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The Best of New York · Seasonal · Christmas

The best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.

I love the way restaurants decorate for Christmas in New York City. On par with the city’s reputation for extravagant decor, restaurants don’t play second fiddle in the Big Apple. Miles of garlands, bright red bows and oversized ornaments keep the holiday spirit alive and well.

But not all Christmas decorated restaurants in New York City are created equal, far from it. With so many new spots picking up on the trend, it’s hard to know what’s worth your time, that’s where this local comes in.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York, 2026

  1. BalthazarRestaurant · SoHoWhenever someone plans to visit for the holidays, the first thing I do is make reservations at Balthazar because the place never fails to impress.
  2. Lillie's Victorian EstablishmentRestaurant · Midtown & Union SquareWalking into Lillie’s during Christmas feels like stepping into a Victorian snow globe.
  3. Loreley Beer GardenBar · Lower East SideNot only is Loreley Beer Garden one of the best Christmas restaurants in New York City, but it’s also home to the largest heated outdoor patio in the Lower East Side.
  4. Papillon BistroRestaurant · MidtownPapillon Bistro is a personal favorite in our household for outlandish holiday decor.
  5. Pete's TavernBar · Gramercy ParkThe bar oozes old-world charm, with hundreds of twinkling lights adding a modern dazzle to the storied establishment.
  6. Rosemary'sRestaurant · West VillageA bit tamed compared to some of the other spots mentioned on this list, it’s one of my favorite Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York City.
  7. Serra By BirreriaRestaurant · Flatiron DistrictIn the winter, Serra by Birreria transforms into Serra Alpina, making you feel like you’re in a cabin the Italian Alps.
  8. Tavern On The GreenRestaurant · Upper West SideTavern on the Green is particularly enchanting during the holidays when it gets decked out with legendary decor.
  9. Miracle on 9th StreetBar · East VillageMiracle on 9th Street is a popular holiday-themed cocktail pop-up bar that makes an appearance every year.
  10. Rolf'sRestaurant · MidtownThere’s no denying that Rolf’s is one of the best-decorated Christmas restaurants in New York City.

On the map

Where they are.

9 neighborhoods, Midtown and SoHo most of all.

Midtown

East Village

Flatiron District

Gramercy Park

Lower East Side

Midtown & Union Square

SoHo

Upper West Side

West Village

Best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York, 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.

Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/christmas-decorated-restaurants-in-new-york/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/christmas-decorated-restaurants-in-new-york/badge.svg"
       alt="Best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York, New York Dearest, 2026"
       width="240" height="240">
</a>

How it looks

Best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a light site

Best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a dark site

The files

SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark

SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.

Is one of these yours? and I confirm it's you and send the files.

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 13 Best Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in New York City.