‘Tis the season to eat at holiday popups around NYC. New York City is already one of the most Instagrammable cities during Christmastime, and it’s annually well known as a universal culinary mecca. Marry the best of both worlds, and head to these festive spots to eat in the greatest city in the world during the most wonderful time of the year.
Union Square Holiday Market
Each year, holiday markets pop up around the city, and one of the best of the best is Union Square Holiday Market. Located directly in Union Square, this market is full of unique shops and delectable eats that are guaranteed to satisfy any craving. The vendors change each year, but for 2024, enjoy offerings from Cheese Wheel Pasta, where you can get pasta that’s tossed in a giant wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle cheese fries from The Truffleist, a dumpling platter from Destination Dumplings, hot cocoa from Cocoa Cabin, fried chicken on a stick from Crisp Chick, a prosciutto and burrata sandwich from Casa Toscana, and fried cheese curds from Curds the Word. You can check out a full list of my favorite spots to eat at the Union Square Holiday Market here.
- Address: E 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Rooftop Igloos at PUBLIC Hotel
Officially launching December 5th, the rooftop igloos at PUBLIC Hotel will be available Sunday – Thursday for $150 per person, and Friday and Saturday for $200 per person. Igloos provide stunning views of the city, and can accommodate up to 10 people. Included is a variety of chocolate and cheese fondues, charcuterie boards, cacio e pepe. short ribs, and ,ore. You’ll get your own firepit, some blankets, and of course, some of the best views of the city.will include a refreshed menu of chocolate and cheese fondues, meat & cheese charcuterie boards, short ribs, cacio e pepe, pan-seared salmon, and more (full menu, here)! Igloos can accommodate up to 10 guests and is prepared with candles, a firepit and plush fur blankets. It’s the perfect place to cozy up in the fur blankets while overlooking the most breathtaking 360 views of the city.
- Address: 215 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
Bar Room at the Beekman
For one of the most timeless spots in NYC, head to Bar Room at The Beekman. The Beekman is one of the nicest hotels in the Financial District, and to no one’s surprise, their bar, Bar Room, is just as beautiful as the hotel itself. Looking like a giant library, this Victorian-style hotel is a real stunner. They serve signature cocktails and have a great wine list, but definitely don’t skip out on their onion dip after taking some photos by the bar’s super sparkly Christmas tree.
- Address: 123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038
Romeo’s (aka “Gnomeo’s”)
One of my biggest qualms with the holidays in NYC is everywhere gets insanely packed. The exception to that rule (weekends aside) is Romeo’s. This month, they’re transforming to “Gnomeo’s” to be completely decked out for the holidays. The bar is lined with tinsel and quirky holiday decor, including stockings lined behind the bar with the staff’s respective names. But beyond that, the speciality holiday drinks are good. I sampled most of them, and my absolute favorite was the peppermint espresso martini, made with a thick peppermint foam. But if you like something more booze-forward, go for the chocolate negroni, and if you want something totally off-the-radar, try the “turkey dinner” martini, made with duck fat-washed gin, sage oil, and cranberry (it truly tastes like salty gravy). Or, stick with the classics and order their pistachio mai tai, the bar’s bestseller for a reason.
- Address: 118 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint
A few years ago, I saw this “Thanksgiving-style” pizza making its rounds on social media; the comment section was divisive. I mean, who puts sweet potato puree, stuffing, turkey, marshmallows, cranberry sauce, and gravy on a pizza? Krave It Pizza & Sandwich Joint does, and I finally tried it and am happy to say, it’s truly a masterpiece. Their Thanksgiving pie runs through December, but they also have a special “Christmas” pie, so you’ll have your options of how you want to celebrate when you visit Krave It. Specialty pies aside, they just make really good pizza, and if you find yourself in Astoria, make sure to swing by.
- Address: 36-18 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103
Sprinkles Cupcakes
The holidays simply make me crave more sweets, and one of my favorite bakeries in New York is the OG of adorable cupcakes: Sprinkles. This holiday season, they’re offering festive sampler packs, with flavors like gingerbread, Christmas cookie, red velvet, chocolate peppermint, and more. You can go for a holiday mini dozen or a sampler 3-pack. The best part is you don’t actually have to be in NYC to try these (though, if you want to, they’re located on the Upper East Side). Sprinkles Cupcakes ships nationwide.
- Address: 780 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
Chip City Cookies
Not all cookies are created equally, and this is proven by Chip City Cookies. The cookies here are MASSIVE, at four inches across and approximately six ounces each. I dangerously live ten minutes away from Chip City and have been a loyal fan for years. They rotate flavors, and some of my favorites are the S’mores, Cannoli Cookie, Ice Cream Sundae Cookie (they only have this one maybe twice a year!), and of course, their classic chocolate chip. This holiday season, they’re offering JUMBO Cookie Samplers and a Holiday Jumbo Cookie Gift Tin, with seasonal flavors like chocolate peppermint crinkle, pecan pie, pumpkin spice latte, white chocolate gingerbread, and red velvet hot chocolate. Best of all, for Chip City, you don’t have to be in NYC to try them because they ship nationwide on Goldbelly.
- Address: Over 30 locations which can be found on their website
Society Cafe
‘Tis the season for warm cozy fireplace vibes, and the Society Cafe certainly ticks that box. Enjoy sipping some hot chocolate (with the option to spike it with Bailey’s), and choose from either Swiss or Chocolate fondue. The portions are meant for either two or four people, but they overcompensate so you should definitely come hungry. Society Cafe is located inside Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, and the promo will run through early February.
- Address: 52 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
Chalet de Luxe at the Penthouse on Park
The Royalton Park Avenue is one of my favorite hotels in the city, and this year, Grey Goose Vodka has teamed up with Penthouse on Park, aka the hotel’s designated rooftop bar. The vodka company and the rooftop are coming together to create a pop-up rooftop experience where the après-ski lifestyle meets cool luxury under the name Chalet de Luxe. Sip cocktails like the Winter Treacle, Spicy Spiked Hot Chocolate, and the Peppermint Martini, paired with waguy French dip, fondue grilled cheese (yes, please), and caviar.
- Address: 420 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
Delmonico’s
Did you really go to NYC if you didn’t eat at a classic New York steakhouse? No one does it better than Delmonico’s, the country’s oldest fine-dining restaurant. The iconic restaurant is the birthplace of the Delmonico steak. Don’t skip out on Baked Alaska for dessert, another dish that was originated at the esteemed eatery. If you visit during lunchtime, make sure to sit at the bar and try their burger. They’re open for Christmas this year, so if you find yourself in NYC on the holiday itself, make a reservation for one of the most iconic meals in town.
- Address: 56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004
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