The Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC: A 2025 Round-Up
This list includes where to go out in New York City for extra-festive dining and sipping.
Tessa ZuluagaAuthor
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| Built for RestaurantsWhat are the best Christmas restaurants in NYC?
There’s truly nothing like New York City at Christmastime to spark your holiday spirit. From the glittering lights along Fifth Avenue and the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to the dazzling decorations on brownstone stoops, the city is extra special during the holiday season.
During this time, locals and tourists alike seek out festive dining experiences. New York City offers over-the-top holiday-decorated destinations, cozy neighborhood favorites that feel even more magical during the season, and limited-time holiday pop-ups.
In this guide, you’ll discover the most enchanting Christmas restaurants in New York City to visit this holiday season. Get ready to sleigh your celebrations with these must-visit spots.
The 25 best Christmas restaurants in NYC to visit this season
1. Papillon - Midtown
Located in the heart of Midtown, Papillon Bistro & Bar is one of New York City’s most enchanting Christmas spots. Just steps away from Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art, and the world-famous Fifth Avenue shops, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a festive day in the city. Inside, you’ll find some of the most dazzling holiday decorations in all of Manhattan.
A quick tip: From November 24th to January 1st, Papillon operates on a walk-in only basis, so plan to arrive early to secure a table. The only exception is for those joining our “My Christmas Morning in Manhattan” Tour, which includes a reserved lunch seating at the restaurant.
Address: 22 E 54th Street, New York, NY 10022
Website: papillonbistro.com
2. Oscar Wilde - Nomad
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.
Address: 45 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
Website: oscarwildenyc.com
3. Tavern on the Green - Central Park
Tavern on the Green is an iconic New York City establishment located right in Central Park. During the season, this restaurant adds holiday 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 - Gramercy
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 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 - Times Square and Union Square
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment has two locations, one in Times Square and one in Union Square. 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 for other holidays like Valentine’s Day and Halloween.
Addresses:
(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 a great spot, located in the historic neighborhood of Gramercy Park. They don’t mess around here. You can spot an inflatable Santa on the roof by November 1st. Every year, the iconic tavern celebrates the holiday season with shimmering festive lights and fills every nook and cranny with decorations. Pete’s is also reliable and a little less touristy than some of the other holiday restaurants.
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 (pop-up) - Alphabet City
You’ve heard of Miracle on 34th Street, but have you heard of Miracle on Ninth Street? The one on Avenue 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 - Midtown
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. If you’re staying in Midtown and want a lovely atmosphere, great cocktails, and pretty decor, check out 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 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Address: 45 West 45th Street between 5th & 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Website: valerienewyorkcity.com
9. Loreley Beer Garden - The Lower East Side
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. Loreley goes all out with their heated outdoor winter wonderland 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
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10. Balthazar - SoHo
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. And if you’re in town for actual Christmas day, Balthazar is open and ready to serve you!
The ambiance here is naturally old New York, and when Christmas time rolls around, it only gets better.
PS - if you like to dine solo, Balthazar is a great place to do it. They usually offer solo diners complementary glasses of champagne. Fancy!
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Website: balthazarny.com
11. The Churchill Tavern - Flatiron
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 exceptional atmosphere 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 - Gramercy
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! PS - it’s one of Jimmy Fallon’s favorite spots.
Address: 287 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Website: mollysshebeennyc.com
13. Red Rooster - Harlem
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.
Address: 310 Lenox Avenue, Harlem, NY 10027
Website:redroosterharlem.com
14. L’Avenue at Saks - Midtown
Hidden inside the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue overlooking Rockefeller Center, L’Avenue spans two floors with a French art deco-inspired dining room and Le Chalet—a bar and lounge offering cozy, après-ski style interiors.
The Philippe Starck-designed Le Chalet, with its unique "Après-Ski" theme, is available year-round, accommodating up to 60 guests for seated events or 116 for receptions. This is the perfect retreat from the holiday hustle.
Address: 8 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022 (Located in Saks Fifth Avenue)
Website: lavenuesaks.com
15. Freeman’s - The Lower East Side
Freeman’s occupies a perfect homey space at the end of an unused alley on the Lower East Side, off the Bowery. This is one of the coziest restaurants in the city and makes a rugged, clandestine colonial American Tavern. The cuisine here is simple, rustic, and inspired by Old World traditions.
Freeman’s has that warm, cozy feeling year-round, and it’s just intensified during the holiday season.
Address: Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002
Website: freemansrestaurant.com
16. Gallagher’s Steakhouse - Midtown
New York City has many great steakhouses, but according to The Infatuation, this is the best one. Established first as a speakeasy in 1927, Gallagher’s defines Old New York. It’s a classic, iconic establishment with walls covered in portraits of baseball players and famous locals.
Gallagher’s isn’t just a “Christmas destination”, it’s a world-class steakhouse every true steak lover deserves to experience. And what better time than the holidays, when a rich Cabernet Sauvignon seems to taste just a little better than usual?
Address: 228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Website: gallaghersnysteakhouse.com
17. The Dead Rabbit - Financial District
Founded in 2013, this just might be the best bar in the Financial District. The building it’s in is old. Like, 1828 type of old. So you can expect extraordinary vibes here and fantastic cocktails. We wrote more about our experience here.
From November 18th - January 4th, on all three floors and in every room, The Dead Rabbit’s holiday pop-up is a nostalgic celebration of Irish family festivities. You can expect warming, seasonal dishes served alongside kitsch-themed cocktails, over-the-top decor, and a magical Christmas soundtrack. If you can’t enjoy a pint of Guinness here on St. Paddy’s, you might as well grab one for Christmas!
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
Website: thedeadrabbit.com
18. Roberta’s - Bushwick
Roberta’s is a cool spot that makes great pizza and drinks. They’re cool here 365 days a year. But during the holidays, they bring out Grinchy's Holiday Tikibar, and it’s a blast. You can expect a special holiday menu, drinks, a gingerbread house competition, good times, and great friends!
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Website: robertaspizza.com/bushwick
19. Sunday in Brooklyn - Williamsburg
Sunday in Brooklyn is a New American restaurant that serves great pancakes, a good burger, and usually fantastic desserts. From November 28th - December 31st, Sunday in Brooklyn is taken over by a holiday pop-up called Snowday in Brooklyn. It’s clever and has over-the-top decorations, holiday cocktails, and more!
Address: 348 WYTHE AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11249
Website: sundayinbrooklyn.com
20. Gemma at the Bowery Hotel - The East Village
The Bowery Hotel is located in Downtown Manhattan, and many celebrities, from Charli XCX to Gigi Hadid, have stayed here. The hotel is also home to Gemma, a beautiful Italian Trattoria located on the ground floor. Here, Chef Andrea Taormina pairs rustic, seasonal cuisine with an extensive Italian wine list in an ambient setting.
Gemma always feels welcoming with candles dripping in every corner and a gorgeous bar. If you’re downtown, it’s the perfect place to slow down with a meal and a glass of wine.
Address: 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
Website: theboweryhotel.com/dining/gemma
21. Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel - Upper East Side
Bemelmans Bar is an iconic New York hideaway, renowned for nightly piano, late-night jazz, and murals by Ludwig Bemelmans.
Order a martini and soak up the jazz scene. It’s the perfect itinerary for a December Saturday night in the city.
Address: 35 East 76th St., New York, NY 10021
Website: rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york/dining/bemelmans-bar
22. The Bar Room at the Beekman Hotel - Financial District
Can you tell New York has exceptional hotel bars and restaurants? Next up, we have The Bar Room in the Beekman Hotel. You can stop here for breakfast, weekend jazz brunch, lunch, dinner, or late-night bar service. And we recommend that you definitely stop here.
Address: 123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038
Website: thebeekman.com/restaurants-bars/the-bar-room
23. Boss Tweeds - Tribeca
Boss Tweeds is a cocktail lounge and eatery that has two floors. During the holiday season, you can expect lots of festive decorations and cheeky cocktails. Come here after work with friends, or it’s also a great space to book a holiday party.
Address: 41 Murray St, New York, NY 10007
Website: bosstweeds.nyc
24. Anton’s - The West Village
Anton’s is always a good idea, but this is especially true in the winter. It’s an especially quaint corner in the beautiful West Village, with great classic cocktails and wine. Get the steak with melted onions and pasta. It never disappoints.
They also offer holiday catering for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’d rather spend your holidays eating instead of cooking, check Anton’s out.
Address: 570 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Website: antonsnyc.com
25. Vinegar Hill House - Dumbo
Vinegar Hill House is a relaxed American restaurant in an unassuming and historical part of the Brooklyn waterfront. The restaurant has a few dining options: Indoor Dining year-round, the Fireside Room downstairs in the colder months, and the outdoor Garden in the warmer months. The Fireside Room is where you want to be this holiday season.
This is a fantastic restaurant that serves great pasta and a fantastic pork chop. If you’re doing some Christmas shopping at the Brooklyn Flea this winter, make sure to book a reservation here for after.
Address: 72 Hudson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website: vinegarhillhouse.com
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.
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