaos, and beloved for good reason, this East Williamsburg edition is one of the most joyful holiday bars to return to year after year.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark
📍Location: 78 South Street, at Pier 15 — South Street Seaport, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark | Season: November 7, 2025 – December 30, 2025 | Early Bird Tickets: Starting at $15
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark returns to the Seaport this season, one of NYC’s most immersive waterfront holiday installations, complete with twinkling lights, themed cocktails, and sweeping views of the East River. Spanning 10,000 square feet, the space transforms Pier 15 into a cinematic winter escape designed for families, couples, and holiday lovers of all ages.
Guests can choose between general admission or reserved seating inside heated glasshouses and private glasshouses, each glowing with seasonal décor and offering a warm, snow-globe-like view of the skyline. Dining reservations include a 90-minute experience, while general admission ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, giving everyone time to sip, snack, and explore.
The menu leans festive and approachable, with hot chocolate [spiked or classic], cocktails, s’mores kits, and comfort favorites like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Watermark Cheeseburger. Mrs. Claus’ Candy Bar, holiday photo installations, and Santa visits add an extra layer of magic for families.
It is lively without being chaotic, playful without feeling overly kitschy, and remains one of the city’s most popular waterfront winter traditions. Come for the views, stay for the glow.
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
📍Location: Untitled Hotel New York City, 3 Freeman Alley — Lower East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar | Season: November 14 – December 28, 2025
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar returns for the 2025 season with a full transformation, turning Untitled Hotel into a glittering, Mariah-inspired holiday escape. Guests step into a world designed for pure festive indulgence. Wall-to-wall décor, shimmering installations, and interactive photo moments that celebrate the “Queen of Christmas” herself.
The experience debuts new elements this year, including an expanded tribute area, an opulent Santa’s Sleigh photo set, and a signature award wall paired with recreations of iconic album backdrops. The atmosphere leans fun, theatrical, and unapologetically festive. Fans will find plenty to revel in, but even casual holiday lovers will appreciate the immersive, joy-filled energy.
This is the kind of pop-up that invites you to loosen up, take photos, and stay longer than planned. It is holiday escapism with a wink and a high-shine soundtrack.
Things To Know for 2025
General Admission
Starting at $19.90 per person [including fees]
Includes:
- 90-minute experience (seating is first-come, first-served)
- A welcome cocktail
- Full food menu available for purchase. Note: General Admission tickets are standing room only.
Brunch — Single Bar Seat
Starting at $32.50 per person [including fees]
Includes:
- 90-minute seated reservation
- A welcome mimosa
- Full food and beverage menu available for purchase
Brunch — Tables
Starting at $65 for 2 guests [including fees]
Includes:
- 90-minute seated reservation
- A welcome mimosa per person
- Full food and beverage menu available for purchase
Age Requirement: 21+
Top Christmas Pop-Up Bars in New York Wrap-Up
New York’s holiday pop-ups are not just themed rooms or seasonal menus. They are small, temporary worlds that invite us to experience the city with a softer gaze. They appear for just a few weeks each year, glowing at the edges, offering warmth, escapism, and a touch of wonder when the city feels its most electric.
Whether you are settling into a heated dome beneath the Rockefeller Center tree, wandering through a gingerbread metropolis built from sugar and imagination, or lingering over a festive cocktail in a room wrapped in twinkle lights, each experience offers its own version of holiday magic.
These moments remind us to pause.
To look up.
To let the season meet us exactly where we are.
This is December in New York, glowing, fleeting, and full of experiences waiting to be claimed. May your holiday nights be warm, your gatherings joyful, and your season filled with the kind of memories only this city can create.
