The holiday season isn’t complete without some wreaths, lights and garland. Several New York restaurants kick the basics up a notch, earning a reputation for their holiday creativity. From Manhattan to Long Island, these holiday-themed restaurants are worthy of a spot on your winter bucket list.
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The Christmas Pickle
Rolf’s German Restaurant, Manhattan
Christmas at Rolf’s is a picture perfect holiday experience. Each year, the popular German restaurant gets decked out with more than 100,000 decorations, including lights, ornaments and icicles. The decorations start in the fall and are kept till April. Rolf’s manager Suhal Uddin told Business Insider in 2015 that the restaurant dishes out anywhere between $60,000 and $65,000 for the annual spectacle. Head over to dig into German specialties like schnitzel and sausages, sip on cocktails or both. But be warned: a line is almost guaranteed during the holiday season. Address: 281 3rd Ave. | Phone: 212-473-8718 Get festive
Pete’s Tavern, Manhattan
Opened in 1864, Pete’s Tavern is a historic spot that goes all out for the holiday season. The entire ceiling gets covered in eye-catching lights while wreaths, garland and ornaments also help patrons get into the spirit. Make sure to order the raved about eggnog, too. Address: 129 E 18th St. | Phone: 212-473-7676 Get festive
Milon Bangladesh Indian Restaurant, Manhattan
With the slogan, “Where chili pepper lights meet Christmas lights,” it’s always the holiday season at Milon. The popular Indian spot is adorned with tons of decorations that descend from the ceiling year-round. But what better time to head over than during wintertime? Order from the lengthy menu, which features different types of masalas and tandoori, and sit underneath a sea of bright colors. Address: 93 1st Ave. | Phone: 212-228-4896 Get festive
The Milleridge Inn, Jericho
It’s a winter wonderland each year at the Milleridge Inn. The iconic place, which has been serving patrons for more than 300 years, gets into the spirit with Christmas trees, lights and holly. The year-round Christmas Shoppe selling ornaments, nativities and nutcrackers is also bit more appealing this time of year. Address: 585 N Broadway | Phone: 516-931-2201 Get festive
Molly’s Irish Pub, Manhattan
Molly’s mixes comfort with Christmas. The cozy Irish pub sparkles during the holidays with multicolored lights sprawled around the ceiling and walls. Dig into favorites like burgers and shepherd’s pie and toast to the season with a cold one. Address: 287 3rd Ave | Phone: 212-889-3361 Get festive
Oconee East Diner, Islip
Have your pancakes with a side of colorful decorations. The holiday spirit is high each winter at Oconee East Diner as festive decorations take up the entire space. Think lights, snowflakes, ornaments, a snowman and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah banners. Other annual holidays get similar treatment, including Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. Address: 749 Main St. | Phone: 631-581-2663 Get festive
Papillon Bistro & Bar, Manhattan
The holiday decorations at Papillon have been described as beautiful and nostalgic. Walk up a staircase decorated with lights, garland, drummer boys and stockings. (It’s become known as the perfect backdrop for a mini photo shoot!) And take a break from the cold with specialty cocktails including a lone star mule made with Ketel One, pomegranate, agave, lime and ginger beer. Address: 22 E 54th St. | Phone: 212-754-9006 Get festive