This time of the year in New York City can be very overwhelming with so much to do with sometimes so little time, especially for those who work in New Jersey and don’t visit the city often. Apart from shopping at the outdoor holiday markets (Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle) and a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, there are a ton of holiday pop-ups all around town. The Hoboken Girl has sought out a diverse list of holiday-themed bars, family-friend experiences, and activities that are only open for a limited time. Read on for a round-up of holiday pop-ups in NYC.
A Pink Wonderland | 53 West 21st Street
Photo Credit: @apinkwonderland
Calling all Barbie lovers! A Pink Wonderland is a very pink bar that makes for plenty of Instagrammable moments. With charming holiday decor, seasonal cocktails, and live DJs, guests will feel like they’re on a whimsical escape. The pop-up is open until December 31st and tickets must be reserved in advance. General admission costs $30 and does not include food and beverages. Guests also have the option of purchasing add-ons such as a pink Santa hat and a lightbulb necklace.
Disney’s The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland | 89 South Street
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bucket Listers
The Rooftop at Pier 17 has been transformed into a 65,000-square-foot winter wonderland this holiday season and is open until January 7th. Presented by Bucket Listers, Disney’s The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland features Manhattan’s only rooftop skating rink where guests can skate around on the synthetic rink (included with VIP ticket or $20 per person). General admission tickets start at $15 and include a welcome hot chocolate drink. Throughout the venue, guests can also order desserts, food, and even cocktails from the various vendors. The best part is the panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
Read More: There’s a New Holiday Pop-up Inside Hoboken Bar ‘The Waiting Room’
Frosty’s Christmas Bar | 220 West 44th Street
Photo Credit: @frostysnewyork
Frosty’s Bar prides itself on being an over-the-top 21+ Christmas bar at Blue Lounge in Times Square. There are four bars, including a speakeasy, spread across three levels that make for a never-ending holiday experience. With life-sized toy soldiers, staff in ugly sweaters, and tons of glimmering decorations, Frosty’s screams Christmas joy. There are also light displays, photo experiences, and appearances from Santa from now until December 31st. Tickets for a specific time slot can be booked online, starting at $25 for general admission.
Haven Ski Chalet | 132 West 47th Street
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Haven Rooftop
Haven Rooftop, above The Sanctuary Hotel, has been transformed into Haven Ski Chalet. In the heart of Times Square, guests who visit the decked-out chalet will embrace the holiday spirit, especially with the holly arches above each table and shimmering Christmas lights. To stay cozy, there are even flannel pillows and blankets throughout. Seasonal cocktails and even shot skis (literally shots on skis) are available with lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Hotel Chocolat Pop-Up at Park Terrace Hotel | 18 West 40th Street
Photo Credit: @parkterracehotel
Park Terrace Hotel’s sixth-floor Terrazzo Lounge + Terrace, which overlooks Bryant Park’s Winter Village, has been turned into a cozy winter escape. With the vibe of a winter lodge, the lounge features a fireplace, twinkling lights, and a chocolate-themed Christmas tree (think cacao pods and Molinillo whisks). It’s all in fun to highlight the Bryant Park hotel’s partnership with Hotel Chocolat, an award-winning British chocolate brand. Baristas and bartenders have been using its European-style hot chocolate maker, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, to serve guests — anyone is welcome — with specialty hot chocolate (in different flavors) and cocktails. There are even special events that will be held from now until the beginning of the new year like wreath making, a festive gift wrap station, and rum and chocolate pairings.
Maccabee Bar Pop-Up | 64 Downing Street
Photo Credit: @maccabeebar
Maccabee Bar is New York City’s only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar. Returning for its 2nd year, Ollie — now Maccabee — has turned into a Hannukah wonderland with special decor, specially-themed cocktails, and traditional bites like Latkes and lots of Chutzpah. The concept was started in 2018 by award-winning bartender Naomi Levy who saw a huge gap in the holiday market and wanted to share her Jewish heritage with the community. The pop-up, which welcomes all cultures, is open until December 31st.
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic | 610 5th Avenue
Located right next to The Rink at Rockefeller Center, The Candy Cottage is a family-friendly magical holiday scavenger hunt. Upon checking in, ticketed guests enter the decked-out candy venue where kids can learn about making sweet treats and even pick up some free candy. Then, the scavenger hunt kicks off, with help from an enchanting map, and guests immerse themselves in businesses nearby. The experience ends with a return to the cottage for another surprise. The Candy Cottage, presented by We Are Smile Studio, runs through January 2nd and tickets range from $25 to $45 per person depending on the day of the week and time.
Whiskey Wonderland at Great Jones | 686 Broadway
Photo Credit: @greatjonesdistillingco
Great Jones Distillery, Manhattan’s first whiskey distillery since Prohibition, has transformed its cocktail bar into a Whiskey Wonderland. A separate experience from the restaurant, Whiskey Wonderland requires a reservation up to two weeks in advance. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through January 2024, the holiday-themed festive escape features Great Jones bespoke cocktails and small seasonal bites. Perfect for a date night or girls’ night out, guests will feel cozy in the intimate setting that’s decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths, and, of course, opulent whiskey bottles.
See More: Holiday Markets + Pop-Ups in New Jersey for the 2023 Season
wINTERverse | 415 Broadway
Photo Credit: Courtesy of INTER_
INTER_’s newest winter-themed activation, wINTERverse, officially opened to the public earlier this month. Those who simply enjoy art or who are artists themselves would admire this interactive, multi-sensory, immersive art experience. The journey begins in one relaxing room where guests will get an introduction to what’s to come, and then, guests can walk through and take the time to experience all it has to offer. Plus, there are holiday pop-ups within, such as beaded snowflake decorating, a hot cocoa bar, and sweet treats. The SoHo expedition is fun for all ages and is open until January 16th. Tickets for children (ages 4-12) are $32.95 and for adults are $39.95.
Winter Wonderland at Somewhere Nowhere | 112 W 25th Street
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Yuliya Skya Photography
Somewhere Nowhere, known for its nightlife entertainment and views of the Empire State Building, now offers an outdoor escape featuring eight heated teardrop-shaped igloos. Each igloo, which fits up to five guests, also comes with an integrated Alexa music system, allowing guests to control the playlist. Delectable winter cocktails and mouth-watering bites are featured on the menu. Reservations, $85 per person, are available now through the end of March.
Jersey City’s Milk Sugar Love Expanding to Asbury Park
Milk Sugar Love, the beloved Jersey City-based ice cream shop known for its handcrafted treats, is expanding to the Jersey Shore. In June 2025 the artisanal creamery will open a new location in Asbury Park, New Jersey, bringing its signature small-batch ice cream to the beach. The woman-owned ice cream parlor — founded by chef-owner Emma Taylor — is known for using high-quality, all-natural, and organic ingredients to create classic and seasonal flavors. The Asbury Park location promises to be a sweet addition to the seaside scene this summer. Read on to learn more about Milk Sugar Love’s new location opening in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
The Details
Milk Sugar Love is set to open at 1319 Memorial Drive in Asbury Park, New Jersey in June 2025. The new shop will feature an expanded production kitchen, walk-up window, and café-style seating for 12, including a few coveted counter seats where guests can watch their sundaes, affogatos, and ice cream specialties being expertly prepared.
Read More: The Cafe at Journal Squared: Jersey City’s Newest Coffee Shop
The Asbury Park location's expanded menu will showcase house-made ice cream available by the scoop, artisanal soft serve, specialty coffee drinks such as affogatos and cold brew floats, and a full take-home menu including ice cream sandwiches, celebration ice cream cakes, and fresh-baked treats. Milk Sugar Love’s ice cream flavor options span from standards like strawberry and vanilla to one-of-a-kind tastes such as lemon olive oil and guava cream cheese.
The Monmouth County expansion marks an exciting milestone for the brand, which has been delighting dessert lovers at its storefront in Jersey City since 2014. The announcement of the future Jersey Shore location was made in tandem with a reflection and celebration of its tenth year in business.
“It’s been 10 years of Milk Sugar Love and I still deeply believe in what we’re doing – making inventive and delicious ice cream from scratch using locally sourced, all-natural ingredients. You help me continue to live this ice cream dream of mine with every post you share, with every pint you bring home for the family, with every friend you bring to visit the shop. I am excited for another year of making ice cream for you in Jersey City and soon, in Asbury Park too!” founder Emma Taylor announced on the Milk Sugar Love Instagram.
The new location in Asbury Park is fitting because, like most Jersey girls, Emma spent her summers down the shore where her love of ice cream blossomed.
"I moved to Asbury Park a few years back and have been inspired by the city’s live music scene, its close-knit small business community and of course, all its delicious food," Emma shared in the official press release. "I'm thrilled for Milk Sugar Love to join this creative community.”
The flagship Milk Sugar Love location is at 19 McWilliams Place in the Hamilton Park neighborhood of Jersey City. Previously, Milk Sugar Love operated a second location in the Jersey City Heights neighborhood at 394 Palisade Avenue, however, this location closed in 2022. Fans can expect the same dedication to quality and creativity that has made Milk Sugar Love a local favorite in Jersey City down at the shore.
Emma and the Milk Sugar Love team will be popping by Berg’s Smoked Meat + Poutine in Belmar, New Jersey on Saturday, January 25th from 12PM-2PM to celebrate the two businesses’ collaboration. The team will be scooping up the limited edition flavor, Caraway Crunch, serving up free samples. Pints will be available for purchase to enjoy at home. Berg’s Smoked Meat is known for its Montreal-style smoked meat and poutine. The Berg’s team worked with Milk Sugar Love to create the flavor, which is sweetened with brown sugar and crunchy-, all-butter smoked meat toffee pieces mixed in.
Be sure to follow @milksugarlovejc on Instagram for updates on the new Asbury Park, New Jersey location.
See More: New Businesses Coming to Montclair + Essex County in 2025
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