15+ Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars NYC 2025 (Miracle, Rolf’s)

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When the temperature drops and the city starts twinkling, you know it’s time for one of NYC’s best traditions: the holiday pop-up bar. Forget your regular spot, because for a few magical weeks, bars across the city transform into winter wonderlands. Here’s your guide to finding the best holiday pop up bars in NYC this 2025 near me for all the festive cocktails and over-the-top decor you can handle.

Just a heads up: These pop-ups are here for a good time, not a long time. Details, hours, and reservation policies can change, so always check their official Instagram or website before you go.

The Most Festive Christmas Bars NYC Has to Offer

Miracle on 9th Street

This is the OG NYC holiday pop-up that started it all. Miracle is known for its super kitschy, nostalgic Christmas decor and a menu of cleverly named, delicious cocktails served in festive mugs. It’s a must-do, but be prepared for a line.

  • When: Opens Nov 5–6, 2025 — runs through Dec 31, 2025 (NYC outpost at The Cabinet; reserves show Nov 6 availability). 
  • Price: $$
  • Location: The Cabinet at 649 East 9th Street, East Village (Typical Location)
  • Contact: https://www.instagram.com/miracleon9thstreet 
  • Pro Tip: Go on a weeknight or right when they open to avoid the craziest crowds. This is a small spot and it fills up fast.

Sippin’ Santa

The tropical cousin to Miracle, Sippin’ Santa trades kitschy Christmas for festive tiki. Think Santa on a surfboard, ornaments hanging from palm fronds, and boozy, rum-filled holiday drinks. It’s a fun escape from the cold.

  • When: Opens in November 2025 (mid–late November); many locations begin around Nov 18–23, 2025 and run through December / some into early January (dates vary by city/location). Check the Sippin’ Santa 2025 locations page for the specific 
  • Price: $$
  • Location: Usually at Boilermaker, 13 1st Avenue, East Village
  • Contact: https://www.sippinsantapopup.com | info@miraclepopup.com 
  • Pro Tip: The vibe is more laid-back than Miracle, making it a great alternative if the line next door is too insane.

Rolf’s German Restaurant

Okay, so it’s not technically a pop-up, but you can’t have a Christmas bars NYC list without Rolf’s NYC. This place is legendary for its floor-to-ceiling decorations that are rumored to cost over $60,000. It’s an absolute spectacle.

  • When: Open year-round; decorated continuously for the holiday season (no limited “pop-up” run). Best to check hours/closures for holidays. 
  • Price: $$$
  • Cuisine: German
  • Location: 281 3rd Ave, New York
  • Contact: https://www.rolfsnyc.com | (212) 477-4750
  • Pro Tip: Reservations are nearly impossible to get. Your best bet is to line up before they open for a spot at the bar, but expect a wait no matter what.

The Pink Winter Lodge at Magic Hour Rooftop

If you’re looking for an Instagrammable holiday experience, this is it. Magic Hour transforms its rooftop into a pink-themed ski lodge, complete with pink hot chocolate, festive treats, and stunning views of the Empire State Building.

  • When: Seasonal winter transformation — typically late November through January. Magic Hour runs rotating seasonal themes; confirm the exact 2025 “Pink Winter Lodge” dates on Magic Hour’s site/IG. 
  • Price: $$$
  • Location: Moxy Times Square, 485 7th Ave, New York
  • Contact: https://www.magichourny.com | +1 212-268-0188 | magichournyreservations@taogroup.com 
  • Pro Tip: Reservations are essential. It’s a very popular spot for photos, so expect a lively crowd.

The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge at The Springs

For those in Brooklyn, The Springs in Greenpoint usually transforms into a cozy, kitschy holiday paradise. Expect festive cocktails, holiday movie nights, and a generally chill, fun vibe.

  • When: Typical holiday run — November through December (exact dates vary year to year). Check The Springs’ IG for their 2025 pop-up dates and patio winterization announcements. 
  • Price: $$
  • Location: 224 Franklin St, Brooklyn
  • Pro Tip: Their huge back patio is often winterized, offering more space to hang out than many of the Manhattan spots.

Oscar Wilde NYC

Similar to Rolf’s, Oscar Wilde NYC is a year-round stunner that becomes a holiday masterpiece. The Victorian-era decor is already ornate, but during Christmas, they dial it up to eleven with thousands of ornaments, garlands, and lights.

  • When: Year-round venue that goes extra festive for the holidays — typically decorated November–December. (Not a limited-run pop-up.) Confirm reservation windows on their site. 
  • Price: $$$
  • Cuisine: American/Irish
  • Location: 45 W 27th St, New York
  • Contact: https://www.oscarwildenyc.com | (212) 213-3066 | info@oscarwildenyc.com 
  • Pro Tip: It’s much larger than Rolf’s, so it’s a bit easier to get into, but reservations are still highly recommended.

Frosty’s Christmas Bar

If “subtle” isn’t in your vocabulary, Frosty’s is for you. This is a multi-level, ticketed experience with wall-to-wall lights, singing Santas, and non-stop holiday music. It’s less of a bar and more of a Christmas party explosion.

  • When: Ticketed seasonal event — typically opens in mid- to late-November and runs through December (some sessions/ticket blocks can extend into late December; NYC site lists the New York pop-up). Check the Frosty’s NYC ticket page for exact 2025 session dates. 
  • Price: $$$ (Ticketed entry)
  • Location: Blue Midtown, 220 W 44th St, New York (Typical Location)
  • Pro Tip: Buy your tickets well in advance, especially for weekend slots. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.

Holly Jolly Bar at The Skinny

This Lower East Side favorite turns into a full-blown Christmas explosion every December, with tinsel-covered ceilings, glowing lights, and themed cocktails served in Santa mugs. It’s a lively, no-frills spot that nails that nostalgic holiday chaos.

  • When: December 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
  • Price: $$
  • Location: 174 Orchard St, New York
  • Contact: https://www.instagram.com/hollyjollybar | +1 212-228-3668
  • Pro Tip: Go early in the night or midweek to snag a seat—this place gets packed with holiday revelers fast.

Haven Rooftop

Located atop the Sanctuary Hotel, Haven Rooftop often transforms into a winter ski lodge theme. It’s a heated, enclosed space that lets you enjoy the Times Square views while feeling like you’re in Aspen.

  • When: Seasonal theme change for winter (often a ski-lodge theme) — expect November–January for winter programming and special holiday events (Christmas Eve/Celebrations); confirm via Haven/Sanctuary Hotel. 
  • Price: $$$
  • Location: 132 W 47th St, New York
  • Contact: https://www.havenrooftop.com | 212.466.9000  
  • Pro Tip: Great for a pre-theater drink and a bite if you’re catching a Broadway show.

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

Famous for its rooftop igloos, 230 Fifth offers unbeatable views of the Empire State Building. Snag a spot in one of their heated igloos, sip on a boozy hot chocolate, and enjoy the sparkling skyline.

  • When: Igloos / winter setup run through the colder months (typically November → March). 230 Fifth advertises “igloos/heat” available all winter; check their site/IG for when igloo reservations open in 2025. 
  • Price: $$$
  • Location: 230 5th Ave, New York
  • Contact: https://www.230-fifth.com 
  • Pro Tip: Igloos are first-come, first-served, so get there early to grab one. They also provide cozy red robes to wear.

The Lodge at Gallow Green

The McKittrick Hotel’s rooftop bar, Gallow Green, transforms from a lush garden into a cozy, mountainside ski lodge for the winter. You can relax in a “log cabin” with flannel blankets and warm cocktails.

  • When: Seasonal winter lodge — typically open November–January (reservations recommended; runs as McKittrick’s holiday rooftop program). Confirm exact 2025 opening/closing on McKittrick site. 
  • Price: $$$
  • Location: 542 W 27th St, New York
  • Contact: https://mckittrickhotel.com | +1 212-564-1662 | gallowgreen@mckittrickhotel.com 
  • Pro Tip: It’s an incredible escape from the city streets. Reservations are a must.

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

With two locations, Lillie’s is another Victorian-themed bar that goes all out for the holidays. It has a similar grand, festive feel to Oscar Wilde and is a reliable spot for a celebratory drink.

  • When: Year-round bars that amplify holiday decor in Nov–Dec; for holiday reservations, check each location’s booking page in November.
  • Price: $$$
  • Location: 249 W 49th St, New York | 13 E 17th St, New York
  • Pro Tip: The Times Square location is perfect for a pre- or post-theater holiday drink.

Feliz Coctelería at Mace

The team behind the acclaimed cocktail bar Mace usually hosts a holiday pop-up with a Latin twist. Expect creative, spice-forward drinks that go way beyond your standard mulled wine, all in a beautifully decorated, intimate space.

  • When: Typically a limited holiday pop-up in November–December (Mace has hosted holiday pop-ups late November onward in past seasons). Check Mace / Mace team announcements for the exact 2025 run. 
  • Price: $$$
  • Location: 35 W 8th St, New York (Mace location)
  • Pro Tip: A fantastic choice for cocktail aficionados looking for something truly unique for the holidays.

Pete’s Tavern

As one of NYC’s oldest continuously operating bars, Pete’s Tavern is steeped in history. During the holidays, they deck the halls with an impressive and classic display of lights and garlands, offering a warm, old-school New York Christmas vibe.

  • When: ear-round historic bar that decorates for the holidays (November–December heavily decorated). No limited pop-up run; check hours/holiday service. 
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Location: 129 E 18th St, New York
  • Contact: https://www.petestavern.com | +1 212-473-7676 
  • Pro Tip: It gets very busy. Try for a late lunch or early weekday dinner to soak in the atmosphere without the biggest crowds.

Maccabee Bar

For a different kind of holiday spirit, check out the Maccabee Bar, a Hanukkah-themed pop-up. It’s a welcome change of pace from the wall-to-wall Christmas, with blue and white decor and creative cocktails inspired by the Festival of Lights.

  • When: Runs around Hanukkah (typically a few nights/days during the Hanukkah season in November–December); location varies yearly. 
  • Price: $$
  • Location: Varies, but often partners with existing bars. Check their Instagram @maccabeebar for the 2025 location.
  • Pro Tip: A must-visit for a unique holiday experience. The latkes are usually as good as the drinks.

Loreley Beer Garden

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This Lower East Side favorite transforms its heated outdoor patio into a full-blown Winter Wonderland. It’s more casual than some of the other spots, making it great for groups looking for festive beers and spiked hot chocolate.

  • When: Heated winter patio / holiday program — typically November–March for winter setups (with holiday décor in Nov–Dec). Check Loreley’s site/IG for the 2025 winter program. 
  • Price: $$
  • Cuisine: German
  • Location: 7 Rivington St, New York
  • Contact: https://www.loreleynyc.com | +1 212-253-7077 | info@loreleynyc.com 
  • Pro Tip: They often have daily happy hour specials, even during the holiday season.

Your Holiday Bar Questions Answered

What is the Christmas themed bar in New York? There are so many! The most famous ones are the Miracle pop-ups and the incredibly decorated Rolf’s German Restaurant. But every year brings new ones to discover.

Which part of NYC has the best bars? You can find great bars all over, but the East Village is famous for its cocktail scene and is often the epicenter of the Holiday Bar NYC pop-up trend. However, you’ll find amazing festive spots from Midtown to Brooklyn.

What is the most iconic bar in New York? That’s a tough one, but in the context of Christmas, you could argue it’s Rolf’s for its sheer dedication to holiday decor. Year-round, spots like McSorley’s or the Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle hold iconic status.

What is the most Christmassy place in New York City? While these bars are contenders, the area around Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue is still the heart of Christmas in NYC. The tree, the skaters, the window displays—it’s pure holiday magic.

Looking for More Than Just Drinks?

After you’ve had your fill of festive cocktails, you’ll probably want to soak it all up with some good food in an equally festive setting. For spots that go all out on both the decor and the menu, check out our guide to The Best Christmas Bars And Restaurants In NYC (2025 Guide).

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