[title]
It's not just the menu that makes a night out memorable. These Instagram-ready bars and restaurants take a maximalist approach to decking the halls that lasts long after other boîtes have taken down their Christmas lights.
21 Club: This midtown institution has been drawing boldface names—including Donald Trump, who celebrated his presidential victory there—since its current location opened in 1929. In the cozy Bar Room, with its red leather banquettes, hundreds of miniature planes, trains, and automobiles hang from the ceiling alongside sports memorabilia gifted by notable patrons, making it look like a grown-up TGI Friday's. 21 W 52nd St (212-582-7200, 21club.com)
Paul’s Cocktail Lounge: Pepto pink meets palm fronds in this quirky cocktail bar by nightlife impresario Paul Sevigny located within The Roxy Hotel. The decor may look straight from the set of Golden Girls, but the carefully crafted cocktails (served on silver platters) are pair perfectly with the Dorothy Draper goes to Palm Beach vibe. The Roxy Hotel, 2 Ave of the Americas (212-519-6600, roxyhotelnyc.com)
Palm Court at the Plaza: The Plaza Hotel's famed Palm Court provides a dramatic backdrop to afternoon tea, with the soaring trees that give it its name reaching toward the stained-glass dome above. The 100-year-old restaurant got a facelift from architect Thierry Despont in 2013 that added a grand bar, but kept the Central Park–inspired trellises and greenery that has made it an icon for generations. The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave at Central Park South (212-546-5300, theplazany.com)
Panna II: Everyone's favorite East Village birthday destination has had a serious commitment to Christmas lights since 1990. The tangled strands of strobing chili pepper lights and flags that hang from the ceiling of the crowded space are reflected in the holographic wallpaper that lines the room, making this one spot that's not for the claustrophobic. 93 First Ave (212-598-4610, panna2.com)
Courtesy of Rolf's Restaurant
Rolf’s: The themed decor at Rolf's starts before you even step in the door, with a mural depicting rolling German hills. Inside, the quaint restaurant transports diners to Deutschland with its dark wood decor and stained-glass pendant lights—but come autumn, the space transforms into a winter wonderland with thousand of lights, dolls, and Christmas decorations the owners proudly display until summer rolls around. 281 Third Ave (212-473-8718, rolfsnyc.com)
Russian Tea Room: Set against deep green walls decked out with paintings, the red leather booths and gilded friezes at the Russian Tea Room provide an opulent setting for enjoying a traditional bowl of borscht—or sipping vodka while pretending you're an oligarch in town from Moscow. 150 W 57th St (212-581-7100, russiantearoomnyc.com)