The holiday season really is the best time of the year to be in a relationship. It’s great to have that special person to share the season with, plus you probably get more presents for Christmas. Some of us are still out here searching for our cuffing season partners, but I promise I’m not bitter. If you’re in New York City and your Ho-Ho-Hoeing days are over, we have some prime ideas for your December date nights. Here are all of the best holiday date spots in NYC.
The Standard East Village Winter Garden & The Standard Biergarten
Two totally different vibes, both one hundred percent worth checking out with your SO.
For this holiday season, you can rent a yurt at The Standard East Village’s outside area. Wtf is a “yurt,” you might ask? Its essentially a cozy decorative tent, originally used by the nomads in Central Asia. They are cozy AF and filled with fuzzy blankets and chairs. Fill up on fondue and mulled wine with your partner, or why not get a group together?. I’d recommend making a reservation in advance, but there are a couple of yurts that are for walk-ins only. The yurts are open Mon-Fri from 4pm-9pm, and Sat-Sun 11am-9pm.
The Standard downtown is heavy on the holiday decor, but in an entirely different way. Check out the Biergarten, where they’ve transformed the standard (haha) look into a bright, neon winter wonderland. The space is chock-full of colorful Christmas trees and plenty of mistletoe to set the mood. They have spiked AND virgin hot cocoa, so what are you waiting for?
Winter Village At Bryant Park
Walking in a Winter Wonderland—I mean Village—is a great way to get into the holiday spirit with your partner. Eat food, shop, and get a drink at “The Lodge,” this year’s rink-side pop-up, open daily from 8am-10pm. Pig out on popular eateries such as Todaro Bros, Pierogi Boys, Squish S’mores Bar, and more in the “après ski” style food hall. Brought to you by Urban Space, the same people who bring you Broadway Bites and Mad Sq Eats, Winter Village is a good place to check out day or night. You’ll forget you’re in the city for a moment as you browse through all the shops in Bryant Park. If you’re a fairly new couple, this could be a good gift spot to give your SO something small, but meaningful, as a memento of your date. And as always, the lawn is transformed into an open ice rink for the season. It’s free to skate if you have your own, but let’s be real, who does? So bring $20 for rentals.
Mickey: The True Original Exhibition
Make a little Disney holiday magic by celebrating Mickey’s 90th anniversary with your partner at 60 10th Ave. in Chelsea. After all, who didn’t grow up watching everything Disney? Spend an hour or two exploring the exhibit filled with fantasy and fun. You will find multiple artists’ interpretations of the iconic mouse. The space is saturated with Mickey sculptures, bright murals, paintings, and plenty of vintage Mickey merch. Enjoy a complimentary cup of Ample Hills ice cream served in the Mickey Mouse Cade, which is decorated just like the Mickey Mouse club, a small taste of nostalgia. You get a choice between two flavors: Confetti Celebration or Triple Chocolate Surprise. Why not get one of each and split? Get your tickets online, in advance.
Miracle On 9th St.
Check out Miracle on 9th for a seasonal setting serving fun holiday cocktails in the East Village at bar Mace. Dress: casual. Wear a cozy sweater and get spirited—in more ways than one. There’s even a corner for Hanukkah, decked out with dreidels and blue lights! The drink “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” is tequila-based and basically made for me. The cocktails are strong, but not too strong. You’ll definitely want to try a few. Cozy up next to your SO with a fun holiday cocktail and enjoy the decadent decor. What makes it even cooler is that Miracle is not just in the East Village—there are “Miracle” pop-ups worldwide!
