The holidays in New York City are extreme, and nowhere in New York City is more decorated than the bars, pubs, and taverns. So give yourself a whole day (or two) and expect to be bumped and jostled, but also truly be immersed in the holiday spirit with my New York City Holiday Bar Crawl!
The Twelve Days of Christmas (in one day) NYC Holiday Pub Crawl Stops
1) A photo stop with lions
Stop for a Picture with Patience and Fortitude, the lions in front of the New York Public Library, who are wearing their Christmas best. Hopefully, you are wearing some green or red to match them!
2) Grab a Warm Drink and Snack at The Lodge.
Baby, it’s warm inside this tent, and the drinks are holiday-themed. We had a yummy pear cranberry margarita (tequila is a good way to start any day) and a bourbon ginger beer, which was my favorite drink of the day.
3) The Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Winter Village is NYC’s Christmas Market, completed with booths for shopping and food. You can also ice skate here. This rink will likely be your only chance to do something that takes as much coordination as ice skating, as you are only one drink in.
4) Lolita
Put a little Felix Navidad in your holiday celebrations with a Mexican-inspired cocktail at the elegantly decorated Lolita.
5) Stop to See the Star of NYC Christmas-
The tree at Rockefeller Center! The first tree was a symbol of hope, purchased by construction workers during the Depression.
6) Catch a Santa Pedicab to take you up 5th Avenue.
Pass the twinkling 57th Street Snowflake, the famous Saks Department Store (come back after dark to see the colorful show on the building), Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany’s, and St Patrick’s Cathedral, which are all decorated for the holidays.
7) Grab a pint at the oldest tavern in New York City.
Opened in 1864, Pete’s is the oldest continuously operating bar in New York City. It is quite packed inside, but chock-full of energy and enthusiasm.
8) Walk by the Macy’s Windows
Which started being decorated just 10 years after Pete’s started operating.
9) Head to the Place Christmas Threw Up-
which was my favorite stop we made- Oscar Wilde. They have an extensive holiday drink menu, and every inch of this place is covered in holiday decor. The Grinch even shows up every once in a while!
10) Attempt to get into Papillion
Although it is highly decorated, the line can be up to two hours long to enter this bar, so you can play this one by ear.
11) End your night searching for Santa and Elf
by taking a handsome cab ride through Central Park. You will be glad to have had so many drinks to stomach the high price, but it is a lovely experience, and the park is one of the most romantic locales in New York.
12) Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Finally catch the light show at Saks now that it’s dark, then head home to sleep off the holiday cheer.
New York City Holiday Tips:
- Expect crowds.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- Most of he bars mentioned here, except Papillion, take reservations.
- Make some unless you want to stand everywhere.
- Many of the reservations sell out months in advance, so plan ahead.
- Eat your meals or snack while you drink in these establishments.
- Expect to wait to get in everywhere.
- Expect a very long day!
-
- Read my general
New York City at Christmastime
- post.
Alternative bars: A few other spots we didn’t make it to are Frosty’s, Miracle on 9th Street (must have reservations here to enter), Rolf’s, and Seven Deadly Sins.
How to Get Around in New York City
Some of the stops are far apart. Check out my guide to getting around New York City for ideas about how to get from bar to bar.
I must admit this itinerary made for a very long day, as we commuted from Connecticut of NYC and back. If you can stay the night in the city, that would help. Also, no drinking and driving, so walking and staying in New York makes sense!
A few of my favorite places to stay are The New York Marriott Marquis, The Knickerbocker Hotel, and the ultra-Christmassy The Plaza.
Have you tried any great Christmas-themed bars that we missed? Please let me know if the comments.