Gracie Mansion is one of the city’s most classically well-appointed abodes. The official residence of New York’s Mayor, the Yorkville home dates back to 1799, and boasts some pretty impressive bones. So, as one would imagine, some cheap string lights and a sidewalk Christmas tree just aren’t going to cut it come December.
Looking to add some holiday flair to his historical halls, Mayor Bill de Blasio enlisted Rafanelli Events to bring on the merry. And bring it, they did.
Working with this year’s design theme of “togetherness,” Rafanelli Events brilliantly played upon the significance of ribbons – a universal symbol of awareness and a material used to tie things together. Transforming an otherwise common décor piece into a beautiful tribute to the way in which New York breaks down borders, unifies families, communities, cultures and more.
Scroll through for an inside look at the colorful Christmas scene. We trust you’ll be tossing your ornaments for ribbons in no time!
From chic ski lodges and rooftop igloos to light-strung lounges and booze-filled snow globes, click through for the most festive bars of the season.
Miracle
The OG holiday pop-up bar launched in 2014 has expanded across the world, and New York City. Besides the fan-favorite Miracle on 9th Street at Mace, the festivities can also be found at 12th Street, and in Brooklyn on the corner of Bedford and Grand.
For a tropical take on the season, don’t miss Sippin’ Santa at Boilermaker, a tiki-inspired pop-up now featuring a curated cocktail menu by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry and award-winning bartender Brad Smith. Surf’s up!
Greenpoint’s retro, Palm Springs-inspired getaway has gotten a warm and cozy upgrade for the colder months. Sip a Frozen Peppermint Bark Latte while you cuddle up near the faux fireplace or strike a pose along the candy cane wall.
Indulge in some après-ski festivities without having to hit the slopes. The Sanctuary Hotel’s heated, all-season rooftop lounge has been transformed into a chic ski chalet, complete with snow machines. Dive into some chocolate fondue and a shot ski (or two).
Williamsburg hot spot Freehold has turned its expansive outdoor space into festive winter lodge, complete with heat lamps, blankets, and colorful lights. Planning a holiday party? The two-floor courtyard can hold up to 200 people!
A swanky take on the famed 1907 Shackleton Antarctica Expedition, Arlo Arctica is a collab between Shackleton Whisky and Arlo Hotels. Warm up with specialty whisky cocktails inside heated igloos at both Arlo Soho and Arlo NoMad.
Enter the magical world of a real-life snow globe 26 stories above NYC. Chic cocktail lounge Ophelia is dripping with crystals and sparkling snowflakes, giving revelers a glamorous holiday sipping experience.
Who can say no to some bubbly-fueled fun? Lower East Side hot spot Mr. Purple has been transformed into a rustic log cabin for the season, but the real magic is going down at the Clicquot Chalet, a dreamy snow globe on the rooftop terrace. Warm up under cozy blankets and twinkling lights while sipping on some Veuve.
Miss your grandmother’s piled-on Christmas decor? The Late Late’s delightfully tacky take on the season is the perfect spot to relive those childhood memories – with cocktails. Don’t skip the Oh, F…udge! with Hennessy VSOP, Green Chartreuse, hot chocolate, marshmallow meringue and peppermint candy.
Gather your crew and prepare for a fondue feast and endless stream of hot cocktails inside your own private yurt at the Standard East Village’s cult-favorite Winter Garden. It doesn’t get cozier than this.
The iconic rooftop bar’s colorful igloo village is back, offering spectacular views of the Empire State Building. Instagram-chasers, this spot’s for you.
Can’t afford to jet off to the Italian Alps? Eataly’s winter greenhouse, SERRA ALPINA by Birreria, is the next best thing. The stunning seasonal pop-up is serving up glacier wines, craft cocktails infused with mountain herbs, and housemade Vin Brulè, the Italian version of mulled wine steeped with orange peel and spices.
Inspired by the whimsical Shakespearean play, albeit with a wintertime twist, the massive PHD Terrace at the Dream Midtown is now sparkling with golden lights, rich greenery, and even features a fairy-worthy swing under a canopy of roses. Don’t forget to pucker up at the two mistletoe bars!
Calling all Grinches and Scrooges – there’s even an anti-holiday bar for you! The Skinny’s Bah Humbug-worthy pop-up, Helliday Inn, is strewn with garish lights, disfigured Barbie dolls, reindeer heads, and Christmas trees decorated with empty beer cans. Stop in to get turnt and sit on a Bad Santa’s lap.
Cocktail connoisseurs are in for a treat at SNOWday In Brooklyn, the wintertime takeover of cozy Williamsburg favorite Sunday In Brooklyn. Renowned head bartender Brian Evans has created an extensive menu to the complement the bar room’s festive decor, with whimsical sips for the Naughty, the Nice, and even those dreaming of a Christmas in July.
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