New York City’s holiday magic is legendary, but the ultimate experiences are reserved for those who know where to look. This winter,the city’s rooftops and hotels are raising the bar with breathtaking pop-ups and cozy-chic igloos. Ready to escape the ordinary? This is the only guide you need for a luxe holiday season in the city.
Winter Bar at Lotte New York Palace
The Winter Bar at Lotte New York Palace is officially open in the hotel’s iconic courtyard. Tucked away from the Fifth Avenue crowds, the Winter Bar is the perfect place to refuel after a day of festive shopping or simply indulge in a bespoke drink amidst the hotel’s stunning outdoor holiday decor. The seasonal drink menu features holiday delights like Mexican Mint Hot Chocolate, Nitro Espresso Martini, and Kentucky Caramel Cider.
Open Wednesday through Sunday until the end of the year, it’s the perfect, picture-perfect destination for both NYC locals and visitors looking to step into a scene of timeless elegance.
Winter Bar at The Palace Hours:
- Wednesday-Friday: 3 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 1 PM – 7 PM
Holiday Season at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
For a truly magical holiday stay, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad is the place to be. The enchanting “Suite Tea Party,” is a whimsical in-suite afternoon tea available on weekends, featuring a life-sized teddy bear and seasonal treats from José Andrés Group. Holiday High Tea will be available Friday through Sunday from 10am – 3:30pm ($130/pp/kids $60), with an variety of decadent bites to special holiday desserts and bubbly options for the grown-ups. A special appearance by Santa will be made on December 13th & 20th at Nubeluz, complete with a professional photo and complimentary glass of cava for adults.
For all-day indulgence, the exclusive Club Lounge will offer a winter wonderland of decadent hot chocolate, festive pastries, and Champagne and caviar presentations. And to complete the magic, guests can even have a beautifully decorated holiday tree waiting in their room upon arrival.
Starlit Holiday Moments at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel
For a romantic holiday New York experience, look to The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel. Their “Starlit Holiday Moments for Two” package is the ultimate romantic winter getaway, placing you at the heart of New York’s most famous holiday attractions.
This curated experience begins with a VIP trip to The Top of the Rock. Enjoy an exclusive, guided two-hour tour that includes up-close viewing of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, access to a hidden rooftop garden, a champagne toast, and an official photo to commemorate the moment. Back at the hotel, the magic continues with holiday cocktails at their brand-new restaurant, The Parliament, and festive turn-down service complete with coveted sleep amenities. Starting Rate: $850++/night for two guests, available now December 30, 2025.
Le Chalet at L’Avenue at Saks
Steps from Rockefeller Center and the iconic Saks holiday windows, Le Chalet at L’Avenue at Saks is Manhattan’s most stylish seasonal retreat. Nestled beneath the main dining room of L’Avenue at Saks, this Philippe Starck designed alpine escape captures the spirit of apres-ski with fireplaces, fondue, and warm cocktails inspired by the French Alps (+ all wines are from the alps region). Whether you’re taking in the Christmas tree lighting, Saks storefront light display, or checking off your Fifth Avenue gift list, Le Chalet at L’Avenue at Saks is your go-to holiday haunt for cozy elegance and winter charm. Both Le Chalet and L’Avenue will offer a special holiday dessert menu through January 4th that features Sapin Chocolates (chocolate mousse tree, caramel brownie presents), Ornament-shaped brown butter cake with eggnog ice cream, and Chocolate Mint Cookies.
Snowglobe in the Sky at Ophelia
The Art Deco-inspired cocktail lounge, Ophelia, is reopening its iconic Snow Globe in the Sky for the winter season. The rooftop bar will be transformed to a shimmering snow globe 26 stories above NYC, providing guests with a glamorous holiday experience with warm white plush rugs, hundreds of candles, and soft cinematic winter-themed Van Gogh and snowy scape projections. The ideal spot to grab a drink and admire the NYC skyline while taking in the holiday cheer, Ophelia offers expertly crafted cocktails, including the El Paso Old Fashioned (Coconut Cartel rum, Don Fulano Reposado tequila, banana, cacao, cinnamon, and Angostura bitters).
Rooftop Igloos
For a decidedly modern and trendy take on the snow globe, the iconic rooftop igloos are the season’s hottest ticket.
Somewhere Nowhere
Leading the charge is Somewhere Nowhere, which is opening the season with its Winter Wonderland: Rooftop Igloos. The re-opening of their teardrop-shaped igloos on the rooftop features unparalleled skyline views. Enjoy fireside s’mores, seasonal cocktails, delectable bites and a complimentary bottle of Champagne with every igloo booking. $95/pp
Public Hotel
Not to be outdone, the PUBLIC Hotel also marks the grand return of its coveted teardrop igloos at The Roof at PUBLIC. Each of the igloos is a private sanctuary, furnished with comfort and warmed by electric fireplaces, ensuring an intimate and stylish winter oasis high above the city. The experience is elevated by sophisticated culinary offerings, from fan-favorite fondues to new dishes like pan-seared Branzino, all paired with festive cocktails (think spiced espresso martinis and apple cider spritzes).
