Community Corner
These NYC Bars Will Put You In A Holiday Mood
Get in the Christmas spirit with a drink from one of these merry watering holes.
NEW YORK, NY — There's no shortage of places to grab a drink in New York City, but only a handful go all-out for the holidays. If you're having a little trouble getting in the Christmas spirit, these bars could help.
Plenty of bars and restaurants hang the obligatory lights and wreathes come December. But with their over-the-top decorations and holiday-themed cocktails, these are some of the best spots in New York to wind down after your shopping trip to Macy's.
Here are the best bars for celebrating the holidays in New York City.
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Rolf's German Restaurant
Christmas outfits ? Yes, please! #rolfsnyc #timeoutnewyork
A post shared by Rolfs German Restaurant. (@rolfsny) on Dec 1, 2017 at 7:32pm PST
No one beat's Rolf's when it comes to insane Christmas decorations. The Gramercy Park institution is packed to the brim every winter with lights, giant ornaments and faux icicles. But the display is known to draw big crowds, so plan ahead before you stop in for some schnitzel.
281 Third Avenue, Manhattan
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Sippin' Santa's Surf Shack (AKA Boilermaker)
Guess whose back?! We will be here till Xmas Eve. Come on by for all new holiday cocktails and boilermakers. @sippinsanta #holidaypopup #sippinsantassurfshack #sippinsanta
A post shared by Boilermaker (@boilermakernyc) on Nov 27, 2017 at 3:45pm PST
East Village bar Boilermaker becomes a holiday haven when it turns into Sippin' Santa's Surf Shack, a self-described "tropical Christmas bar," from late November through Christmas Eve. The First Avenue space has presents hanging from the ceiling and plenty of decorations featuring Saint Nick himself. It also serves special Christmas cocktails with names like "Toboggan Nog" and "Frosty Bottoms."
13 First Avenue, Manhattan
Miracle On 9th Street (AKA Mace)
It’s this time of the year again. Starting Friday the 24th, Miracle on 9th Street is back at Mace! With a new menu. See you soon
A post shared by Mace (@macebarnyc) on Nov 15, 2017 at 5:33am PST
Like Boilermaker, the high-end East Village cocktail bar Mace puts on its Christmas best and becomes Miracle on 9th Street until Christmas Eve. There's a special menu of holiday drinks, one of which is served in a Santa pants mug. Mace was named one of the "World's 50 Best Bars" for 2017, so you know it'll be good.
649 E. Ninth St., Manhattan
The Breslin Bar & Dining Room
A bench in a grove in winter for The Breslin, Ace Hotel...nyc.
A post shared by URBAN GREEN GARDENS (@urbangreengardens) on Nov 30, 2017 at 12:57pm PST
This NoMad gastropub gets in the spirit with lush greenery outside and twinkling Christmas lights inside. The Breslin serves wintry mince pies all through December and offers egg nog and mulled wine as a Christmas Eve special.
16 W. 29th St., Manhattan
Donner & Blitzen's Reindeer Lounge
Our favorite Sunday seat at the reindeer lounge. We know it's Sunday but you can still #getblitzed
A post shared by Donner And Blitzen (@reindeerlounge) on Dec 3, 2017 at 2:38pm PST
This very Christmas-y pop-up bar has taken over the former East Village home of No Malice Palace. It's a very cozy-looking place to drink, complete with a fireplace with stockings hung with care. Cocktails include the tequila-based "Feliz Navidad" and a special egg nog called "Nog-Gonna Make It To Work Tomorrow."
197 E. Third St., Manhattan
Sleyenda (AKA Leyenda)
The Nutcracker Old Fashioned at #sleyenda! Pecan infused @appletonestateusa rum, walnut infused @wildturkey bourbon, macadamia nut or gray, aromatic bitters! #comegetsome! @shanwow.8 behind the stick and @eeveedee on the floor all night!
A post shared by Leyenda (@leyendabk) on Dec 5, 2017 at 12:55pm PST
In another Christmas conversion, Brooklyn cocktail hotspot Leyenda becomes "Sleyenda" for the holiday season. The bar features Day of the Dead nutcrackers, ornament-like glassware and menus printed on Christmas cards, according to Forbes.
221 Smith St., Brooklyn
(Lead image: Patrons drink at Rolf's German Restaurant in 2004. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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