The best holiday pop-up bars in NYC

Named “The City’s Most Festive Christmas Display” by Grub Street is The Dead Rabbit's fascinating holiday bar: Jingle Jangle. Starting on November 19, all three floors of the downtown bar are going full holiday mode—we're talking ornaments and twinkling lights on the ceiling, a solid line up of cocktails that are actually legit and a live Irish music on the weekends. It's a perpetually packed favorite for New Yorkers and out-of-towners, so reserve a table and tip the bar staff well.

Although many holiday pop-ups can skew goofy, Leyenda (more on the decorated end of the spectrum than the "immersive") is the real deal, year round. The Smith Street staple will deck its walls with darling garland varieties and fill glassware fashioned after Santas and other timely icons starting on November 29. The season’s sippings include minty, frozen cachaça-based Candy Stripers and tequila-twisted Coquito Ho Ho Hos. 

We may not get snowed in this year (cough, global warming, cough), but we can pretend like we are at Sunday in Brooklyn. Starting November 19, Snow Day in Brooklyn returns, bringing all the cozy comforts, starting with Cheese Fondue and French Onion Soup. Cheeky wintry cocktails round out the offerings, like the Beetz Navidad and Grinch Don't Kill My Vibe. 

Famed for its pizza near and far, Roberta’s is hosting its second annual holiday pop-up this season. From December 5 through January 10, Roberta’s will host Grinchy’s at its Bushwick Tiki Bar. Christmas lights, and titular imagery will ornament the space and topical tipples will join the menu for the occasion. 

We already mentioned that The Dead Rabbit is the king of Christmas cheery. This year, the Irish bar is taking its cheer on the road, well, on the water, introducing its holiday bar to Rooftop at Pier 17. From November 21 until mid-January, the Seaport rooftop will be turned into a winter wonderland. We're talking over-the-top decor, private dining and ice skating overlooking the city.

See and be seen with illuminated reindeer, snowmen and oodles of other holiday accoutrement at Loreley Beer Garden’s Winter Wonderland Popup. It’s decorated inside and out from November 14 through January 5, with drink specials across its heated spaces like festive spiked eggnog, boozy black and white hot chocolate and gluhwein. 

Finally, the patron saint of Christmas has found a home to roost. From November 15 to December 29, this seasonal bar is coming to NYC, solely dedicated to all things Mariah Carey. Her liquor, Black Irish by Mariah Carey, is the star, found in espresso martinis and a hot cocoa-like drinks. Wear your best holiday fit and snap a picture in front a festive wreath modeled after one of her famous Christmas albums. 

One of the classics of the genre, Miracle on 9th Street is celebrating its 10th year of all things merry and bright. This year, the Christmas bar is returning to The Cabinet with Christmapolitans, nogs, “naughty” shots and other seasonally-titled libations. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn branch, Miracle on Union, operates at Thief in Williamsburg. Expect string lights, faux snow and events like ugly sweater parties across locales.  

Think Christmas but spookier. Drawing from the horned figure from Alpine folklore, Krampus Cove' brings a dark twist to the holiday with black Christmas trees, sinister snowmen and eerie holiday hits. Frightfully good cocktails will be on offer like Ginger Dread and Jingle Hell. 

New York City's first Latin-themed Christmas bar is coming to town. Landing in Long Island City, Noche Buena celebrates traditions across the diaspora—Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and more. Naturally, coquito is on order alongside Agua Frescas Margaritas and spiked hot cocoas with coffee whiskey. And when you are in need of a snack, peruse a menu of arepas, tostones and churros with chocolate syrup for dipping. 

Gnomeo's at Romeo's has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? The East Village bar is transforming into a winter wonderland, with garland, Christmas trees and fake snow without all that winter chill attached to it. Wintry sips to get you in the festive mood include the St. Nick’s Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned and Oskar’s Mexican Hot Chocolate with mole.