5 Fabulously Festive Date Night Spots to Hit This Holiday Season In NYC

Sure, the holidays come with their fair share of warm and fuzzies, but for us and our fellow Fleur girls, it’s all about the glitz and glamour of it all. Save the Hallmark movie moments for your momma — you’ve been naughty this year, so you deserve to be taken somewhere nice. Wanna get swept off your feet in more ways than one? Kick off the romantic festivities someplace that stylishly embodies the magic of the season, sans the kitsch that typically comes along with it. In other words, leave the ugly sweater at home. From an Alpine lounge to an opulent new eatery, these luxe locales are awaiting the present of your presence — as is your latest cuffing season companion. So get ready to sparkle, shine, and raise a celebratory toast for two when you hit these equal parts sexy and swanky holiday date night destinations.

The Portrait Bar

While the dazzling entryway of the Fifth Avenue Hotel is surely enough to impart some haute holiday spirit, the real fun is found when you enter this luscious living room haunt hidden inside. Between the dark wood paneling, crimson accents, and smattering of eclectic portraits that scream grand Italian palazzo, the candlelit Portrait Bar sets a sexy scene for an ultra-intimate rendezvous paired with a silver platter of popcorn, caviar, and martinis. We think even Santa would agree that sure beats milk and cookies.

The Portrait Bar, 1 W 28th St, New York

Experimental Cocktail Club

The prodigal Parisian cocktail parlor has returned to NYC, and we can’t think of a more worthy watering hole for ringing in the season. The subterranean spot serves up nocturnal Art Nouveau vibes with its dim lighting, glossy interiors, and imposing curved bar topped with black marble. It’s also dotted with plenty of cozy nooks meant for canoodling closely over rare French spirits and artisanally crafted sips. The pièce de résistance, however, is none other than the ivory piano sitting at the space’s center, which can be counted on to rouse the crowd with live music on the nightly.

Experimental Cocktail Club, 6 W 24th St, New York

La Tête d'Or

‘Tis the season for opulence and indulgence, and you can enjoy them both in spades at this decadently appointed new eatery that’s so worth sinking your teeth into. Already alight with a rotation of fabulous foodies and fashionistas, the just-opened La Tête d'Or from Daniel Boulud is most definitely the place to dress up and show out for a celebratory feast for two —.bring on the seafood tower and tableside prime rib. And if the dramatic architecture, plush banquettes, and glistening fixtures aren’t enough to make you feel festive, surely the tittering crowd of glitterati will do the trick.

La Tête d'Or, 318 Park Ave S, New York

The Polo Bar

Could there be anything more enchanting than the Polo Bar at Christmastime? Well, besides you in the outfit you’re about to don for an oh-so old-money evening there. A modern New York classic for a reason, the buzzy boîte is the ultimate holiday season destination, where Upper East Side elegance meets preppy Americana. But don’t be fooled by the well-to-do decor — once the dirty martinis start flowing, even this crowd can get a little cheeky. Embrace that deliciously unbuttoned uptown energy in something chic (but a touch scandalous), and enjoy playing footsie with your lover in one of the legendary leather booths, while feeding each other fries, of course.

The Polo Bar, 1 E 55th St, New York

Le Chalet

No trip to St. Moritz planned? No problem. Channel your inner snow bunny amid the après-ski ambiance of this Midtown winter wonderland. Perched atop Saks Fifth Avenue, the rustically luxe oasis offers a bird’s-eye view of Rockefeller Center, albeit at a safe distance above the hordes of tourists. Tucked away from all that hustle and bustle, you can cozy up to your heart’s desire by the fire, surrounded by stone accents, sunken leather sofas, and a smattering of eclectic decor. Heat things up with hot toddies and mulled wine, then sweeten the deal by feeding each other some molten dark chocolate fondue—it is an aphrodisiac, after all.

Le Chalet, 8 E 50th St, New York