Looking for a festive Brooklyn spot bursting with holiday cheer and over-the-top décor? We’ve rounded up the borough’s most festive restaurants and bars, complete with dazzling decorations, cozy bites, and warming cocktails for the season.
Skinflints | Bay Ridge
Skinflints is a Bay Ridge institution, and just celebrated its 50th anniversary on 5th Avenue. Expect classic American comfort food and pub-style dishes in a cozy atmosphere absolute decked out with lights and decor from wall to wall. It’s the perfect family-friendly spot for a celebratory holiday meal. No reservations accepted; Skinflints is first-come, first-served!
Black Forest Brooklyn | Fort Greene & Cobble Hill
The German beer hall and restaurant Black Forest goes all out for Christmas, with a Caroling Extravaganza on Saturdays and Sundays through December 21 at both locations. Each event features a live Christmas music and caroling performance by a festive five piece band (brass & piano). Guests are invited to sing along in English & German, and they’ll be serving Glühwein and and strong, malty seasonal winter beers. $15 per person.
Someday Bar | Boerum Hill
Someday Bar’s Miracle Pop Up has transformed the bar into a winter wonderland, with over-the-top decorations, glowing lights, festive cocktails, photo ops, and plenty of holiday cheer. Reservations are available here, and walk-ins are welcome when space allows.
Gage & Tollner | Downtown Brooklyn
Established in 1879, Gage & Tollner is one of the oldest restaurants in the city, and is the perfect spot for a classic Old New York meal, complete with festive garlands and wreaths that will put you in the holiday spirit. Treat yourself to oysters, clams casino, and some of the finest steaks and cocktails in the city. Reserve here.
The River Café | DUMBO
Perched on the waterfront directly beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café is the perfect setting for a formal holiday celebration. Guests enter through a courtyard aglow with twinkling lights before settling into a table with breathtaking views of the water and Manhattan skyline. The Michelin-starred restaurant is elegantly adorned for the season and serves a classic three-course prix fixe menu. Reserve here.
Lightscape Lodge at Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Prospect Heights
Looking to pair your festive meal with a holiday event? During your visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s holiday Lightscape show, stop midway along the trail to dine at Lightscape Lodge, opening November 21. The menu features winter-inspired dishes and a kid’s menu, too. Advance reservations for the restaurant—and Lightscape tickets—are required.
This colorful Mexican restaurant in Park Slope hosts a popular Santa Brunch on weekends in December. The restaurant is dressed up for the holidays, with a chance to take photos with Santa. Expect tacos, enchiladas, and more Mexican favorites, plus a special kids menu! Reservations are now available on Resy for Saturday, December 14, Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21, from 10am-2pm. Tickets are $40/adult, $25/kid, and free for 2 and under. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are included!
Greenwood Park | South Slope
Greenwood Park is a huge family-friendly beer garden and restaurant in South Slope that’s perfect for a casual holiday hang with kids. They go all-out for the holidays, with their very own tree lighting celebration. They also host holiday activities like wreath-making, photos with Santa, Christmas caroling, and an ugly sweater Christmas party. Plus, the beloved Christmas tree vendor Greg’s Trees sets up every year at Greenwood Park, so you can get pick out your tree on your way home!
Snowday at Sunday in Brooklyn | Williamsburg
Sunday in Brooklyn transforms into an après-ski chalet annually for its holiday pop-up, Snowday, featuring over-the-top décor, cozy blankets, and festive cocktails and bites. The pop-up runs daily from November 19 through December 31, starting at 5 p.m. Reservations are available on Resy and released one month in advance, while weekend brunch remains mostly walk-in with only a few reserved tables available.
Radegast | Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s German beer hall Radegast brings German Christmas vibes to Brooklyn, with a huge Christmas tree and decorations throughout their cozy space. They are family-friendly on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, but minors are not allowed on Saturdays from 2-9pm. Expect sausages, German pretzels, and plenty of beer in tall steins!
Grinchy’s at Roberta’s Pizza | Bushwick
Roberta’s Pizza hosts an annual holiday event called “Grinchy’s” at their Bushwick location. Tucked away in their fulled covered and heated tiki bar adjacent to the restaurant, the pop-up features a special holiday menu that goes beyond just pizza. They also serve themed cocktails, host a a gingerbread competition, and of course, there are tons of Grinch-themed decorations! Reservations will be made through Resy.
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Updated: November 7, 2025. Main Image: Skinflints in Bay Ridge.
