New York City is nearly unrivaled in how it does the holiday season – from the iconic ball drop to ice skating in Rockefeller Center, the traditions and activities for winter-weather celebrations go far above and beyond. The city is also well known for its cuisine and, during the holiday season, some restaurants kick the yuletide celebrations up a notch. 

These three festive restaurants are sure to entertain and satiate anyone making a trip to NYC this winter. Whether you are looking for an Instagram-worthy, family friendly joint or a swanky night out on the town, one of these restaurants is sure to be a wonderful choice for you and whomever your dining partners happen to be! 

For something trendy: Meduza Mediterrania

Meduza is a beautiful Meatpacking District restaurant with a cool, trendy lounge aesthetic, featuring an Instagram friendly decor, subtle and pleasant live musicians (though the ambient house music on the stereo can be loud at times), and an intimate vibe. The food is delicious and seasonal, with a lovely nod to sustainable practices. From their current menu, we were able to enjoy the Spiced Prawns, Dover Sole, Spanish Octopus, Truffle Cacio e Pepe, and Brussels, all of which were excellent (with a particular nod to the Dover Sole). Artfully crafted desserts, including great gluten-free options, and expertly-crafted cocktails rounded out the experience. This spot is absolutely perfect for a special, festive, holiday date night.

Worth mentioning that Meduza Mediterrania was recently named Yelp’s “Best New Restaurant” in NYC for 2024 (make sure to snag a reservation now before they become impossible to get!) and the same restaurant group is planning to launch a new outpost in Houston soon, so, for any TLM readers looking for something more local, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Find Meduza Mediterrania online and on Instagram.

For Something Family Friendly (and if you have a sweet tooth!): Sugar Factory (Times Square)

This is a celebrity favorite chain, complete with flashy, Instagram-friendly decor and a fun, lively atmosphere. The menu is focused on elevated comfort food, with some Tex-Mex flavor perfectly incorporated: nachos, fajitas, gourmet sandwiches and pizzas, burgers, and breakfast-for-dinner options abound. Of particular note for families: Sugar Factory is very kid-friendly, with a focus on upbeat music, whimsical decorative features, laid back feel, and a MASSIVE dessert menu, hence the name. We’re not kidding when we say they must have close to 50+ desserts, if not more. We were lucky enough to have the restaurant create a special dessert plate for our table, which can best be described as a gigantic banana split sundae, topped with donuts and fun, quirky elements like old-school candy bracelets and the like. Plus, sparklers!

For the holidays, they go all out – over-the-top holiday decor and a special holiday menu with limited edition food items (think Xmas-themed sliders and “Grinch” fettuccini), desserts, and drinks. If Willy Wonka created a restaurant, this would be a close facsimile to what that would look like.

In addition to New York, they have locations in Houston and San Antonio as well, for those looking for something more local in Texas.

Find Sugar Factory on Instagram and their website Sugar Factory. 

For something that’s just a casual, fun night out: Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is an eclectic and beautiful Victorian themed restaurant and bar meant to evoke the spirit of, naturally, playwright Oscar Wilde, boasting what it brags is the “longest bar in NYC.” Featuring classic English pub fare executed to perfection, with some unique twists like arancini and Maine lobster rolls included, this is a fantastic place to grab a pint, a cocktail, and a meal while enjoying some holiday revelry. Seasonal special events like festive teas and a New Years Eve masquerade round out the experience, but just being at the bar with holiday revelers will put anybody in the right mood. For the Christmas season in particular, the entire bar is inundated with lights and decorations, creating a festive party atmosphere that is borderline irresistible. Fair warning though: it does get crowded during the holiday rush, so make sure to get there early or secure reservations. 

Find Oscar Wilde NYC on instagram or the website Oscar Wilde.  

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Cover Photo Getty Images