Rent the perfect holiday party venue in Midtown

For over fifteen years, Apotheke in NoMad has been a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a unique experience. Inside you'll be transported to a 19th-century European apothecary and absinthe den, with plush velvet seating, stained glass windows, and a warmly intimate ambiance perfect for the holiday season. There is also a covered outdoor patio offering breathtaking views of twinkling Manhattan, including the Empire State Building, so close it feels like you could almost reach out and touch it. Whether you’re planning a cocktail reception with crafted drinks and passed hors d'oeuvres or a festive seated dinner served family-style, Apotheke provides an elegant setting for your celebration, with a capacity for up to 150 guests.

There's no avoiding the holiday season in NYC; lights and decorations are everywhere, and restaurants are no exception. When you start to feel Christmas creeping around the corner, you know Maggie's has already put up garlands with lights, ornaments, and pinecones around the ceiling and bar. This cozy venue feels like a local honkey tonk, and you'll be transported to a Hallmark world where you can leave your Midtown corporate job for a cabin in the Midwest with a lumberjack who you've known for two weeks.

Wooden walls, tables, and chairs add warmth to the multiple event areas available to rent: The Nook (max. 15), The Mezzanine (max. 100), and a full venue buyout (max. 175). No matter what option you go for, guests can enjoy charred octopus, savory mushroom hand pies, various burgers, and Shepherd's Pie with a beer, glass of wine, or specialty cocktails like Ring My Bell, Purple Rain, or Spicy Maggie.

If your Christmas is less sparkles and more crushed velvet, this moody cocktail bar is a great option for a subdued holiday party in the heart of Midtown. Shinji's Bar is serving up imaginative cocktails along with caviar, handrolls, and sharing dishes. All their fish is flown four times a week from Japan, and handrolls are made tableside for optimal freshness. Cocktails feature ingredients like prickly pear and orange blossom gin, willow bark, chicken (yes, chicken), and licorice.

Shinji's is available for intimate private events, and offers a moody, luxurious atmosphere for a holiday party.

The Ivory Peacock is a glamorous and sophisticated Irish-inspired bar in Midtown offering an impressive array of beer, wine, and cocktails (the Ivory Cosmopolitan is a must-try) and exquisite Japanese-French cuisine.

This dual-level 8,000 sq. ft venue offers two distinct event spaces: the airy main bar, which accommodates up to 300 guests, and the downstairs speakeasy social club, Ploume, for up to 150. A/V features like DJs and nightlife-style lighting are also available to make your event even more festive. The Ivory Peacock is nestled near Madison Square Park, a destination for Christmas lovers wanting to admire twinkling tree lights.

Within the luxurious Lotte New York Palace lies the Gold Room, an opulent bar and lounge that transports you straight to the splendor of the Gilded Age. Adorned with gilded ceilings, a glamorous bar, and leather seating, this intimate space is the ultimate setting for an elegant holiday gathering of up to 125 guests. Sip on signature cocktails like the "Gossip Girl" or the "Hemingway," or indulge in a classic martini, fine wine, or warm tea and coffee. Delight your guests with a lavish array of shared plates, including artisanal cheese boards, caviar, and more, as you toast to the season amidst the room’s golden glow.

Calling all Gossip Girl enthusiasts: If you recall the unforgettable moment between Serena and Nate in Season 1, then you’ll recognize this infamous spot. The Campbell exudes timeless opulence and is the quintessential venue for an extravagant corporate holiday party. With its rich green quartzite, brass sconces, leather furnishings, and meticulously hand-painted ceilings, this lavish setting can accommodate up to 250 guests– ideal for a medium-sized company Toast the season in true Upper East Side style with a GG Manhattan, wine, champagne, or classic cocktails, all while reveling in the splendor of this historic gem. Plus, its location within Grand Central Terminal makes it ideal for commuters or remote workers who are coming in from the suburbs.

Tucked inside a historic townhouse-turned-hotel lies The Raines Law Room, a distinguished craft cocktail bar perfect for hosting an elevated holiday party. With spaces like the Hawthorne Terrace, the Peacock Room, and the Library, this flexible venue accommodates up to 150 guests. Each room radiates old-world charm and dark academia vibes, with wine-colored velvet love seats, black leather couches, crystal chandeliers, and candlelit tables. After sipping on champagne or a handcrafted cocktail, take a stroll to Bryant Park to bask in the glow of the twinkling holiday lights.

For a seasonal treat, try the Lockhart Plot—a cocktail that captures the essence of the holidays with sherry-finished whiskey, chocolate bitters, and rich notes of fig, almond, and banana.

Loft39 has various bespoke turnkey event spaces, each fully furnished with warm accents to save you the stress of decorating. Just bring the tinsel.

There are a few different event spaces, but our pick is the 3rd Floor Speakeasy, which provides rustic vibes with patterned carpets, Chesterfield sofas, exposed brick, and standing space for up to 125 guests. Amenities include a full kitchen and a built-in bar, along with elevator access and two bathrooms. The warmth of the space makes it feel intimate, but there's plenty of room to mingle and dance, if you wish.

Looking for a more customizable space? Choose the 2nd Floor Studio Loft, which can accomodate 200 guests and is suitable for the biggest of imaginations.

Ivy Terrace is a modern 4,100 sq. ft. event venue accommodating 150 guests for a cocktail-style event. When guests arrive and exit the elevators, they are greeted with a sleek, sophisticated space with lounge seating, wooden accents, and a sprawling terrace.

The outdoor space has a fireplace, various tables, and seating configurations, and it can be customized to any festive theme. Guests can admire the skyline and sip on custom holiday drinks and seasonal snacks made on-site. Opt for a cocktail reception to let guests mingle and roam, or go for a seated plated or family-style dinner for a more sophisticated affair.

The Plaza Hotel in Midtown has been a beacon of history and luxury for over a century, with several event spaces available for a Christmas party. The Palm Court is the hotel’s centerpiece, with shimmering crystals of grand chandeliers, stained glass windows and lush greenery inspired by nearby Central Park. Semi-private areas accommodate up to 100 standing guests, and a full buyout of the space is available for up to 100 seated and 300 standing. Along with it’s infamous Holiday Afternoon Tea, you can indulge in fine wine, specialty cocktails, and exquisite light bites, including a decadent New York apple cobbler. An enchanting winter evening stroll through Central Park, just a block away, adds the perfect finishing touch to your festive experience.