11 Festive Experiences and Pop Ups for the Holiday Season in New York

As New York City (and East End) transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays, here are 11 spots to enjoy holiday cocktails, take festive photos and pick up that perfect present. Tis the Season (at least according to Mariah Carey)!

Brooklyn Roots Collective
@brooklynrootscollective
@zerowaste.nyc
Zero Waste NYC and Brooklyn Roots Collective Will Host A Sustainable Holiday Night Market in Bushwick on 12/12
Enjoy a Sustainable Holiday Night Market at Brooklyn Roots Collective (255 Randolph St.) on Friday, December 12th as the space transforms into a vibrant celebration of local makers and conscious craftsmanship. Between 5PM and 9PM guests can explore a curated mix of vintage finds, secondhand treasures, upcycled goods, and handmade pieces from community partners—all with a focus on thoughtful, sustainable shopping. Free and open to all, the market invites New Yorkers to support small businesses, discover unique holiday gifts, and connect with a community of creatives who are reimagining what mindful, low-waste living can look like this season. This event shines as part of a two-night series from Zero Waste NYC that kicks off on Thursday, December 11th with Sip & Spark, a talk on sustainability at KCBC Brewery (381 Troutman St.). For more information visit, https://www.brooklynrootsco.com.

Calissa

@calissahamptons

Calissa Chalet (1020 Montauk Hwy) is bringing the ultimate winter ski lounge vibes back to the Hamptons beginning November 15th through February 2026. This cozy, après-ski-inspired experience will feature everything you need to warm up, from hot toddies to fondue and more. The menu will be brimming with delicious options like the Cheese Fondue and a decadent Chocolate Fondue accompanied by bananas, apples and biscotti. To stay toasty, sip on hot drinks like the Calissa Rakomelo Toddy, and the indulgent Espresso Martini “Affogato,”. Calissa Chalet’s Holiday Feast Menu for $95 per person is a lavish, family-style dining experience designed for groups of six or more, available with 24-hour advance notice. The evening begins with a Holiday Mezze Platter featuring tzatziki, spicy kafteri, Santorini fava, roasted eggplant, and olives, followed by a Seasonal Salad of baby lettuces, roasted beets, candied walnuts, and Arahova feta in a citrus vinaigrette. Warm starters include Crispy Zucchini Chips with lemon aioli and Spanakopita & Tiropita Triangles filled with spinach and feta in delicate phyllo. Guests can then choose a showstopping main course, which includes the Salt-Baked Branzino Royale with fennel-orange salad and caper-parsley vinaigrette, Cretan-Style Prime Rib dry-rubbed with garlic and herbs, or Whole Roasted Lamb Shoulder carved tableside with lemon-roasted potatoes and charred broccoli. The meal concludes with a Whole Apple Pie served warm with vanilla ice cream, a comforting finale to a festive winter celebration. More information can be found here. 

Canto West Village and Canto Upper West Side
@canto_nyc
“A Season of Sparkle” at Canto West Village & Canto Upper West Side
This holiday season, Canto embraces A Season of Sparkle, transforming both its West Village and Upper West Side locations into luminous, holiday havens. From a “waterfall” of ornaments and poinsettias in the West Village to soaring garlands and glimmering layers uptown, each space offers its own take on festive sophistication — cozy, radiant, and unmistakably Canto. Celebrate the season with Canto’s rotating holiday specials and its famed Frozen Espresso Martini — the cocktail that continues to draw fans even when the temperature drops below zero.
At Canto West Village, the intimate space is reimagined beneath a “dripping waterfall” of ornaments and hanging poinsettias, enveloping guests in a glimmering canopy that feels like dining beneath a festive cloud of light and color.
At Canto Upper West Side, soaring vaulted ceilings set the stage for a grander display — spiraling garlands and layered ornaments cascade through the space, accentuating its architecture while maintaining an elegant balance of warmth and restraint. The result is an atmosphere that shimmers with holiday spirit yet remains distinctly Canto: refined, inviting, and timeless.
Decor is by - New York Backdrops

Elsie Rooftop
@elsierooftop
Sip, Celebrate & Deck the Halls at Elsie Rooftop's Holiday Market - 12/11, 12/14 & 12/21
Elsie Rooftop (1412 Broadway, 25th Floor) is transforming into a festive wonderland leading up to Christmas.  A Holiday Market will be unveiled this holiday season on the three Sundays - December 7th, 14th, and 21st from 3pm - 6pm. Guests can enjoy interactive holiday stations including stocking and ornament decorating, gingerbread decorating, and a three-hour open bar featuring a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar. Soak in seasonal music, sip on festive drinks, and mingle with friends and fellow holiday enthusiasts in the heart of the city for a spirited, 21+ celebration of the season. Secure your tickets by visiting: https://tickets.elsierooftop.com/e/holiday-market-elsie-rooftop.

Foxtail's Holiday Hideaway Opens at Arlo Soho
@foxtailny
Foxtail's Holiday Hideaway (231 Hudson St) has returned to Arlo SoHo. This cozy cocktail den has been transformed into a winter wonderland.  Revelers can indulge in a $45 special, which includes two holiday cocktails and an appetizer. Escape the cold with warm seasonal cocktails like Spiked Mexican Hot Cocoa or a Yuletide Toddy in addition to creative holiday concoctions like the Christmas Fruitcake or Tree Topper. Rich flavors of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg enhance the experience, creating a setting where craft cocktail making meets the magic of the holidays. Foxtail's Holiday Hideaway is ideal for intimate gatherings or spirited celebrations with friends, offering a taste of fanciful whimsy. Reservations can be made via OpenTable. 

Grand Holiday Bazaar
@grandbazaarnyc
Experience Holiday Magic at the Grand Holiday Bazaar on Sundays from 11/30 Through 12/21
Kick off the holiday season and step into Grand Bazaar NYC, the city’s most vibrant and longest-running indoor and outdoor market!  Celebrating its 40th anniversary, you can discover a treasure trove of handcrafted gifts, festive décor, and delicious seasonal treats from more than 150 unique vendors at the Grand Holiday Bazaar (100 West 77th St.) every Sunday from November 30th through till December 21st from 10 AM to 5 PM.  Whether you choose to snag some cozy knitwear, elevate your holiday celebrations, or bedazzle your home with incredible art and ornaments, Grand Bazaar NYC is the ultimate destination for thoughtful holiday shopping; As a social enterprise that donates its money to four public schools, you’re sure to feel the holiday spirit. For more information visit www.grandbazaarnyc.org 

Greg's Trees
Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays at Greg’s Trees
Discover a spectacular array of Christmas trees and holiday décor from Greg Walsh Jr. at Greg's Trees during a festive season filled with joy and cheer. Greg’s Trees can be found at McCarren Park (Manhattan Ave and Driggs), Domino Park (South 4th Street), Murray Playground (45th Road and 21st Street) in Long Island City, JJ Byrne Playground (5th Ave between 3rd and 4th Street), Greenwood Park Beer Garden (555 7th Ave.), and Hank’s Bar (613 Bushwick Ave) — each transformed into a vibrant winter wonderland filled with festive décor and hand-painted holiday character cutouts perfect for Instagrammable moments. Bring loved ones to enjoy wreath-making, holiday crafts, and the full Greg’s Trees experience that has delivered holiday spirit to New Yorkers for over 35 years. For more information, visit https://gregstrees.com/.

Haven Rooftop Ski Chalet
@havenrooftop
Haven Rooftop above The Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) in the heart of Times Square is getting ready for diners to celebrate this Christmas season at Haven Ski Chalet beginning on November 27th. Visitors will be surrounded by holiday decor including cranberry bundles and holly arching its way above each table, with shimmering Christmas lights overhead, evergreen garlands, and flannel pillows and blankets. From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, enjoy a delicious brunch menu paired with bottomless mimosas and bellinis (with the purchase of an entrée, 1-hour limit). Haven Ski Chalet offers the perfect setting for a cozy and unforgettable holiday brunch. To reserve your spot and make this holiday season one to remember, visit www.havenrooftop.com. 

Holiday Bazaar at Grand Central’s Biltmore Room 12/16 - 12/18

This holiday season, Grand Bazaar NYC is partnering with Made in NYC (MINYC), a nonprofit initiative that supports local manufacturers and makers, to present the Holiday Bazaar at Grand Central from December 16th through December 18th. Set inside the landmark Biltmore Room (at track 39-42), once known as the “Kissing Room,” the three-day shopping experience will feature a curated selection of independent artisans offering handmade crafts, art, jewelry, home goods, and gourmet treats—perfect for holiday gifting. Now in its second year at Grand Central, the Holiday Bazaar advances Grand Bazaar NYC’s mission to champion local makers while doing good for the city—proceeds help fund four local schools and support artisans across the five boroughs. 

Lindens
@lindensnyc

Lindens Winter Village: Cabin Dining & Lounge Experience Beginning on 12/1

Experience the magic of the winter season at Lindens Winter Village (2 Renwick Street), housed at Arlo SoHo, where three cozy yurts offer distinct holiday cabin experiences beginning December 1st. Select your ideal winter retreat: an intimate culinary experience for two, a shared holiday dinner for parties up to eight, or a private lounge featuring exclusive cocktails and personalized service. Each yurt is individually heated for comfort and decked out for the holidays offering a warm, elevated escape from the cold. Reservations can be made via Lindens Winter Village.

Lulla
@lullanyc
Delight in Festive Luxury at Lulla’s Winter Study
This winter, Lulla's Winter Study, brought to you by Renwick Hospitality Group and tucked into Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea (113 West 24th Street), invites guests into a warm, candlelit hideaway on the second floor where the spirit of the season comes to life through thoughtful cocktails, comforting flavors, and nostalgic touches. The lounge is transformed with winter greenery and cozy textures, setting the stage for a curated menu of festive drinks, holiday-inspired small plates, and a whimsical Milk & Cookies experience offered in both spirited and non-alcoholic versions. Perfect for a quiet moment between holiday outings or a celebratory evening with friends, Lulla’s Winter Study blends the charm of a classic winter retreat with Lulla’s signature elegance, creating a serene escape from the city’s bustle all season long. Reservations can be made here.