As the holiday season approaches, hosts are looking for venues that feel fresh, stylish, and tailored to meaningful end-of-year gatherings. From intimate jewel-box dining rooms to sprawling design-driven spaces, this year’s lineup spans New York, London, Los Angeles, Austin, San Francisco, and beyond—each bringing its own blend of atmosphere, culinary excellence, and festive flair. Below, we round up the most compelling places to celebrate the season.
MR PORTER, London
Tucked beneath the streets of Mayfair, MR PORTER offers a modern, atmospheric setting that feels tailor-made for stylish holiday gatherings. Guests descend a dramatic spiral staircase into a sleek, design-driven space by Baranowitz + Kronenberg. The menu balances prime cuts, fine seafood, and shareable plates with an inventive cocktail program, making it easy to host either a dinner-focused event or a chic lounge-led gathering.
House of Louie, London
Alligator Bar, House of Louie
Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century townhouse in Covent Garden, House of Louie offers an elegant yet energetic backdrop for a memorable holiday celebration. Spanning three floors, the venue brings together Japanese cuisine at Wani Tzuki, French dining at Louie, and the lively Alligator Bar — creating a festive, multi-layered experience under one roof. The vibrant atmosphere, music, and standout design make it a natural choice for groups looking for something dynamic and celebratory.
The Saloon at The Ned London
Housed in a restored 1920s bank building, The Ned London delivers grand, visually stunning settings for holiday celebrations. With its sweeping lobby, art-deco detailing, and multiple restaurants and bars, the property offers a range of atmospheric spaces that can be reserved for private events—no membership required for most bookings. From intimate dinners in one of its heritage dining rooms to larger festive gatherings with live music, the venue brings effortless style to seasonal hosting.
The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire
Set within the manicured parkland of a former Duke’s estate, The Langley offers a sophisticated blend of heritage and high modern luxury—making it an exceptional backdrop for holiday celebrations that demand equal parts enchantment and elegance. With its stunning Winter Garden event space, lush terraces and full-service hospitality, it’s a venue that delivers both ambiance and operational ease for festive parties.
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, Scotland
Set on 240 acres of woodland along the River Clyde, Mar Hall offers a quintessential Scottish winter escape—grand yet inviting, and ideal for a holiday celebration with character. Fresh off a £20 million refurbishment, the 19th-century mansion pairs roaring fires, live music, and chandelier-lit dining rooms with contemporary comforts and a world-class spa. Whether hosting a festive corporate event or planning a seasonal retreat, guests can enjoy everything from elegant banquets to relaxed fireside gatherings.
For holiday parties that lean into mood, music, and a sense of classic New York glamour, The Seville delivers a lively, late-night backdrop in the heart of the city. The lounge channels a modern twist on vintage NYC nightlife, complete with live music, DJs, and a thoughtful lineup of signature cocktails. Its intimate, low-lit atmosphere creates an instant sense of occasion, whether you’re hosting an after-dinner gathering or a full-evening celebration.
Opera House, NYC
Tucked beneath Chinese Tuxedo, Opera House is a moody, atmospheric cocktail bar that brings a sense of occasion to any holiday gathering. The 80-seat space nods to the building’s history as New York’s first Chinese theater, with its amber-lit central bar—“The Stage”—framing a hand-painted opera mural. Rich walnut paneling, gold accents, and leather booths create an inviting setting for groups, whether you’re hosting a cocktail party or an intimate evening with a festive edge.
With its three-level layout in Flatiron, Barlume seamlessly moves from café to dining room to cocktail lounge — making it highly adaptable for festive holiday gatherings. The Mediterranean-inflected cuisine and elevated beverage program provide a refined backdrop, while dedicated event spaces offer privacy and flexibility for seated dinners or cocktail receptions.
Soso’s, NYC
In the heart of Soho, Soso’s channels nostalgic tavern energy, making it a lively choice for holiday gatherings that feel both fun and effortlessly stylish. Guests pass through the front cocktail bar into a retro-inspired dining room with jewel-toned windows, a central disco ball, and the now-iconic “hot-tub booths” perfect for intimate groups. The menu leans into Continental comfort with fresh seafood, European-influenced small plates, and shareable mains, complemented by a classic-leaning cocktail program with more than 60 expertly crafted options.
The Private Dining Room at the Evelyn Hotel, NYC
Tucked behind The Tusk Bar and opposite the entrance to BRASS, the Private Dining Room offers a speakeasy-style retreat that feels tailor-made for intimate holiday celebrations. Set within the Evelyn Hotel’s original dining room, the space retains its turn-of-the-century architectural details, wrapped in rich colors and luxurious textures. With seating for up to 35 guests, it works equally well for cozy dinners or slightly larger seated gatherings.
Chez Fifi, NYC
Tucked inside a jewel-box Upper East Side townhouse, Chez Fifi brings a touch of Parisian charm to intimate holiday gatherings. The two-floor space seats just 40, making it ideal for cozy celebrations that feel personal and thoughtfully curated. Rich mahogany walls and softly glowing mirrors set an elegant backdrop, while Chef Zach Zeidman’s market-driven menu lends a festive, family-style feel to the table.
Photo credit: Richard Sandoval Hospitality
For a holiday celebration with a little intrigue, tán offers an atmospheric setting that brings the spirit of coastal Mexico to the heart of the city. Its intimate, cave-inspired mezcal bar provides a private hideaway for festive gatherings, complete with over 200 varieties of mezcal and tequila. With a seafood-forward menu from Chefs Richard Sandoval and Jonatán Gómez Luna Torres, the restaurant showcases modern Yucatán flavors perfect for a memorable group dining experience.
The Magic Room at The Ned NoMad
For holiday hosts seeking a space that feels both glamorous and warmly nostalgic, The Ned NoMad offers an elevated backdrop steeped in classic New York charm. Set inside the landmark Johnston Building, the property features richly detailed interiors, intimate lounges, and atmospheric dining rooms that lend themselves beautifully to festive gatherings. Non-members can host private events in designated spaces, making it a versatile choice for seasonal celebrations of all sizes.
Ace Hotel Brooklyn offers a collection of versatile, design-driven spaces that make it a standout setting for holiday gatherings of all sizes. The hotel’s primary venue, the Boerum Ballroom, features soaring ceilings, natural light, and a built-in bar—ideal for everything from lively receptions to seated celebrations—while additional studios, a landscaped courtyard, and the lobby bar accommodate more intimate groups. On the culinary front, guests can tap into two of LDV Hospitality’s concepts within the hotel: Lele’s Roman, a warm, Roman-inspired all-day restaurant perfect for convivial group dining, and Sushi Koju, an intimate omakase counter suited for elevated, small-format holiday dinners. Together, these offerings create a flexible, stylish environment where design, food, and atmosphere come together seamlessly for end-of-year events.
Blending New York polish with California warmth, Marea Beverly Hills offers a sophisticated setting for holiday celebrations. The restaurant pairs its refined, Italian-inspired cuisine with an elegant, coastal-inflected ambiance that feels both elevated and inviting. Led by Executive Chef PJ Calapa, the menu showcases signature dishes and desserts, plus a standout wine program that elevates group dining.
OH LA LA, Los Angeles
Photo credit: Simran Malik
Designed with French architecture firm Marcoux Mathern & Associés, OH LA LA’s light-filled dining room brings a relaxed, coastal European elegance to holiday gatherings. Sun-washed tones and marble tables create a chic, timeless backdrop that can be partially or fully privatized for events of all kinds. Hosts can opt for prix-fixe brunch or dinner menus, open-bar packages, or a fully customized experience featuring chef-driven dishes by Executive Chef Marcel Moore and thoughtfully curated cocktails and wines.
La Monique, Santa Monica
Photo credit: La Monique
Set within the Oceana Santa Monica, La Monique offers a jewel-box setting that feels tailor-made for elegant holiday celebrations. The intimate dining room channels Hollywood glamour through emerald and sapphire tones and a softly glowing backlit bar. Available for full buyouts with private tasting menus, the space creates a warm, luxurious atmosphere where gatherings unfold with ease.
Palio, San Francisco
With its refined Italian cuisine and classic, mid-century charm, Palio has long been one of downtown San Francisco’s most inviting spots for festive gatherings. The restaurant’s polished dining rooms and two private event spaces offer an elegant backdrop for holiday celebrations of any size, from intimate dinners to corporate soirées. Menus can be tailored with handmade pastas, seasonal antipasti, and curated wine pairings, adding a celebratory feel to the table.
Alora, San Francisco
Perched along the Embarcadero, Alora pairs waterfront views with a Mediterranean-inflected atmosphere that feels celebratory. Guests can gather on the heated patio overlooking the bay or settle into the restaurant’s chic, coastal-inspired interior—both ideal backdrops for a holiday event with a sense of occasion. With its location on Pier 3 and a mix of indoor and outdoor options, Alora offers a refined yet relaxed setting for seasonal celebrations.
Hotel Van Zandt, Austin
Photo credit: Hotel Van Zandt
Hotel Van Zandt brings Austin’s creative spirit to life with its music-driven design, modern Texas sensibility, and warm feel. With 13,000 square feet of event space and three distinct dining concepts—Geraldine’s, Café 605, and Brass Poppy—the hotel offers flexible options for holiday gatherings of all styles and sizes. Marking its 10-year anniversary in 2025, the property continues to evolve with the city, offering a dynamic backdrop for festive events.
Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago
Photo credit: Jack Li
Set inside a historic 1927 building in the heart of River North, Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago offers a stylish, design-forward backdrop for holiday gatherings of all sizes. Recently reimagined by interior designer Melissa Bowers, the space brings a warm, terrace-inspired feel to its fully indoor setting, creating an inviting atmosphere for everything from corporate lunches to lively cocktail receptions. With multiple areas accommodating 30 to 150 guests, it’s a versatile choice for festive events.
THE KITCHEN TABLE at The James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY
Photo credit: Luke Sharrett
For a holiday event with real Americana character, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. offers a setting that blends centuries of whiskey-making heritage with warm Southern hospitality. The campus highlights the family’s iconic portfolio, but it’s The Kitchen Table Restaurant that sets the tone for gatherings, drawing inspiration from the Beam family’s own tradition of sharing stories and whiskey around the table. Chef Brian Landry’s menu reimagines Southern classics with a subtle Beam twist, creating a festive, comforting spread that works beautifully for group dining.
