‘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 (across the street from Whole Foods), this market is full of unique shops and delectable eats that are guaranteed to satisfy any craving. One of my favorite spots is Cheese Wheel Pasta, where you can get pasta that’s tossed in a giant wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, mixed with more cheese, a creamy Alfredo sauce, pasta water (aka liquid gold), sprayed with truffle oil, and finished with more cheese. Another favorite is The Truffleist, one of the most popular popups in the city, where everything is covered in either freshly shaved truffles or truffle oil. Definitely go for the decadent truffle cheese fries and the mozz sticks for a cheese pull for the ages.
- Address: E 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Recreation at The Moxy Downtown
If you’re a fan of the movie Elf, Recreation at The Moxy Downtown is a requirement this holiday season. This year, this fun bar in FiDi has an Elf popup, with plenty of decor nodding references to Buddy and his shenanigans. There’s even a special espresso martini, or “best coffee drink ever” (IYKYK). Elf decor aside, Recreation is just a good time; there are plenty of games to bring out your inner child, like skeeball, a giant Connect Four board, and even a basketball court.
- Address: 26 Ann St, New York, NY 10038
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
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 (pictured above, which I bought for my mom but possibly ate half of them first), 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
Mistletoe Bar at Royalton Rooftop
For one of my favorite year-round spots in NYC, head to Royalton Rooftop. Situated on top of the Royalton Park Avenue Hotel in Midtown, this centrally located hotel provides glistening views of the city with stellar cocktails and dishes. I particularly love their “crispy rice” tuna bites and their super refreshing hummus and crudite bites. Royalton Rooftop makes for a great girl’s night out. This year, they have a special Mistletoe Bar, so you can enjoy a festive setting while taking in the views of the New York City skyline.
- Address: 420 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
Serendipity 3
For some seriously over-the-top desserts, head to Serendipity 3. The ice cream sundaes range around $20-$30 on average, and while that might sound steep, you’ll quickly understand why; these sundaes are MASSIVE. Not to mention, they’re super cute, almost too cute to eat. Serendipity 3 also has a great frrrozen hot chocolate, which can be spiked with booze.
- Address: 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
Winter Chalet Hotel Indigo Williamsburg
Looking for a cozy winter bar in a Scandivanian-style chalet amidst the frigid New York temperatures? Head to Hotel Indigo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, for the first of its kind seasonal popup. The Hotel Indigo lobby features an installation created in partnership with Corey Damen Jenkins, aka a celebrity interior designer, and transports guests from the bright lights of New York City to a wintery European escape. Try out waffles, a charcuterie board, chocolate fondue, a white chocolate espresso martini, coquito, and hot chocolate.
- Address: 500 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
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. This year, they reopened after a three-year hiatus, so head on over to try a Delmonico steak in the birthplace of the Delmonico. 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. ‘Tis the season to celebrate, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by eating at one of the most iconic eateries in not only New York, but the world.
- Address: 56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004
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