The best bars open on Christmas Eve and Day in NYC

What is it? Hotel bars are sort of cheating because many operate on a seven-days-a-week X 52-weeks-a-year basis, but this is a great one with a ton of character and a cool clientele. The lobby bar at the Bowery Hotel oozes maximalist rococo old-world charm. Ornate woodwork, plush antique seating, and atmospheric light play cozy contrast with environs that feel full and warm while the streets outside are barren and cold. There’s something so right about sipping a Manhattan in a leather chair in front of a fireplace.

Address: 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

Christmas hours: Dec 24 5pm–2am; Dec 25 5pm–4am

Expect to Pay: ~$10–$12/beer; ~$15–$35/glass of wine, ~$60–$150/bottle of wine; ~$14–$18/cocktail

What is it? This is a unique hybrid pizza place/bar where you don’t have to eat a crumb to hang out and have a few, shoot some pool, watch the game. The vintage styling says “low pressure,” while the tasty, square Detroit-style pizza says, “stay longer.” If you’ve got visitors for the holiday, there’s scarcely a more perfect place to spend Christmas eve; they’ve got a fun menu of cocktails, beer, and wine to keep everyone feeling the spirit, plus the aforementioned pizza which is certain to please a crowd. Keep an eye out for a special holiday pie the week-of. Turbo Pizza is only open xmas eve. 

Address: 1003 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Christmas hours: Dec 24 4pm–midnight

Expect to Pay: ~$5–$10/beer; ~$12–$17/glass of wine; ~$14–$16/cocktail; Pizzas come in small, medium, and large for varying prices, depending but you won’t pay more than $44 for a large pie.

What is it? This Mott Haven standby settles into the holiday spirit starting December 1 with festive lighting, wreaths, and a tree. There’s a good reason this place is a locals’ favorite; the room is alive with a strong neighborhood pulse and friendly bartenders at its beating heart. It’s bound to have enough bustle to make Xmas eve feel like a celebration, but this isn’t an unbearably entitled Manhattan or Williamsburg crowd. Christmas Eve, Bar 47 offers an all night happy hour and complimentary appetizers. 

Address: 47 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, NY 10454

Christmas hours: Dec 24 2pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$6–$10/beer; ~$9–$10/glass of wine; ~$14/cocktail; ~$2–$11/snacks

What is it? This Irish standby splits its abundant Christmas cheer between the lively Taproom downstairs and the more relaxed Parlor aka dining room upstairs. They’ve got a proper pint of Guinness, an excellent whiskey selection, and beautiful cocktails. If you’re a sucker for Christmas decor, this place has that big yuletide energy you’re after; warm, welcoming, and aglow. Drop in for a few or stay for dinner–this is a great place to bring your visiting parents. And if you’ve got family with dietary restrictions, there’s plenty of hearty options here. To avoid a wait, book a table in advance. Dead Rabbit is open on Christmas eve only.

Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004

Christmas hours: Dec 24: Taproom 11am–2am; Parlor 4pm–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$7–$10/beers; ~$15-$20/glass of wine; ~$24-$27/cocktails; ~$7–$30/small plates; ~$17-$37/mains

What is it? Over on the Upper East Side is the 5-star luxury Mark Hotel, whose Jacques Grange-designed jewelbox lounge positively glows with retro/modern googie design. Serving straight through the holiday and into late night hours, The Mark Bar offers a chance for those on the UES to celebrate in chic Madison Avenue style. Befitting the hotel’s Michelin Key recognition, renowned chef/restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten lends his name to the cocktail menu, so guests can expect high levels of execution (and a bar tab to match), like the Love Wins Every Thyme (Vodka, apricot, yuzu, and hibiscus) a portion of whose proceeds go to Ali Forney Center providing resources for at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth.

Address: Madison Avenue at 77th St, New York, NY 10075

Christmas hours: Dec 24, 25 7am–2am

Expect to Pay: ~$14-$16/beer; ~$24-$79/cocktail; $22-$135/glass of wine

What is it? Through November’s back end and into January, this beer garden transforms into a whole Winter Wonderland thing with both indoor and heated outdoor seating. If you’re in the market for real-estate enough to accommodate an extended family, this spot’s got big communal tables. Crowd pleasing bierhall fare is on the menu alongside holiday specials, so this is an easy catchall. While a reservation isn’t required, it’s definitely advisable if you’re planning on bringing the whole crew.

Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Christmas hours: Dec 24 5pm–1am; Dec 25 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$7-$14/pint of beer, ~$14-$16/glass of wine, ~$52-$64/glass of wine; ~$18-$25/cocktail; ~$10-$24/small plates, ~$19-$44/mains

What is it? Over in a liminal neighborhood near Industry City, near the edge of South Slope and Sunset Park sits the little gift that doesn’t know how to quit giving: Mama Tried. Here, you’ll find a friendly room apart with neighborhood spirit to spare. The huge backyard can turn even a quick visit into a mini party with live music. The whole place is easygoing enough that arriving with visiting family or ducking in solo both feel just right. Mama Tried is only confirmed to be open on Xmas Eve, but that may change as the date draws near.

Address: 787 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Christmas hours: Dec 24 4pm–4am

Expect to Pay: ~$4–$8/beer; ~$6–$10/glass of wine; ~$12–$14/cocktail; ~$10–$14/snacks

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What is it?  This neighborhood favorite puts the blitz in Blitzen, doing the holiday a boozy turn with Miracle–a Christmas-themed bar takeover. Festooning the dive-adjacent neighborhood charmer with holiday excess, the vibe here is sort like a Christmas Snow-globe filled with Tequila. Themed drinks include (but aren’t limited to) the Jingle Balls Nog (cognac, cream, sherry, almond milk, egg, vanilla, nutmeg). Plus the twin Naughty and Nice shots are served in Santa’s-head glassware and how fun is that? Keep an eye out for George the local Krampus.

Address: 364 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Christmas hours: Dec 24 4pm-midnight

Expect to pay: ~$10–$15/cocktails; ~$10/glass of wine, ~$40/bottle of wine; ~$8–$10/draft beer; ~$4–$22/small plates; ~$10–$24/mains

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What is it? This little bar carries the soul of a New York dive and the heartbeat of a Japanese hi-fi den. Also an izakaya. Also a dance party. The sound system is, unsurprisingly, the star of the show; DJs spinning vinyl under sparkly disco lights–including on Christmas day. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming to newcomers, and it gets dancy. Weekends, Yakitori is the x-factor, but once you explain to your visiting in-laws that it literally translates to “chicken on a stick,” everyone will get on board. This year’s tiki-Christmas popup, Sippin Santa puts a tropical spin to the snacks and drinks, like the Frost Bite (tequila, sage, pineapple, lime, cranberry).

Address 301 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Christmas hours: Dec 24 4pm-midnight; Dec 25 4pm-2am

Expect to Pay: ~$9-$10/beer; ~$16-$28/cocktail; ~$10/glass of wine, ~$6-$20/snacks

Make the yuletide gay at Cubbyhole, the West Village’s friendly, festive lesbian bar. But you don’t have to be LGBTQIA+ to fit right in here–the Cubbyhole is, at its heart, just a great little dive where everyone is welcome and the pressure is low. As befitting a dive bar, while the place is open on Christmas Eve and Day, the hours are up to the bartender. How’s this: The place is typically open at four pm on Thursdays, so if you stroll in after dinner at, say, seven you’re likely to find the place alive with good cheer.

Address: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014

Christmas hours: Dec 24, 25: Normally, this place goes 4pm-2am on Wed and Thu, but this doesn’t reflect the holiday hours. Call or swing by to check, but you can hedge a little and probably be fine.

Expect to pay: ~$6-$12/beer; $10/wine; ~$12-$17/cocktails - CASH ONLY

What is it? This longtime hero of the Lower East Side keeps the xmas lights glowing and the energy festive no matter what the calendar says. It’s fun, colorful, and unmoved by holiday theatrics. That makes 169 a dependable refuge for the less-spirited among us–really anyone who needs a break from holiday shenanigans right at the finish line. Are you surprised that this place is doing business as usual on both Xmas eve and day? You shouldn’t be. Open Christmas day and Eve.

Address: 169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Christmas hours: Dec 24, 25 2pm–4am

Expect to Pay ~$5/well shot; ~$8/well drink; ~$12-$15/cocktail; ~$5-9/beer; ~$4–$7/snacks

Over in Flushing is The Attic, where you can have yourself a merry little time in cute environs with plenty of seating. From afar the place’s entrance is nondescript, but up close you’ll find an ornately carved door. Up a flight of stairs, you’ll find charming bric-a-brac decor with lots of tile and fun light fixtures. They offer an impressive selection of oysters on the half-shell plus creative, well-made cocktails like the Sugar Spice and Everything Nice (Rye, banana, cinnamon, blood orange and whipped egg white). If you find yourself over here, rejoice! The Attic is open both Xmas Eve and the day-of.

Address: 136-93 37th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354

Christmas hours: Dec 24, 25 4pm-1am

Expect to Pay:  ~$8-$10/beer; ~$12-$15/glass of wine; ~$18-$23/cocktail; ~$9-$110/plates; MP/Oysters

What is it? Hell’s Kitchen’s 4-Star Romer Hotel is home to So & So’s–a piano bar that trades the usual cramped, dim setup for more spacious, more polished environs. The room is super stylish with a strong retro-influenced design in reds and blues; rounded edges, upholstered walls, and warm lighting. Performers are world-class with many boasting broadway bonafides but on Christmas Eve, the program is A Soulful Holiday – a show starring MJ Songstress and a special guest. Get your reservation in now if you want to experience the spirited evening. Speaking of spirits: the cocktails here are a lot of fun, like the Bodega Cat–their twist on the Espresso Martini served in the classic blue (ceramic) coffee cup.

Address: 851 Eighth Ave, New York City, New York 10019

Christmas hours: Dec 24 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$10 live music fee; ~$8-$28/small plates, ~$14-$44/mains; ~$15-$20/cocktail