Warm up at these rooftop bars that stay open all winter

Winter's chill has settled in for the season, but that doesn't mean you have to stay (or imbibe) strictly indoors. These sky-high saloons offer the rooftop experience all year long—no parka necessary.

230 Fifth: Located more than 20 floors above Fifth Avenue, this perennially packed nightspot has installed a handful of heated PVC igloos to enable cold-weather quaffing. Each geodesic dome fits 11, but get their early—these prime spots are available on a strictly first-come-first-serve basis. 230 Fifth Ave (212-725-4300, 230-fifth.com). 

Mr. Purple: The 15th-floor bar at the Lower East Side's Hotel Indigo—a dramatic example of the nabe's reincarnation as a mini Meatpacking District—allows drinkers to take in the surroundings while sipping on a range of classic cocktails, plus the bar's namesake tipple featuring Casamigos reposado tequila, cranberry liqueur, allspice dram, apple, and lemon. 180 Orchard St (212-237-1790, mrpurplenyc.com)

Photograph: Courtesy Arlo Hotel Hudson Square

Winter Wonderland at the Arlo Hotel Hudson Square Hotel: For the Christmas season, the rooftop bar at the Arlo Hotel Hudson Square has transformed into a boozy version of Santa's workshop, with playful creations like gingerbread man Jello shots and a hot chocolate martini. Stop by soon—the space strips its festive threads come New Year. 231 Hudson Street (212-342-7000, arlohotels.com)

The Empire Hotel Rooftop: Their popular pool may be closed for the season, but you can still drink in views of Central Park and Lincoln Center from this indoor/outdoor 12th-floor perch. 44 W 63rd St (212-956-3313, empirehotelnyc.com)

The Ides Bar at the Wythe Hotel: At just six floors up, Williamsburg's favorite rooftop bar might not reach the heights of its Manhattan cousins, but it's still a great place to take in the surrounding scenery—and scenesters. The kitchen, which is open until 11, turns out an array of small plates that match with cocktails like the aptly named Brooklyn View, a blend of gin, sparkling wine, and grapefruit. The space will tranform into Santa's Village from Dec 21–24, complete with the man in red himself. 80 Wythe Ave (718-460-8006, wythehotel.com)

Photograph: Courtesy Eataly

Baita at Eataly: You only need to take the train to 23rd street to take a trip to an Alpine village thanks to Eataly's wintertime pop-up. Amid ornaments and a cozy ski chalet, visitors can sample a selection of hearty dishes including the melty, gooey, cheesy goodness of raclette and a grown-up hot chocolate with tequila and mezcal to warm your bones. 200 Fifth Ave (212-937-8910, eataly.com)

Hotel Chantelle: The retractable rooftop at this French-inspired restaurant allows it to dish out breakfast pizza and eggs Benedict to hungry brunchers thought the colder months. 92 Ludlow St (212-254-9100, hotelchantelle.com)

The Lodge at the McKittrick Hotel: Few New York venues are as cozy as The Lodge, the winter incarnation of the bar atop the McKittrick Hotel. Decked out like an old-school cabin getaway, the wood-paneled space features blankets thrown over rocking chairs, evergreen trees, and even bunk beds—along with a menu featuring mulled wine and a selection of pizzas. 530 W 27th St (212-564-1662, mckittrickhotel.com)

Written by Heather Corcoran