As a local tour guide in New York City, I get asked a lot by guests on my holiday season tours, which are the best Christmas-themed restaurants in NYC.
I’ve lived in New York my whole life so I can tell them - and now you -- where to find the most decked out, tinseled, baubled, twinkling restaurants to enjoy during the holidays.
In this post, I’ll give you the rundown on what to expect from the decor, the food and the prices.
Over the years, I’ve dined at all of these places, some more than once.
I’ve also heard from hundreds of my tour guests over time about their favorite Christmas restaurants and took their opinions into account when coming up with this list.
Many of these places will be decorated by the start of December, but some are in full bloom by early November.
Some require reservations, some don’t. Those who do require reservations book up early. I'm talking by early November!
Here are the top eight New York City restaurants with Christmas decorations and festive holiday vibes.
Now go have a holly-jolly time!
NYC’S TOP 8 RESTAURANTS DECKED OUT FOR CHRISTMAS
There are many more than eight dressed-up restaurants to get you in the holiday spirit, but the ones below are standouts.
The first three should not be missed in my opinion, which is why I wrote so much about them, including a preview of the menus and Christmas cocktails.
The remaining locations are worth checking out as they are also special, though I don't go into a lot of detail.
For prices and menus, I encourage you to look at their websites.
And be sure to check out some of our Christmas-themed walking tours, not to mention our full range of NYC walks.
1. Lillie's Victorian Establishment - 13 East 17th St. in Union Square
Lillie's Victorian Establishment is lovely year-round. Think ‘charming’ as it hearkens back to the era of England’s Queen Victoria.
During the holidays, Christmas decorations fill up this small bar and restaurant, and while some think there is too much of it, I think it creates an immensely festive mood.
I have a lot to say about Lillie’s more than the other places on this list because it’s one of my favorites.
Thousands of New Yorkers, including hundreds of members of our New York City Travel Tips Facebook group, adore Lillie's.
It’s a good mix of fun decorations, reliably good food, reasonable prices (for NYC) and some special Christmas concoctions.
Have drinks at the century-old marble bar from Ireland, draped with tinsel and garlands. The walls are dripping with lights of all colors.
Dine under giant Christmas ornaments, teddy bears and Santas hanging from the ceiling.
Ok, you get it. It oozes Christmas. But what about the food? It’s not bad. The decor and the tasty festive cocktails make up for that.
It’s an odd mix of bar appetizers like chicken fingers and nachos, pub food like fish and chips and a bunch of other dishes that don't fit into any scheme.
Shareable appetizers are around $17-$20, main dishes are $22+. Artisanal cocktails are $16. Expect some special Christmas cocktails.
Book in advance. Make reservations here.
I’d say that once you know your trip dates, book your table. Better safe than sorry.
There’s a second location at 249 West 49th Street near Times Square, but I recommend you go to the one at Union Square.
TIP: Before or after your meal, walk one block to the Union Square Christmas Market!
2. Loreley Beer Garden - 7 Rivington St. on the Lower East Side
Lorely’s holiday celebration is called “Heated Winter Wonderland” as the highlight is the large heated garden, where most patrons sit. You can opt for indoors, too.
2025 dates for “Heated Winter Wonderland” are TBD. Last year, it ran from November 14 to January 5.
This is one of my favorite holiday spots for the Christmas season.
It’s a place I recommend to all of my tour guests and I have never heard any negative feedback from those who have gone to Lorely.
However, you should know right off the bat that Lorely’s is a better choice for those who are more interested in Christmas cocktails than dining only.
It is a beer garden after all! But they do have a full menu and I’ll go over it below.
The restaurant and patio are tastefully dressed head to toe with holiday lights and traditional Christmas décor.
There are tons of ornaments, garlands, and tinsel. I love the crystal icicles and snowflakes that dangle from the ceiling.
You’ll see small Christmas trees, a life-sized Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, gingerbread houses and even a snow globe display.
The incredible Christmas cocktails include the Boozy Black & White Hot Chocolate. Its hot chocolate is made with bourbon, then topped with toasted marshmallows.
Then there’s the Peppermint Nitro Martini with cold brew nitro coffee, vodka and peppermint schnapps, garnished with a candy cane.
You can also get Classics like Eggnog with rum, a Hot Toddy or Glühwein, a warm mulled wine traditionally served at German Christmas markets.
If you do want to dine here, the food is quite good. I stick with the bar food, which is plenty if you order a few and share.
Appetizers include soft-baked German Pretzels, cheese platters, Beer Bacon Cheese Dip and more. Prices are from $12-$20.
There are, of course, several varieties of sausages like Bratwurst and Currywurst (so good), Würstchen, and Weisswurst. ($12-$16).
The entree menu has many entrees, but my favorites are the different schnitzels, including an eggplant schnitzel, so vegetarians won't feel left out.
A meal at a German beer garden wouldn't be right without a slice of Black Forest Cake.
Reservations are not required, but you should book early. It’s always better for a restaurant to expect you than just showing up.
3. Rolfs German Restaurant - 281 3rd Ave at 22nd Street in Gramercy
Ah, Rolf's.
For decades, this German restaurant in Gramercy Park has been THE spot to go for over-the-top Christmas decorations.
It’s so famous that even New Yorkers who aren't even looking for a Christmas-themed restaurant know about it.
The first time I went to Rolf's for the holidays was about 20 years ago. It was an experience I’ll never forget. The Christmas decor is over the top.
Every inch of the place is dressed up with lights, snowflakes, Christmas trees with pine cones, giant tree ornaments and icicles dripping from the ceiling; the list goes on.
I don't think I've ever seen the walls or ceiling at Rolf’s during the holiday season!
Beyond the decor, the food isn’t fantastic, but it is more than edible.
I think it’s on the pricey side (most entrees with sides are $39.95) and appetizers start at $14 and go up.
The menu is filled with German dishes like Sauerbraten, Wiener Schnitzel and Spätzle. The main dishes come with potato and cabbage-based sides.
There are alternatives to German cuisine like fish dishes and burgers.
Portions are big and in a sense, you are paying for the decor and festive cheer so it’s worth the price if this is the experience you want to have.
RESERVATIONS TO DINE ARE A MUST.
Given Rolf’s popularity, reservations are not easy to get, and you should start as soon as you know your trip dates.
They start taking reservations in September! You may still be able to get a table closer to the holidays.
Reservations can be made by telephone only. Call 212-477-4750 or 212-473-8718.
Rolf’s only picks up Monday to Friday from 11 am to 4 pm.
If no one picks up, don’t give up. Keep calling. You’ll get through eventually.
Read some tips and comments on Christmas at Rolf’s from dozens of members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.
TIP: If you want to go to the bar only, no reservations are needed, though there will be a line to get in.
4. Papillon Bistro & Bar - 22 E. 54th Street in Midtown Manhattan
Papillon Bistro & Bar is a good choice for those in Midtown and it is my first Christmas restaurant recommendation to my tour guests staying in nearby hotels.
It’s a few blocks from Radio City Music Hall if you are seeing the Christmas Spectacular.
It’s a stylish restaurant and they maintain that atmosphere while sprucing up the place with the Christmas decor. A giant Santa greets you at the door!
Inside are giant teddy bears and life-sized plush reindeer, tinsel, garlands, baubles, angels, and colorful lights everywhere, making this space feel quite cozy!
The food is primarily French cuisine with bar food like mozzarella sticks and nachos thrown in.
Appetizers range from $15 to $22. Upscale sandwiches are $18 to $22 and main entrees start at $28.
Reservations are not accepted. It’s walk-in only.
If you don't mind taking the chance to see if a table is available, Papillon is a great option.
It can't hurt to call though and ask if it is especially corded at that moment.
TIP: The restaurant is a few blocks from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and several gorgeous department store holiday window displays.
5. Oscar Wilde - 45 W 27th St. in the Flatiron District
Named for Oscar Wilde, the late 19th-century playwright and poet, this Victorian-style restaurant is similar to Lillie’s above.
The decor is from another time. There’s a mid-19th-century French fireplace and stained glass imported from an Irish castle.
Oscar Wilde is sumptuous all year with bar seats with red velvet cushions that line the 40-foot marble bar.
Come the holidays, things get even more beautiful with spectacular Christmas decor.
Like many other places, the decorations include hundreds upon hundreds of lights, garlands, ornaments, and life-sized stuffed polar bears.
A giant Santa watches over diners!
The American pub food is ok. But does that really matter if what you want is a cheerful holiday experience surrounded by loads of decorations?
The inventive cocktails are, however, very good! Some are set aflame like the Humphrey Bogart.
Make reservations to be on the safe side!
6. Pete’s Tavern - 129 E 18th St in Gramercy
Pete's Tavern was founded in 1864 and has celebrated more than 150 holiday seasons!
Year after year, Pete’s Christmas decorations include hundreds of small red lights that make you feel like you are under a cozy red blanket.
Sit at the famed 40-foot-long rosewood bar has been in Pete’s for more than one and a half centuries.
The dark wooden cabinetry is decorated with green tinsel, wreaths, and red bows,
A giant inflatable snowman with a classy black top hat beckons you from the roof.
The food is American comfort and not expensive.
It’s tasty but I go to Pete’s around the holidays for the Eggnog which is delicious.
Pete’s Tavern is a homey place and I always make new friends with other holiday patrons.
You don’t need reservations. Don’t hesitate to go!
7. Tavern On The Green - 67th Street & Central Park West
A meal any time of the year at this iconic restaurant in Central Park is special as the space is magical in a muted way.
At Christmas, the space becomes even more lovely with more lush greenery than usual and white lights strung above the tables.
The decorations, compared to other restaurants on this list, are on the lighter side, so if you want an over-the-top experience, go elsewhere.
The courtyard is very pretty with a 20-foot tree lit in November. It's open to the public as it is in Central Park.
The reason Tavern on the Green is not one of my top Christmas restaurants is that the food is mediocre.
I’ve eaten here several times over the years and have never been impressed. The service is superb though.
TIP: If you are looking for a special place to eat on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, Tavern on the Green is open though you must book way in advance!
8. La Grande Boucherie - 45 West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan
Ten minutes away from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is this elegant French restaurant whose decor is splendid all the time.
It has high vaulted glass ceilings that fit a massive Christmas tree that is about one-third the size of the Rockefeller tree.
During the holidays, the huge space is tastefully decorated with twinkling lights wrapped around small trees. Some garlands and red bows are draped throughout the space.
An all-French menu is served and it is very delicious. But it’s also very expensive.
The least expensive entree on the menu is $32 and that is for an upscale burger. A meal here can easily run $100+ per person.
Reservations are a good idea. You can see the menu and make reservations here.
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