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The Best of New York · Seasonal · Christmas

The best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York City

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 PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York City, 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.Closed since a July 2026 kitchen fire, no reopening date yet (NBC New York; Papillon Bistro, checked October 28, 2026).
  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 of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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