Top 20 Best Bars in New York City This Christmas

New York City’s best bars in New York City this Christmas are calling—when December’s chill hits 0-5°C, the Big Apple’s a boozy wonderland where skyscrapers twinkle and mulled wine flows. Think rooftop cocktails with Rockefeller glow, speakeasies dripping in tinsel, and pubs roaring with holiday cheer. Ready for a Sunset Weekly hitlist of the top 20 spots to sip through NYC’s festive frenzy? Let’s dive into this Yuletide bar crawl—your glass is frostbit!

1. Best Bars in New York City: Rolf’s German Restaurant’s Tinsel Torrent

Rolf’s in Gramercy (~$12/~EUR 11 cocktails) drowns in Christmas—10,000+ ornaments, mulled wine that hugs your soul. Hit it at 5 PM—perfect for festive overload (book ahead). Google Reviews (4.4/5, 3,200+ reviews) rave, “Decor’s insane—wine’s a cozy dream!” Locals dodge peak—midweek’s your shot.

2. 230 Fifth Rooftop’s Skyline Sip

230 Fifth in Flatiron (~$15/~EUR 14 cocktails) flaunts NYC’s skyline—hot toddies, Empire State glow, igloos in winter ($20/~EUR 18 cover). Sunset at 6 PM—perfect for rooftop dazzle. Google Reviews (4.3/5, 8,500+ reviews) cheer, “Views are ace—toddies warm you up!” Locals book early—nab an igloo.

3. The Dead Rabbit’s Irish Jig

The Dead Rabbit in FiDi (~$10/~EUR 9 pints) is Irish gold—Guinness flows, Christmas fiddles hum. Pop in at 7 PM—perfect for a festive pint by the fire. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 5,000+ reviews) say, “Pints are fab—vibe’s electric!” Locals hit late—go early for seats.

4. Oscar Wilde’s Victorian Vibe

Oscar Wilde in NoMad (~$16/~EUR 15 cocktails) channels 1890s—40-foot bar, holiday garlands, absinthe twinkles. Book for 8 PM—perfect for a plush sip. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 2,800+ reviews) rave, “Absinthe’s unreal—decor’s a blast!” Locals say dress up—tables fill fast.

5. Best Bars in New York City: The Campbell’s Grand Glow

The Campbell in Grand Central (~$18/~EUR 17 cocktails) is a 1920s stunner—vaulted ceilings, mulled wine under holiday lights. Hit it at 6 PM—perfect for a train-station toast. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 3,100+ reviews) gush, “Vibe’s ace—wine’s a winter hug!” Locals dodge peak—nab a spot early.

6. Pete’s Tavern’s Gramercy Grit

Pete’s Tavern in Gramercy (~$8/~EUR 7 pints) oozes 1864—twinkly lights, draft beers, winter’s oldest bar buzz. Pop in at 5 PM—perfect for a cozy pint. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 2,900+ reviews) cheer, “Beers are fab—history’s alive!” Locals hit midweek—weekends pack out.

7. Please Don’t Tell’s Secret Sip

Please Don’t Tell (PDT) in East Village (~$16/~EUR 15 cocktails) hides behind a phone booth—spiced rum, Christmas hush. Book for 9 PM—perfect for a speakeasy hit (call ahead). Google Reviews (4.6/5, 2,200+ reviews) say, “Rum’s ace—vibe’s unreal!” Locals dodge peak—slots vanish.

8. The Roof at Public Hotel’s LES Luxe

The Roof at Public Hotel in LES (~$20/~EUR 18 cocktails) flaunts skyline—hot cider, winter’s Lower East Side sparkle. Sunset at 6 PM—perfect for a festive perch. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 1,900+ reviews) rave, “Cider’s lush—views slay!” Locals book—nab a table.

9. McSorley’s Old Ale House’s Bowery Bash

McSorley’s in East Village (~$7/~EUR 6 ales) is NYC’s oldest—sawdust floors, two ales, Christmas roars since 1854. Hit it at 4 PM—perfect for a raw pint. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 3,800+ reviews) cheer, “Ale’s ace—vibe’s a blast!” Locals pack it—go early.

10. Sardi’s Polanco’s Midtown Mingle

Sardi’s Polanco in Midtown (~$15/~EUR 14 cocktails) is Broadway’s haunt—caricatures, holiday martinis near Times Square. Book for 7 PM—perfect for a theater buzz. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 2,500+ reviews) say, “Martinis rock—vibe’s pure NYC!” Locals hit pre-show—nab a seat.

11. The Back Room’s Prohibition Pop

The Back Room in LES (~$16/~EUR 15 cocktails) hides via a toy shop—teacup gin, winter’s 1920s glow. Pop in at 9 PM—perfect for a secret sip. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 1,700+ reviews) rave, “Gin’s fab—vibe’s unreal!” Locals say find it—entry’s sneaky.

12. Tavern on the Green’s Parkside Pour

Tavern on the Green in Central Park (~$14/~EUR 13 cocktails) is a holiday icon—mulled wine, winter’s park twinkle. Hit it at 6 PM—perfect for a festive perch. Google Reviews (4.4/5, 4,200+ reviews) cheer, “Wine’s cozy—vibe’s magic!” Locals dodge peak—book ahead.

13. The Flatiron Room’s Whiskey Wham

The Flatiron Room in NoMad (~$18/~EUR 17 whiskeys) is a brown-liquor den—200+ bottles, holiday jazz hums. Book for 8 PM—perfect for a warm sip. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 2,000+ reviews) say, “Whiskey’s ace—vibe’s plush!” Locals hit late—nab a table.

14. The Nomad Bar’s Luxe Lap

The Nomad Bar at NoMad Hotel (~$20/~EUR 18 cocktails) oozes class—spiced old fashioneds, winter’s velvet glow. Hit it at 7 PM—perfect for a posh pour. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 1,800+ reviews) rave, “Cocktails slay—vibe’s unreal!” Locals book—tables fly.

15. Employees Only’s West Village Wink

Employees Only in West Village (~$16/~EUR 15 cocktails) hides behind a psychic sign—winter’s gin flows, speakeasy buzz. Book for 9 PM—perfect for a secret hit. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 2,300+ reviews) cheer, “Gin’s fab—vibe’s ace!” Locals dodge peak—slots vanish.

16. The Irish Pub’s Hell’s Kitchen Hearth

The Irish Pub in Hell’s Kitchen (~$8/~EUR 7 pints) pours Irish—Guinness, winter’s cozy roar near Times Square. Pop in at 6 PM—perfect for a festive pint. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 1,600+ reviews) say, “Pints are ace—vibe’s warm!” Locals hit late—go early.

17. Bemelmans Bar’s Uptown Elegance

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle (~$20/~EUR 18 cocktails) is Upper East Side plush—holiday martinis, live piano hums. Book for 8 PM—perfect for a luxe sip. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 1,900+ reviews) rave, “Martinis are divine—vibe’s unreal!” Locals say dress up—tables fill.

18. The Dead Poet’s Literary Lift

The Dead Poet in Upper West Side (~$8/~EUR 7 beers) is a cozy dive—winter’s craft pints, bookish buzz. Hit it at 5 PM—perfect for a chill sip. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 1,500+ reviews) cheer, “Beers are fab—vibe’s cozy!” Locals dodge peak—nab a spot.

19. Ophelia Lounge’s East Village Edge

Ophelia Lounge in East Village (~$18/~EUR 17 cocktails) flaunts 26th-floor views—winter’s spiced rum, skyline sparkle. Sunset at 6 PM—perfect for a festive perch. Google Reviews (4.5/5, 1,700+ reviews) say, “Rum’s ace—views slay!” Locals book—tables go quick.

20. The Rum House’s Theater Toss

The Rum House in Midtown (~$15/~EUR 14 cocktails) is a rum haven—holiday punches, piano hums near Broadway. Hit it at 7 PM—perfect for a pre-show sip. Google Reviews (4.6/5, 2,100+ reviews) rave, “Punch is fab—vibe’s alive!” Locals hit late—nab a seat.

When’s NYC Naughty?

Winter (Dec)—0-5°C, lights dazzle, and bars hum with cheer. Spring’s milder—skip if you crave the chill.

Snap Your NYC Sip

New York City’s best bars in Christmas deserve more than a snap—those toddy glows and speakeasy vibes are frame-worthy. Snapfish’s got you with code XGQ125—30% off photo gifts and mugs ‘til March 31 at snapfish.co.uk (valid ‘til 31/3/2025). Jet in with British Airways—flights from London kick off at GBP 294 (britishairways.com)—and dive into this festive bar bash. More Sunset Weekly adventures await—pack your bags!

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