The best holiday pop-up bars in NYC

Why we love it? Named “The City’s Most Festive Christmas Display” by Grub Street is Jingle Jangle, the fascinating holiday bar from The Dead Rabbit team. All three floors of the longstanding pub and cocktail bar go full-on holiday mode—we're talking hundreds of ornaments, wreaths and twinkling lights strung up on the ceilings. But beyond dazzling the eyes, the cocktail menu sparkles all the same with balanced 'tails that do more than add glitter and call it a day. It's a perpetually packed favorite for New Yorkers and out-of-towners, so instead of jostling for standing room, reserve a table. And while you are there, dig into some dishes made just for the season, including the Turkey Pot Pie and the Shepherd’s Pie. 

Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004 

Holiday run: Opens November 18

Opening hours: The Parlor Tue–Sat 5pm–1am, Sun 4pm–midnight; The Taproom Sun–Thu 11am–2am, Fri, Sat 11am–3am

Why we love it: Let's get blitzed at Blitzen's Bar at the Omni Berkshire Place hotel, shall we? More than just string lights and faux snow, the backing behind Blitzen's is quite legit thanks to a collaboration with Julie Reiner (a.k.a the talented mind behind Clover Club and Milady’s). This season's greetings include Naughty or Spice, the Espres-Ho Ho and The Gilded Grinch, a riff on a Dubai chocolate with caramelized kataifi, pistachio whipped cream, dripped stroopwafel and a chocolate bar, all served in a gold coffee mug. 

Address: 21 E 52nd St, New York, New York 10022

Holiday run: November 20–January 2

Opening hours: Daily 5–11pm

Why we love it: Famed for its pizza near and far, Roberta’s is also quite loved for its commitment to the holiday bit. For the third year in a row, Roberta’s will bring back its Grinchy-good pop-up, aptly named Grinchy’s. The Bushwick pizzeria's indoor-outdoor tiki bar goes wintry, with ornaments, lights and even a few special appearances from S.C. himself. Next to festive drinks, chef Carlo Mirarchi will cook up some bites sure to instill some good cheer, including Grinchy’s Pretzels, Christmas cookies and the Bee-Sting Popcorn, an homage to their iconic honey-drizzled pie. 

Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Holiday run: December 2–January 3

Opening hours: Mon–Fri noon–10pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–10pm

Why we love it: We may not get snowed in this year (cough, global warming, cough), but we can pretend like we have with a visit to Sunday in Brooklyn. Bringing back their annual winter pop-up, Snowday in Brooklyn brings all the cozy vibes with kitschy decor, seasonal sips and all the carby delights. They do save a few spots for walk-ins, but if you plan on rolling in with your Christmas crew, we say get a rez while you can.

Address: 348 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Holiday run: November 28th–December 31st

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm

Why we love it: The OG of the genre, Miracle on 9th Street, is celebrating all things merry. This year, the Christmas bar is returning to The Cabinet with all things boozy and bright, such as the Jingle Bird, Sugar Plum Mai Tai, “naughty” shots and other seasonally-titled libations. Expect string lights, faux snow and ugly sweater parties galore. And if you can't happen to swing a reservation here, the kitschy Christmas pop-up can be found all around NYC, including Manhattan's Mace and at bars across Brooklyn, such as The Last Call, Someday Bar and Vacations. 

Address: 649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009

Holiday run: November 6–December 31

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–1am; Fri–Sat 1pm–1am; Sun 1pm-midnight

Why we love it: See and be seen with illuminated reindeer, snowmen and oodles of other holiday accoutrements at Loreley Beer Garden’s Winter Wonderland Popup. The fully heated outdoor garden makes it easy to get into the season here, as does the 25-foot ornament wall. Festive cocktails only add to the merriment with spiked eggnog, boozy black and white hot chocolate and peppermint nitro martinis. Bringing a bit of that festive cheer to the middle of the week, Wednesdays are dedicated to an ugly sweater party. So wear your finest or your worst!

Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Holiday run: November 13–January 4

Opening hours: Mon–Thu opens at 5pm; Fri–Sun opens at noon; Sat, Sun noon–4pm

Why we love it: Solely dedicated to "The Queen of Christmas" herself, Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar is returning for a second year. The Untitled Hotel’s Rooftop will turn into a holiday oasis, complete with photo-ops of Santa's sleigh and cut-outs of the singer. Her liquor, Black Irish by Mariah Carey, is clearly the star on top of the tree, as you can find it stirred into espresso martinis and hot cocoa-like drinks. True fanatics can snag exclusive merch, including vinyl records of both her iconic holiday albums and her latest LP release, Here For It All.

Address: 3 Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002

Holiday run: November 14–December 28

Opening hours: Vary; check calendar for exact times