As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing like gathering on a chilly winter’s eve to toast to the season with loved ones at a holiday-themed bar. And wow, does New York City have a sled full of these cozy yuletide drinking spots. Here’s our roundup of bars worth venturing out of your ARO apartment for. Not too far, mind you — they’re all easy to get to.
Tavern on the Green | West 67th Street & Central Park West
It’s hard to believe that this idyllic cottage ensconced in the heart of Central Park was originally built to house sheep, although these days, you’re more likely to stumble across a celebrity dining on oysters and rack of lamb. A swift cab ride from ARO’s no-fee rentals, Tavern on the Green has thrown itself into the holiday spirit, decked out in boughs of festive greenery and serving up cockle-warming spiced cider, plus a special holiday brunch.
City Winery Pop-Up at Rockefeller Center | 45 Rockefeller Plaza
The “pop-up” wine garden at the base of this iconic skyscraper is, in fact, open year-round, but for the holiday season, it does something extra special, opening its snuggly, transparent winter domes, while serving up platters of cheese and charcuterie along with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and liquor-laced cider. The pop-up is an excellent place to warm up for, or wind down from, a session on the ice rink — and, of course, you’ll have views of that majestic Rockefeller tree.
Moxy Hotel Times Square | 485 Seventh Avenue
Forget painting the town red. This season, it’s all about painting it pink. If you like your holiday decorations to crank up the camp, Moxy Hotel Times Square’s Pink Playground is for you. Every day at 4 p.m. throughout the holiday season, the rooftop bar puts on a spectacular show featuring 12,000 twinkling lights and a revolving carousel, providing yuletide razzle-dazzle to go with your Magic Hour Disco Ball cocktail.
PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown | 210 West 55th Street
A mere three minutes from ARO’s no-fee apartments, there is little excuse not to make for the bright winter lights on the PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown. Don’t go expecting any chintzy Santas or snowmen here, this winter rooftop haven is elegant through and through, featuring a blanket of twinkling lights above, and snow-dusted red roses all around. You will, however, find the Man in Red hiding in the cocktails, namely the Santa Baby, a decadently seasonal concoction of crème de cacao, Baileys, and crème de menthe, garnished with 24-karat gold leaf and candy cane. And if that doesn’t get you into the spirit, nothing will.
Discover dream no-fee apartments in Manhattan for the new year: Contact the ARO team today.