Best Christmas Restaurants NYC for a Festive Holiday Dinner
The best Christmas restaurants NYC offer combine festive decorations, delicious food, and magical holiday spirit. Dining out at Christmas in New York is not just about the meal, it is about the experience. Restaurants across the city transform into glowing holiday landmarks, with lights, ornaments, and menus designed to make your night unforgettable.
This guide explores the best restaurants for Christmas in NYC in 2025. You will find cozy French brasseries, historic taverns, decorated German beer halls, and rooftop bars with skyline views. Some are family friendly, while others are perfect for a romantic Christmas dinner. Whether you want a festive lunch after shopping or a late-night celebration, New York has the right place for you.
If you are planning your holiday trip, make sure to read our complete article on the Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC. It will help you organize your days around the most popular attractions. For live updates, photos, and videos, follow our Instagram page @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity. We share Christmas in New York daily, from tree lightings to decorated restaurants.
Choosing the right Christmas restaurant can be difficult, especially as reservations sell out quickly in December. That is why we created this guide, so you can discover the most decorated, family friendly, and iconic spots to celebrate. These are the 10 best Christmas restaurants NYC visitors should not miss in 2025.
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How to Book the Best Christmas Restaurants NYC
Booking Christmas restaurants in NYC can be tricky. Many of the most festive spots either stop taking reservations in December or fill up weeks in advance. Walk-ins are sometimes possible, but you should expect long lines, especially on weekends and in the days leading up to Christmas. Some venues also add holiday cover charges or time limits on tables, making it even harder to enjoy the experience stress-free.
To avoid disappointment, plan ahead and organize your dining schedule before arriving in New York. For Papillon Bistro & Bar, one of the best decorated Christmas restaurants in NYC, reservations are not accepted during the holiday season. This means the only way to guarantee a table without waiting outside in the cold is by joining our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant. The tour includes a reserved table, so you can relax and enjoy the festive décor while other visitors wait.
Another popular spot is 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, home to the city’s famous heated igloos. During December, lines stretch down the block and cover charges are often added at the door. However, with our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, guests skip the line and enter without paying a cover charge. This is the easiest way to enjoy their views of the Empire State Building, glowing holiday lights, and festive cocktails without wasting time outside.
Papillon Bistro & Bar – ONE OF the Best Christmas Restaurants NYC
Papillon Bistro & Bar is without doubt one of the best Christmas restaurants in NYC. Located just steps from Rockefeller Center, this French-inspired restaurant turns into a Christmas wonderland every holiday season. The two-story space is covered with garlands, ornaments, and lights from floor to ceiling. It feels warm, festive, and unmistakably New York.
During December, Papillon gets incredibly busy. Locals and visitors line up outside hoping for a table, since the restaurant does not take reservations during the holidays. Inside, the menu offers comforting holiday flavors, from French classics to hearty seasonal dishes, paired with cocktails that make the night even more special. The atmosphere is lively, with music, decorations, and a true holiday buzz.
Because of the demand, Papillon is almost impossible to access without planning ahead. The easiest way to experience it is with our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant. The tour includes a reserved table at Papillon, so you skip the lines and enjoy the décor and holiday menu without stress. It’s the perfect way to combine sightseeing with one of the most festive dining experiences in New York. You can also read more in our dedicated article on Papillon Christmas Restaurant NYC.
For more information on Papillon Bistro & Bar, visit their official website here.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – Festive Dining with Skyline Views
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar is one of the best Christmas restaurants in NYC for atmosphere and views. Famous for its heated igloos, this massive rooftop transforms into a winter village every holiday season. With holiday lights, festive cocktails, and direct views of the Empire State Building, it is one of the most popular Christmas spots in New York.
During December, the rooftop is packed. Lines often stretch down the block, and a cover charge is added at peak hours. Walk-ins are welcome, but you should be ready for a long wait in the cold. Inside the igloos, guests enjoy seasonal drinks like spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine, and themed cocktails served with holiday snacks. The mix of music, views, and decorations creates an unforgettable New York Christmas night.
The easiest way to enjoy 230 Fifth during the holiday season is through our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. With the tour, you skip the long line and enter without paying a cover charge. This exclusive perk lets you head straight to the rooftop to enjoy the decorations, skyline, and igloo experience without stress. For full details, check our dedicated article on 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar NYC.
For more details on 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, visit the official website here.
Oscar Wilde – Victorian Holiday Atmosphere in NYC
Oscar Wilde is one of the most unique Christmas restaurants in NYC. Owned by the same family as Papillon Bistro & Bar, it offers the same festive spirit with a Victorian twist. Known year-round for its antique interiors and historic details, the bar and restaurant become even more spectacular during the holidays. Every corner glows with garlands, ornaments, and twinkling lights, creating an atmosphere that feels straight out of a 19th-century London pub.
The centerpiece is its bar, one of the longest in New York City at 118 feet. During Christmas, it sparkles with decorations and vintage charm, making it a favorite backdrop for holiday photos. The menu blends hearty pub classics with seasonal specials, and the cocktail list is extensive, ranging from creative holiday drinks to timeless standards.
Oscar Wilde attracts both locals and visitors, with families, groups, and couples all gathering here to celebrate the season. The combination of food, festive décor, and cozy atmosphere makes it one of the best Christmas decorated restaurants in NYC, especially if you’re looking for something historic and elegant.
To learn more about Oscar Wilde, visit their official website here.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment – Classic Christmas Dining in NYC
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is another Christmas restaurant in NYC owned by the same family behind Papillon and Oscar Wilde. Known for its Victorian décor, Lillie’s feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. The restaurant is filled with antiques, chandeliers, garlands, and ornaments that cover nearly every surface. During December, the atmosphere is magical, with twinkling lights and festive music completing the scene.
Lillie’s has two locations, one in Times Square and one near Union Square. Both are beautifully decorated, but the Union Square spot often feels cozier and less crowded. The menu offers a mix of American and European dishes, from hearty comfort food to lighter options, along with seasonal cocktails that keep the festive mood alive.
Because of its décor and central locations, Lillie’s is a popular choice for both locals and tourists. Families enjoy its warm and inviting setting, while groups come to celebrate together in one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants in New York. If you’re looking for a place that combines holiday charm with great food, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is a must during Christmas in NYC.
For more information on Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, visit their official website here.
Tavern On the Green – A Central Park Christmas Restaurant
Tavern On the Green is one of the most famous Christmas restaurants in NYC and a true New York landmark. Located inside Central Park, this historic restaurant has been welcoming guests since 1934. During the holiday season, it transforms into a glowing Christmas destination with sparkling lights, decorated trees, and a cozy atmosphere that feels timeless.
The exterior is wrapped in garlands and twinkling lights, making it one of the most photographed holiday restaurants in the city. Inside, the dining rooms glow with festive décor, while fireplaces add warmth on cold December nights. The menu blends American classics with seasonal dishes, offering everything from steaks to holiday specials. Families, couples, and groups all gather here, making it one of the best Christmas restaurants NYC visitors seek out year after year.
Because of its location, Tavern On the Green is perfect after a winter walk through Central Park or an evening carriage ride. Many visitors book it for Christmas dinner or lunch, so reservations are highly recommended. Dining here feels like stepping into a New York holiday tradition, and the atmosphere makes it one of the most memorable places to eat during Christmas in New York.
To see menus and details for Tavern On the Green, visit the official website here.
La Grande Boucherie – French Elegance for Christmas in NYC
La Grande Boucherie is one of the most elegant Christmas restaurants in NYC. Located just off Sixth Avenue, near the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, this French brasserie combines Belle Époque design with festive holiday decorations. Its soaring glass atrium, decorated with twinkling lights and garlands, creates a magical atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate.
The menu celebrates classic French cuisine, with holiday specials that make it perfect for a Christmas dinner in New York. From steak frites to seafood towers and fine wines, every detail reflects the sophistication of a Parisian brasserie. During December, the space fills with families, couples, and groups looking to enjoy a festive meal in one of the most beautiful settings Midtown has to offer.
Because of its size, La Grande Boucherie can accommodate larger parties, making it a great option for families celebrating together. Its location also makes it ideal for a holiday evening, as you can combine dinner with a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows, or St. Patrick’s Cathedral. For anyone seeking a refined dining experience, La Grande Boucherie is one of the best Christmas restaurants NYC visitors can enjoy in 2025.
For more details on La Grande Boucherie, visit their official website here.
Rolf’s German Restaurant – Famous NYC Christmas Spot
Rolf’s German Restaurant is one of the most famous Christmas restaurants in NYC, thanks to its over-the-top holiday decorations. Located in Gramercy, Rolf’s covers every inch of its ceilings and walls with ornaments, garlands, lights, and dolls. The result is a space that feels more like a Christmas museum than a restaurant.
The menu focuses on German comfort food, including schnitzels, sausages, and hearty stews, along with seasonal beers and glühwein. Many visitors come as much for the atmosphere as for the food, making it one of the most photographed Christmas restaurants in New York.
That popularity means Rolf’s is also one of the hardest places to get into during December. Lines form outside early, and reservations can be inconsistent. Walk-ins often wait a long time, especially on weekends and evenings. For some, the experience is magical; for others, the crowds can feel overwhelming.
If you want to know all the details, including tips on visiting, check out our dedicated article on Rolf’s Christmas Restaurant NYC. It covers everything from reservations to menu highlights, helping you decide if this iconic spot is right for your holiday itinerary.
For official updates on Rolf’s German Restaurant, visit their website here.
Ophelia’s Snow Globe in the Sky – A Unique NYC Holiday Experience
Ophelia Lounge, perched on the 26th floor of the historic Beekman Tower, is one of the most unique Christmas restaurants in NYC. Every winter, it transforms into Snow Globe in the Sky, a holiday experience surrounded by panoramic views of Manhattan and the East River. The space is filled with glowing lights, frosted details, and sparkling decorations that make it feel like you’re dining inside a snow globe.
The cocktail program is one of the highlights, offering holiday-inspired drinks alongside signature creations. Guests can pair these with small plates and bites while enjoying the breathtaking skyline. The atmosphere is more intimate than some of the larger festive restaurants, making it a favorite for couples and small groups who want something romantic and different during Christmas in New York.
Because of its popularity, reservations are essential. The Snow Globe in the Sky experience usually books up quickly in December, especially on weekends. If you’re looking for a Christmas night that combines glamour, views, and seasonal décor, Ophelia is one of the best holiday spots in NYC.
For more details on Ophelia Lounge and Snow Globe in the Sky, visit the official website here.
Pete’s Tavern – Historic NYC Christmas Dining
Pete’s Tavern is not only one of the best Christmas restaurants in NYC, it is also one of the most historic. Located in Gramercy, Pete’s has been serving guests since 1864, making it one of the oldest continuously operating bars in New York. During the holidays, it transforms into a classic Christmas spot filled with lights, garlands, and vintage decorations that honor its long history.
The restaurant is famous for being the place where O. Henry wrote The Gift of the Magi, one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever written. Dining here during December feels like stepping into a piece of holiday history. The menu features hearty American comfort food, from steaks and burgers to seasonal specials, along with a wide selection of beers and cocktails.
Pete’s is especially popular with locals who return year after year to celebrate the season. The festive décor, cozy wooden interiors, and literary history make it one of the most atmospheric places to enjoy a Christmas dinner in New York. If you’re searching for tradition combined with holiday spirit, Pete’s Tavern is a must-visit.
To learn more about Pete’s Tavern, visit their official website here.
Loreley Beer Garden – German Christmas Spirit in NYC
Loreley Beer Garden brings German Christmas traditions to the heart of the Lower East Side. Inspired by the beer halls of Cologne, this spot is one of the most festive Christmas restaurants in NYC. Every December, it transforms with lights, ornaments, and outdoor heated spaces that make it perfect for holiday gatherings with friends and family.
The menu celebrates German comfort food, with hearty dishes like schnitzels, sausages, and giant pretzels. Seasonal drinks, including spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine, and German beers, make the atmosphere even more festive. It feels less formal than many of the other Christmas restaurants in New York, which makes it a favorite for groups looking for a fun and lively night out.
Loreley is also known for its outdoor holiday setup, where guests enjoy cozy lights, warm drinks, and a cheerful beer garden vibe, even in the cold of winter. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, but the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. For a Christmas experience filled with energy, food, and German holiday spirit, Loreley Beer Garden is one of the best picks in NYC.
For more details on Loreley Beer Garden, visit their official website here.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Christmas Restaurants in NYC
Finding the best Christmas restaurants in NYC can feel overwhelming, with so many decorated spots and holiday traditions to choose from. Whether you want French elegance at La Grande Boucherie, rooftop views at 230 Fifth, or historic charm at Pete’s Tavern, New York has a Christmas dining experience for every taste. Families often choose festive, kid-friendly restaurants like Papillon Bistro & Bar or Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, while couples love romantic settings such as Ophelia’s Snow Globe in the Sky.
If you are visiting during December, remember that reservations are limited and lines are long. Many of the most popular places, including Papillon and Rolf’s, attract crowds from the moment they open. To guarantee access without waiting, our tours offer exclusive perks such as reserved tables and skip-the-line entry. The My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant and the Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar are two of the easiest ways to enjoy New York’s most festive restaurants while exploring the city’s Christmas lights and decorations.
Whichever restaurant you choose, dining out at Christmas in New York is about more than food. It is about atmosphere, tradition, and creating memories in one of the most magical cities in the world. These are the best Christmas restaurants NYC has to offer in 2025, and they promise to make your holiday season unforgettable.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
