The most festive season is in full swing and there’s nothing better than to sit back with a ’tis the seasonal cocktail and admire all those boughs of holly, twinkling lights and even a cozy fireplace or two (hygge, we’re here for it!)
The Community Managers at Yelp NYC headquarters may be a bit biased, but we feel that nowhere are the holidays displayed in such glory as right in our own backyards (this absolutely means Jersey and LI too). Whether you’re a local or one of the zillions visiting in December, we’ve rounded up a bunch of our favorite spots to indulge in some serious holiday cheer.
It could be argued that Santa is at heart a Brooklynite (fight us!) because there are many places to sleigh up with the seasonal spirit. The Ho-Ho Holiday Lounge at The Springs in Greenpoint allows for an array of festivities whilst you imbibe in some Elf Nog or a frozen peppermint bark latte. From making your own wreath to a pajama dance party to picking out a freshly cut tree, it’s a regular holiday-a-palooza all month long.
Tara C: “The space is reminiscent of an old diner/lodge/cabin from the 70’s… who apparently let Chevy Chase come in with every decoration he had in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and do his thing. Oh gosh… talk about old school, cozy, Christmas feels. This here is it.”
Navidad en Feugo, anyone? Leyenda in Cobble Hill becomes Sleyenda for the holidays and if balsam fir aromatics in your drink doesn’t scream wintery bliss, we don’t know what does.
Cassie A: “They really go all out. From the decor, to the ugly sweaters the staff wears, to the Christmas-themed cocktails and adorable glasses, to even temporarily changing their name to Sleyenda. More importantly their cocktails were great.”
Après Ski is not a foreign concept in Williamsburg thanks to Sunday in Brooklyn. Take the most delicious Ski Lift and you’ll be Scroogin’ For A Bruisin’ in no time!
Jenny H: “Came here for the holiday Snowday in Brooklyn pop-up bar, really enjoyed my time there. The drinks were whimsical and strong.”
In Manhattan, you are sure to be immersed into an urban winter wonderland at every turn, starting at Oscar Wilde.
Esmeralda C: “My first impression of this establishment was awe. I love, love the decorations and how grand it appears. There are some gems to be seen at this Victorian space; from the gorgeous Christmas trees, to the display of horse & carriage, the wooden soldiers and marble pieces of art throughout the space.”
The Skinny Bar & Lounge becomes an “anti-holiday pop-up” known as Naughty or Nice and offers up quite the calendar of festivities from burlesque to Krampus Karaoke. Throw back a few Christmas concoctions ranging from the sweet and frozen Grinding up against the Gingerbread Man to the Hot ‘N Juicy spiced cider.
Rooftop al fresco revelry doesn’t necessarily have to involve frostbite, in fact, The Lodge at Gallow Green offers up hygge in droves.
Janice L: “… the drinks are so amazingly delicious here including nice warm alcoholic drinks that hit the spot just right. The staff are also super friendly.
When we wanted to do the firepit, they even gave us blankets to keep warm.”
Christmopolitan, Jingle Balls Nog… The Miracle may have started on 9th street, but you can count on other sightings across the area (and entire world!), including Cork & Kerry in Rockville Centre and Floral Park, Long Island and Cowan’s Public in Nutley, NJ.
Speaking of, Santa would never dream of skipping over Jersey and neither should you. At Cellar 335 in Jersey City, you can replace those visions of sugarplums with visions of the strongest rums dancing in your head when you sip on a Kringle in Kingston!
Christine A: “Revisited this place during the holidays when they are ‘rebranded’ as Sleighs and Leis” and the inside is transformed into a delightful lit-up wonderland and the cocktail menu is totally christmas themed. Even better is that the seasonal libations are served mostly in appropriate glassware (think elves, santas, and snowmen).”
Got a list and plan on checkin’ it twice? Why not start your own collection? Fa la la la to you and yours, yelpers!
