Christmas bars and restaurants in Boston to get festive

A special occasion destination for almost four decades, Grill 23 & Bar becomes even more beloved and opulent during the holidays. Both floors of the restaurant will be decked out this holiday season with an abundance of artificial garland, wreaths, Christmas trees, holly sprigs, ribbons, and cozy string lights.

A South End favorite, Shore Leave has gone all out for the holidays and is at the top of this list for a reason. Not only are they decked to the nines for lights and festive Christmas décor but their menu is also filled with festive holiday themed cocktail specials, served in, you guessed it, a Santa mugs! Through December 31, Shore Leave will be “Sippin’ Santa’s Surf Shack, make a reservation or walk in and try to grab seats at the bar!

Behold the Liberty Hotel’s stunning, signature upside-down Christmas tree holiday installation featuring seven inverted Christmas trees, decorated by Boston florist and event designer Cityscapes. The trees are suspended from the hotel lobby’s beguiling 90-foot rotunda. Each nine-foot-tall tree is decorated with lights, ornaments, and a touch of acrylic paint for extra shine- making for a beautiful entrance into the hotel's already beautiful lobby area.

The Revere Hotel Lobby will be oozing with merriment as it decks the halls and hosts weekly festive events in its lavishly decorated lobby and restaurant space, Rebel's Guild, this year! The lobby will feature Christmas trees with "presents," ornaments, fun throw pillows, strung lights, garlands, and more. Throughout December, The Revere Hotel will be hosting weekly holiday programming in its lobby, Festive Fridays, which features a different, fun holiday activation each week.

Miracle at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel, a Christmas-themed cocktail bar that offers a bevy of festive cocktails in a space that looks like it stepped out of the movie, ELF. The popular, festive pop-up invites guests to deck the halls with over-the-top decorations while rocking out with a 6ft. Santa and sipping on a selection of original, holiday-themed libations.

While you may not be able to spend Christmas in Paris you can have dinner at Aquitaine, an elegant Parisian style bistro. They’ve gone all out with giant wreathes and lights this year to make you feel merry and bright.

Boston Public Market is delightfully decorated, with twinkling lights, festive decor, and the scents of the season perfuming the air. Enjoy a one-stop shop for all of your holiday needs! As always, shop handcrafted goods and fresh local groceries from local artisans and food purveyors, plus discover various pop-up small businesses selling more handcrafted items (perfect for gift giving!) every weekend until Christmas.

The focus is on warm, cozy, and hot cocoa, with the debut of Avery Bar Chocolat, a sweet extension of Avery Bar. The stunning marble fireplace is decked out with holiday greens and birch wood to offer the inviting, authentic feel of a New England ski chalet. During the holidays, every Saturday afternoon into the early evening, Avery Bar offers Avery Bar Chocolat, where guests are invited to warm up with a selection of delicious sweets and pastries along with a steaming, decadent cup of hot cocoa. 

Nestled in the Hood Park neighborhood in Charlestown, Tradesman isn’t just your average coffee and pastries shop. The restaurant boasts a floor-to-ceiling wood pizza oven, a donut room with a view, and a 38-seat bar. During the holiday, it’s all about the WOW factor!

Fin Point transforms into the most elegant of winter wonderlands. The Oyster Bar & Grille is open 365 days a year, serving the freshest raw bar and unique renditions of New England classics. Be sure to preorder one of their incredible Holiday pies!

Located right off Post Office Square Lily’s is a favorite after work drinks spot the retro, eclectic vibes somehow fit seamlessly with their over-the-top holiday décor complete with an upside down Christmas tree. Stop by Lily’s on Friday night for 90’s karaoke and their tuna poke nachos!