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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