The holidays are here and I seriously couldn’t be any happier. I talk a big game about Fall, but the holiday season makes it hard to not love both just as much. New York City is truly so magical this time of year. Everywhere you look businesses have decorated. Boutiques, deli’s, restaurants, etc… Year round New Yorker’s mostly socialize in restaurants and/or bars, and the holidays are no exception. The beautiful lights and ribbons get to me. I can’t help but feel so excited for the holidays when I see these decorations, especially in the restaurants I know and love so much!
I love the magical feeling the city gives at this time of the year. My kids love to see the festive decor all over the city and it’s way more fun to go to restaurants that get into the holiday spirit and make you feel so welcome there with their festive decorations. I originally had 10 on my list, but it just felt like there were so many choices, and I didn’t want to leave any great ones out, so I added a handful more. Here’s my full list I have put together of my favorite restaurants to gather with family and friends during the holiday season for that extra special festive feel.
There is absolutely nothing quite like Rolf’s! This German restaurant is fully decorated for Christmas all year long. Yes, all year long. They don’t take any of the festive decor down. You can expect a traditional German menu full of schnitzel, spaetzle, bratwurst, potato pancakes, and more. Evenings get busy and the bar are gets lively but this is definitely the most festive restaurant in NYC.
The Black Tap in Midtown is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after checking out the magical Rockefeller Christmas Tree! They have a brand new cocktail menu you won’t want to miss! Black Tap is famous for their milkshakes though, and it’s easy to see why, they are fully loaded with the yummiest sweets! This spot is also kid friendly!
This Seaport restaurant is much more than just their amazing pizza options. They have a full menu of fantastic dishes to choose from! What I love about them, is that they have a ton of outdoor space, if it makes you feel more comfortable to sit outside at this time. They even have those adorable little house/igloo setup if you want! I think they do a great job at decorating for the holidays, as well! I love these reindeer!
This restaurant is actually open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! So you can book here for the holidays for Prix Fix 3 course menus. Their normal menu features delicious dishes such as caviar service, dressed oysters, shortrib tortellini, fabulous cocktails and more! Come with your family or bring a date for an amazing night out!
This place is fantastic! If you’re looking for a festive restaurant that is kid friendly, look no further! They are famous for their frozen hot chocolate, I’m not kidding when I say it’s the best thing in the world! It comes in a ton of different flavors, too. Food-wise they have everything you can imagine. Get a reservation today!
Balthazar is a true New York City staple. The epitome of a big French bistro with red leather booths, martini’s, steak frites, and delicious sweets! Whether you visit for breakfast for dinner you’re bound to have a true NYC experience at Balthazar. They also have an adjacent bakery if you just want a quick coffee and/or baked good while on the go. So not only is this one of the best restaurants in the city, but their Christmas decorations are always great!
This one is perfect for Thanksgiving! Fig & Olive has both a Thanksgiving Menu and Black Friday Brunch offerings this season. Celebrate a Mediterranean Thanksgiving with their prix fixe menu. Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring seasonal ingredients and Riviera-inspired twists on classic Thanksgiving dishes. For those hosting at home, their Mediterranean Thanksgiving catering offers the same vibrant flavors in a convenient drop-off option. Enjoy expertly prepared dishes that blend the tradition of Thanksgiving with the bold, fresh tastes of the French Riviera–perfect for a gathering of family & friends! This is the Thanksgiving menu and this is the Black Friday Brunch menu. Make a reservation today!
One of NYC’s oldest bars, Pete’s Tavern is a local favorite. Pete’s was founded in 1864 and has never shut its doors since. Serving a mostly Italian American menu that its regulars keep coming back for. As soon as you walk in you notice the wall filled with old photos through its decades in service and the many celebrities who have walked through its doors. Pete’s is a NYC landmark definitely worth visiting during the holiday season. Come here if you’re searching for some holiday cheer!
How could I resist a gorgeous indoor rooftop with a huge Italian market downstairs? I absolutely love this winter wonderland at Eataly Flatiron during the holidays. Its the perfect place to meet a girlfriend for a festive holiday lunch. I always grab some market necessities at the market downstairs on my way out. Because the restaurant uses all fresh imported ingredients from Italy the menu is always delicious and like taking a trip to Italy itself. Its also an incredibly kid friendly restaurant and high on my families favorites list. This is one of those cozy restaurants that happens to have great indoor dining that feels like outdoor dining because it’s on a roof with delicious food!
I love a delicious French menu full of escargot, cheese, steak frites, etc…. Lafayette never disappoints for my French cravings. Similar to Paris and Parisians, theres an elegance to the restaurant and its aesthetic. As soon as you walk in, it feels grand and special and very festive for the holidays. With a sommelier on staff don’t hesitate to ask all your wine questions. They have one of my favorite bakeries in the city so I always make sure to grab a few baked goodies for the next day.
Frena is a go to spot of ours! This season, they have a special Prix Fixe 4-course meal for $148, featuring an enticing array of offerings. You can look forward to delicious breads and dips, small plates, and large dishes that beautifully blend traditional Thanksgiving flavors with Middle Eastern influences, all culminating in a delightful dessert. As a treat, everyone will receive a turkey shawarma sandwich to take home as a unique “leftover” for Friday. Plus, kids under 10 will have the option to order from a special à la carte menu. Join them for a memorable culinary experience this holiday season!
You all know how much we love Delmonico’s so when we heard their team came out with another restaurant, I knew I had to add it to our list! Located in NoHo, it’s an Italian spot with delicious traditional dishes. October is Italian Heritage Month and they launched a brand new fall menu to include the most amazing bites such as: Arancini & Caviar: Fontina cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto, Cacio e Pepe e Tartufo: Bucatini with black truffles and pecorino. Agnolotti con Melanzana: Stuffed pasta with caramel yogurt, zucchini mint sauce, and aged balsamic, Fettuccine Fra Diavolo: Jumbo prawns with Calabrian chili and basil and Branzino: Served with Romanesco, bell pepper, kale, cannellini beans, and a salted tomato dill broth. We recommend finishing your meal with Bomboloni. These are traditional Italian doughnuts made from naturally fermented sourdough, filled with mandarin crème, rolled in brown sugar and cinnamon, and finished with melted white chocolate and a mixed fruit marmalade.
Located in Union Square and Times Square, Lillie’s is known for their bites and drinks. And this time of year, they go all out with decorations! If you’re looking for a really fun American restaurant to dine at with such photographic decor, this is one of the top spots!
This grand bar at the Beekman Tower is a gorgeous space all year round but is extra special during the holidays. It transforms into a snow globe winter wonderland. Located on the top floor of the hotel, Ophelia is an indoor rooftop bar specializing in mixology and specialty cocktails. Perfect to warm up on a cold winter night. Ophelia is at the top of my list for the ultimate holiday beverage.
This Midtown classic establishment goes all out for the holidays! It’s part of a hotel that has a ton of great, different room options whether it’s for a family stay, with friends or a solo trip! They are open pretty late, especially on the weekends, so if you’re looking for a later option to go out, this is your spot! And it’s in Midtown, so there are a ton of sights around to visit if you’re in town! You can’t beat that view, either!
What is actually better than champagne and the holidays? Well the people at Veuve Clicquot totally agree! They have partnered with the very popular NYC rooftop bar Mr. Purple to bring New Yorkers the ultimate holiday bar pop up. Guests can be found sipping champagne in life size snow globe/ igloo like spaces. Don’t forget to order the fondue or to maybe indulge in a spike hot chocolate. This is the most Instagram worthy holiday space of the season!
This classic Central Park West spot is stunning this time of year! They bring in a huge Christmas tree every year and put it underneath all the lights outside! It really is a beautiful view while you eat and drink. This is a great spot to go to if you’re visiting, as it is near Central Park and they have a whole Christmas tree there! And check out the elves! It’s decorated so well and makes the space feel truly magical.
If you’re not familiar with this bar, it’s known for its eccentric decorations and delicious cocktails. They deck the place out for every holiday—including Halloween! But the Christmas decor is unmatched. Enjoy some of the best drinks in town with an even better view of decorations.
This Christmas bar will be a hot commodity this season! You can find it at Baccall’s and Blue Midtown, where seasonal cocktails meet interactive photo experiences. With fun lights and festive music, they are a great time!
I love this spot for smaller events like birthdays, they have some great space there. But for the holiday season, they deck the place out! With delicious seasonal cocktails and adorable holiday decor, you will want to bring your friends here!
This spot has a more winter decor feeling than holiday, per say, but it still feels super festive! I love all the twinkly lights and greenery, it makes the space feel incredibly homey and welcoming in the winter. This terrace always has the best decorations, though! They do great florals in the summer. It’s a very instagrammable place to eat and drink! Look at those lights on the ceiling!
City Winery has revamped its menu for the winter and to say I’m excited to try it, would be an understatement! With new items like mission fig pizza, seared scallops, hot honey pizza, raspberry chipotle wings and so much more, you’re sure to be fully satisfied! Not to mention, the wine selection is some of the very best! You’ve gotta check them out!
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Blackbarn has a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for the holiday season. With its rustic decor and seasonal menu, everyone can enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes like their tender short rib and vibrant roasted vegetables are complemented by an extensive wine list. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, Blackbarn’s cozy ambiance and delicious fare make it a must-visit destination this holiday season.
Located in the West Village is a charming Italian gem that shines during the holiday season. Known for its warm atmosphere and rooftop herb garden, this restaurant offers a menu filled with seasonal Italian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include their homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, all served with a touch of festive flair. Perfect for cozy gatherings, indulge in a memorable dining experience that captures the spirit of the holidays. They even have a Thanksgiving menu this year!
This French bistro in the heart of NYC, is the perfect spot for holiday dining. With its intimate ambiance and classic decor, the restaurant serves a menu brimming with traditional French favorites like coq au vin and duck confit, paired with an exceptional wine selection. The inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for festive gatherings or romantic dinners. Experience the charm of Paris in New York this holiday season at Pappillon.
A French brasserie in the city, this is a must-visit this holiday season. With its vibrant atmosphere and classic Parisian decor, the restaurant offers a delightful menu featuring mouthwatering dishes like steak frites and coq au vin, alongside a selection of artisanal cheeses. The festive spirit is palpable, making it a perfect spot for holiday gatherings with friends and family.
This is definitely one of the more refined options on my list. Located in a landmarked Greenwich Village carriage house this space is so unique it often used for weddings. With a prefixed menu and a full two story tree, it’s a must for a formal family holiday meal or a romantic meal with a sweet someone special.
*This post was originally published on November 19th, 2019 and has since been updated.
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