The holiday season is in full swing, which means The Big Apple is going overboard to ensure that you have a wonderful time while in our great city. One aspect worth checking out while here are the numerous holiday pop ups that have been spotted throughout the city and some of our boroughs.
Take a look at five that will definitely get you into the holiday spirit and more. Happy Holidays everyone!
Donner & Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge at The Springs
Donner & Blitzen’s Reindeer Lounge can be found this year at The Springs in Greenpoint, Brooklyn after first popping up at No Malice Palace last year. So don your holiday gear and come get blitzed amidst four grand fireplaces, floor to ceiling Christmas trees and a Candy Cane graphic wall. Graffiti artist Paul Nassar created a massive Reindeer Playing Poker mural that will make your holiday season profile pic pop and your stockings will be filled to the brim with cocktails like Festivus mulled wine, Candy Cane Shots, and the Nog-Gonna Make It To Work Tomorrow, along with new creations like an irresistibly addictive Frozen Peppermint Bark Latte. The lounge serves up holiday munchies like the Fondue You See What I See, The Office Party Cookie Plate, Fried S’mores, and more. Be sure to look out for holiday programming with DJs on the weekends and Ugly Sweater Parties every night. Open from November 30th – December 30th at 224 Franklin Street in Brooklyn. More info here.
FREEHOLD Winter Lodge
FREEHOLD Winter Lodge is a fully enclosed indoor/outdoor heated courtyard and penthouse lodge space decked with festive lights, a massive Christmas tree, fireplace, blankets and pillows to create this winter wonderland. Perfect for a cozy date, private dinner with friends, or holiday party for up to 200 people, FREEHOLD Winter Lodge will get you in the holiday spirit! Open now through January 15th at 45 S. 3rd Street in Brooklyn. More info here.
North Williamsburg Pole at Clinton Hall
Clinton Hall’s courtyard at the POD BK Hotel is now the North Williamsburg Pole complete with a giant LED lit Christmas tree decked with beer can ornaments, faux snow, reindeers and more. There will be random appearances by Santa and his elves throughout the month of December and guests will be invited to indulge in DIY s’more making, Egg Nog cheesecake pops, roasted chestnuts and spiked hot chocolate. Candy cane shot-skis will come with a chance to win a ski-weekend or summer camp adventure courtesy of Club Getaway. This pop up will be open now through – 2/11 at Clinton Hall Williamsburg’s Courtyard (247 Metropolitan Ave in Brooklyn)
Haven Ski Chalet at The Sanctuary Hotel
Haven Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel has transformed into a winter wonderland in the sky, called Haven Ski Chalet. This heated, all-season Midtown rooftop is lit in white lights with holiday décor throughout and even has faux snow machines to add to the ambiance. Cocktails including the Toasted Almond, Peppermint Cream, Ginger Toddy and Shot Skis will be served up alongside chocolate fondue to keep guests warm, no matter what the weather’s like outside. Open now through the end of January at 132 W. 47th Street. More info here.
Helliday Inn at The Skinny
The Skinny will take a twisted approach to the norm, boasting an anti-holiday themed pop up this year. The flashy, if not down right tacky, décor, unique cocktail and food menu offerings and the programming meant to interact and engage all help to thread the line between the absurd, self indulgent commercialization the holidays have become and the desire to still embrace it. Ornate Christmas lights and decorations cram every square inch from floor to ceiling, Santa’s Reindeer heads line red painted walls and living room vignettes complete with fireplaces provide the perfect backdrop for a Hangry Santa’s workshop.
Santa’s Wheel of Misfortune, provides customers with the opportunity to pay for chance to spin and win or in most cases lose. A miserable Santa will be on premises nightly, and there will be nights with piano playing to accompany customers dirty Christmas caroling along with drag and burlesque shows throughout the week, Krampus Karaoke and Trivia. Don’t be surprised to see a tarot card reader dressed at Jacob Marley, stumble in on “Sleigh and Lay” speeding dating or “Goodfellas Christmas” 50’s-70’s music dress up on any given night. Helliday Inn is open now through January 31st at 174 Orchard St. More info here.