Prepping for a holiday party starts with finding the perfect venue. From private dining rooms to seasonal pop-ups and well-heeled favorites, here’s our roundup of exceptional venues for hosting your festivities.
The Bazaar by José Andrés, NYC
Celebrate the holidays at Chef José Andrés' new Bazaar, where the opulent dining room, designed by Spain's Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio, sets the stage for a unique culinary experience. This bespoke concept seamlessly blends the best of Spain and Japan, offering an unforgettable and joyous journey with imaginative creations like Cotton Candy spun around foie gras and Iberico pork ribs with tamari glaze. For an intimate gathering, a private dining room with seating for up to 14 provides a bird's eye view of the stunning setting.
The Portrait Bar at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, NYC
The Portrait Bar, situated in The Fifth Avenue Hotel, offers a unique holiday experience in an elegant space. Designed with inspiration from Italian villas and a library setting reminiscent of London’s finest hotel bars, the bar features a cocktail program curated by veteran bartender Darryl Chan. The program takes guests on a global tour of flavors and sense memories, complemented by elevated Parlor Snacks crafted by Chef Andrew Carmellini. With over 50 diverse portraits adorning the space, The Portrait Bar is a sophisticated venue for holiday celebrations in a luxurious atmosphere.
74Wythe, Brooklyn
Spanning 15,000 square feet across three stories with four interconnected spaces, 74Wythe is a multifunctional hospitality venue offering endless configurations. The Main Room features a full-service bar, performance stage, and Mezzanine with exclusive amenities. The Rooftop offers stunning waterfront and skyline views, equipped for year-round events with its retractable canopy. Discover a hidden cocktail lounge and an adjoining private Loft with a kitchen, wine cellar and courtyard for an exclusive and memorable experience.
Champers Social Club, NYC
With a carefully curated selection of bubbles and delightful bites, Champers Social Club cultivates an exciting and approachable ambiance, transforming ordinary gatherings into celebrations. Explore a diverse list of sparkling wines by the glass, discover new favorites, and support unique wine makers not typically featured on traditional lists. The venue offers flexibility with private events in both the main dining room and an intimate, elegant space located in the wine cellar, adding a touch of exclusivity to your special event.
Don's Next Door, NYC
Caitlin Sakdalan
Don's Next Door encapsulates the essence of the beloved Don Angie while offering an exclusive setting for intimate gatherings. Accessed through a separate entrance adjacent to the restaurant, this dedicated event space boasts its own bar and cocktail area, kitchen and guest restroom. Designed for an intimate dining experience, a single long table accommodates up to 16 guests. The décor mirrors Don Angie's signature aesthetic, featuring a distinctive marble-tiled bar at the entrance and a dining room adorned with a leather banquette and antique fixtures.
KYU NYC
Situated in the vibrant heart of Soho, Japanese fusion restaurant KYU sets the stage for a sophisticated and festive holiday gathering. With a dynamic cocktail program and a standout array of elevated shareable menu items, KYU offers an ideal destination to celebrate the season in style.
Charissa Fay
Situated on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards, Peak offers breathtaking city views and a modern-American menu. Beyond its sleek design, the combination of delicious cuisine and welcoming hospitality makes Peak an ideal venue for hosting a holiday party. The event space is perfectly tailored for festive gatherings, allowing guests to indulge in Executive Chef Rose Noel's menu crafted from locally and seasonally sourced ingredients, complemented by innovative drinks curated by the Award-winning Beverage Director and Sommelier Zach Kameron.
Hawksmoor, NYC
Tucked in the beautifully restored United Charities Building, Hawksmoor's private dining rooms offer an ideal setting for a grand holiday event. Choose between two private dining rooms, each accommodating 12-14 guests around a long table, perfect for sharing the classic Hawksmoor steak dishes, fresh seasonal vegetables and cold martinis.
For over 30 years, Tony's Di Napoli has been delighting diners with classic "red-sauce" dishes made from the highest quality ingredients. Whether you choose their Upper East Side or Midtown location, Tony's family-style menu is an ideal choice for hosting a holiday party. Additionally, their extensive wine list and a variety of exceptional martinis, including one of the city's best espresso martinis, offer perfect pairings for enjoying their cult-favorite cuisine.
ADRIFT Mare, Miami
Recently opened ADRIFT Mare is Michelin-starred chef David Myers' latest culinary endeavor, perched on the 25th floor of Hotel AKA Brickell. Offering a taste of Mediterranean coastal living, this dining destination is perfect for hosting private holiday events. ADRIFT Mare's 1,240-square-foot private room, designed to accommodate up to 45 seated guests or 60 standing – and exudes the luxury of a yacht's interior. Set against an 11-story atrium of floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant boasts dynamic views of the city skyline and Biscayne Bay, creating a luminous and captivating setting.
The Cave at Ariete, Miami
Elevate your holiday celebration with an exclusive private dining experience in The Cave at Chef Michael Beltran’s acclaimed Ariete. The Cave is a unique underground wine cellar beneath the restaurant, with stone-lined walls and a hidden wine room. Accommodating up to 50 guests, The Cave offers the choice of a family-style menu or a personalized Chef’s tasting menu with optional assorted wine pairings.
The Jay SF
Celebrate at the newly opened Jay hotel in downtown San Francisco, with its warm and welcoming design by AvroKO and The Third Floor Restaurant & Lounge by the acclaimed Omakase Restaurant Group. The light-filled space is open all day, serving seasonal menus, curated cocktails and a modern spin on traditional tea – which just might become a new holiday tradition for you.
Tied House, Chicago
Tied House, affiliated with Chicago's renowned Schubas Tavern since 2018, provides a modern music-centric eatery blending American comfort cuisine with expertly crafted cocktails. With a total capacity of 240 seated and 300 standing across two floors, Tied House embraces the communal spirit of pre-prohibition tied houses. The venue offers unique spaces, including the Dining Room, Bar, Courtyard and The Loft, each with distinctive elements such as molded ceilings, Italian marble countertops, leather booths, a patinated copper fireplace and floral garden beds. The Loft, with its trendy design and dedicated bar, is particularly suitable for special occasions and presentations, providing a versatile and stylish setting for holiday events.
ROOF on theWit, Chicago
Celebrate the holiday season in style at ROOF on theWit, located in the heart of Chicago’s theater district and perched 27 stories atop the recently renovated luxury hotel. With a glass retractable roof, the venue offers a stunning setting to ring in the New Year. ROOF on theWit promises an unforgettable experience with live DJs, specialty food and beverages by award-winning Chef Michael Taus, and themed parties open to the public. Past appearances include artists like Chance the Rapper.
Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
Situated on Santa Monica Beach, the renowned Hotel Casa del Mar has recently unveiled its latest event and meeting venue, The Conservatory, designed by PHX Architecture. This elegant enclave spans 1,750 square feet, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, creating a captivating waterfront atmosphere. With its stylish interior illuminated by natural light and complete privacy from the main lobby, The Conservatory is ideal for intimate to medium-sized events, accommodating up to 96 seated guests or 120 guests for a reception-style gathering.
Hope & Grand Events at the Music Center Los Angeles
Host an unforgettable holiday party surrounded by world-renowned architecture and panoramic city views at LA’s iconic Music Center, catered by Hope & Grand Events. With menus crafted by award-winning chefs, this venue offers the ability to curate bespoke events that leave a lasting impression on guests. The Music Center, spanning over 22 acres, provides a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including multiple restaurants, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, Ahmanson Theater and more.
Skylight Studios: NYC, LA, SF
Skylight at The Refinery
Skylight Studios specializes in transforming forgotten spaces into vibrant cultural centers, meant to breathe new life into urban environments through the art of gathering. Skylight is behind many standout spaces in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco; here are the spaces not to miss.
NYC: Skylight at Essex Crossing, Skylight at The Refinery (pictured), PENN DISTRICT
LA: ROW DTLA – don't miss the Rooftop Terrace!
SF: Skylight at The Avalon, Skylight at The Rotunda (Oakland), The Auditorium at 555 California & The Cube at 345 Montgomery
LULA London
Experience exclusive dining at LULA's The Loft, a charming space perfect for private parties and events. Whether it's a memorable Christmas celebration or a New Year’s Eve bash, The Loft provides a unique setting for any occasion, accommodating 20-60 seated guests or up to 100 standing. As the holiday season approaches, LULA introduces a seasonal menu, blending traditional flavors with a modern twist.
Mondrian Shoreditch London
Mondrian Shoreditch embodies the vibrant energy of East London's creative and cultural hub. The hotel features unique, intimate event spaces such as The Screening Room, a versatile venue with a private bar accommodating up to 60 standing or 40 seated guests. Additionally, the Ballroom, the hotel's largest space, has an industrial aesthetic with exposed brickwork, providing a unique backdrop for events hosting up to 300 standing or 160 seated guests.
Coq d'Argent London
Celebrate the season at Coq d'Argent's winter transformation into Lodge d’Argent, featuring an immersive Après-Ski experience inspired by the French Alps. The 2023 installation transports guests to snow-capped peaks, offering a charming terrace with a captivating 'ski lift' photo hotspot. Enjoy dining in cozy chalets and explore group booking options, all complemented by an exclusive Rémy Martin cocktail menu for a delightful winter escape.
NoMad London
NoMad London, situated in the historic Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station in Covent Garden, is an elegant hotel currently ranked No. 46 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. The hotel features a renowned ingredient-led culinary program, including unique venues like NoMad Restaurant & Bar, Side Hustle and The Library. The sophisticated hotel embraces the interplay between grand and intimate, offering festive moments and quiet meals alike.
Tootbus, London
Tootbus, London's sustainable sightseeing tour bus company, is offering a unique holiday experience with private Christmas parties on its open-air Bar Bus. This festive 'rooftop bar' travels around the city, providing a fun and magical way to enjoy the best festive lights. Tootbus is the only bus tour allowed down Oxford Street during Christmas, and covers London's famous historical landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Downing Street and more.
