Holiday Party Venues for Rent in New York City, NY

Your Guide to Renting Holiday Party Venues in New York City, NY

To organize the best holiday bash, you'll have to put more effort into it than just hanging a string of lights, turning on Christmas music and serving mediocre grocery store cookies. That's why we've put together a few great ideas to help you create a party that nobody will forget. Elevate your get-together with spectacular dishes, bespoke cocktails, out-of-this-world decorations and lots of festive spirit. But you don't have to stop there! If you want your party to make a splash, look at our ideas below!

How can I elevate my holiday party?

The Christmas Menu 

If there is one thing that can't be forgotten for a memorable holiday party, it's the FOOD! Think carefully about what you would like to feast on during a Christmassy event, whether finger foods or multi-course meals with mouth-watering desserts. Let's not also forget about determining whether you want to eat traditional or unconventional dishes. New York has endless catering options, so whatever your desires (and preferences), you will find the perfect solution for your event. Plenty of venues offer in-house Christmas catering with flagship dishes such as turkey or ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing and pies. If you're an international crowd and want to eat Spanish, Asian or Mexican, to name a few other cuisines, you will have a wide range of choices. 

Christmas Drinks 

Eggnog is a Christmas classic that shouldn't be missed during a holiday dinner. At the same time, we know that not everyone enjoys this Christmas classic. We suggest you either ask for other drinks at the venue or even book an extra mixologist to make your and your guests' liquor dreams come true. From the traditional ones, such as Old Fashioneds, Margaritas, Mojitos or Negronis, to those created by the bartender on the spot. You can also go for a simple glass of your favorite wine or whiskey, and if you're not a fan of alcoholic beverages, ask for a mocktail or virgin-style cocktail. 

The Location 

The venue you choose to host your holiday party will impact your event's success. First of all, size matters. We suggest you consider your guest list in advance so you can be sure that you won't book a venue that is way too small for your party. After all, you want your guests to have enough room for fun. It would help if you also thought about how convenient it will be for your guests to reach the venue of your choice. What should you take into consideration? For example, we suggest evaluating how far it is from nearby subway stops. 

Christmas Costumes

 After all, it's a holiday party, so why not make the most of it and plan a fun event with even more fabulous outfits? You can go easy on your guests and tell them the party is black-tie. But if you and your guests want something unique and don't want the event to be like any other, go for some costumes! Ugly Christmas jumpers could be a theme. Or make it a Florida-style holiday party and dress in the most summery shirts you own. You can also go extra and make the event a dress-up one. What are you dressing up as? It's all up to you! Need some inspiration? Go for characters from your favorite Christmas movies or people from pop culture that you associate with the holidays!

Christmas Photo Session 

You want to capture the unforgettable moments of your holiday party, and there's no better way to do so than to hire a professional photographer! After all, you don't want to be bothered with taking photos and missing out on any of the fun (not to mention the pressure you could feel from other guests to take amazing photos). New York photographers offer photo and video services, so you'll have those special moments saved in different formats. You may either show them off on your social media feeds or keep everything to yourselves and perhaps organize another party where you can reminisce, exchange comments, and continue the fun online.

Christmas Decorations

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a holiday party can't do without fantastic decorations. Your theme will come alive with incredible decorations - at least, as long as they match it. You don't have to go over the top - you could hang up mistletoe, string lights, or put up a Christmas tree, and the setting will already be special. Decorations could significantly elevate those blank canvas venues. In New York, you can rent lofts or penthouses for your holiday party, and you guessed it right - they will probably need a bit of a Christmassy touch to make them look festive and magical. We've already discussed the food and should also mention the table decor. Prepare holiday napkins and a tablecloth, throw some tiny trinkets on the table, and you're ready to go.

Christmas Gift Exchange 

Christmas is the season of celebrating and giving (and receiving) presents. And your party shouldn't be different from all the others regarding this particular aspect. We encourage you to organize a gift exchange with your nearest and dearest. You can set a budget so your presents don't differ too much. But if you don't feel like exchanging presents (no pressure!), you can do a donation exchange! We assume that you will be celebrating with people you know well, so why not draw names, think carefully about the cause "your" person would like to support, and donate to the charity you feel suits their beliefs and personalities the best?

Christmas Entertainment

New York is home to a lot of talent. So why not use it and provide live music for your holiday party? You could go for an acoustic set, an acapella singer to serenade you and your guests with Christmas carols, or a big band that will entertain everyone with a wide selection of festive hits. And how about renting a dance band? Those musicians are magicians when it comes to reading the room, so if you want to hit the dancefloor during your holiday party, this is an idea you should seriously consider. If you wish to celebrate without any major chaos but at the same time prepare something extra for your guests, why not rent a hot cocoa stand?

Send guests home with holiday treats

It's the festive season, so don't forget about that when thinking of some thank-you gifts for your guests. Homemade gingerbread cookies could be a good idea. There is also an option to buy some fancy chocolates, for example, packed as little presents or in the shape of Christmas trees. If you're known for your love for baking, consider sending the partygoers home with muffins decorated with holiday icing. It could be a thoughtful way to thank them and make sure they remember the party fondly. Some people want their gifts to last longer than a few hours, so they may give an ornament with the date of the party. To make it even more special, pack the treat in a cardboard pillow envelope adorned with cute holiday pictures, seasonal greetings, or simply the guests' names.

Many of these ideas can be easily used in a virtual setting. Who said you can't dress up, decorate your apartment, prepare finger-licking dishes, and jump on a video call with your friends or family? Whatever your options, get ready to throw the merriest holiday party ever!

Since you already know how to make your party a smashing success, you should now consider the location. New York has many great neighborhoods and even better venues in which to host your party!

Where can I hold my party in New York City?

Manhattan

When you hear 'New York', we can bet that the first thing you think of is Manhattan. Millions (if not billions) of people visit the city's most famous borough annually - and rightly so! It's home to some of NYC's biggest attractions: the Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, or the Met, to name just a few. We also can't forget about Broadway and its fantastic theatres – where you will be able to see new gems and long-running classics. Times Square is within walking distance from the Theater District, where you can get lost between the crowds of tourists and colorful billboards. Do you want to see the city from a different perspective? One World Observatory or High Line will give you exactly that. Manhattan is a fantastic area where you will find everything you seek. Thousands of restaurants, quirky bars, and charming cafes with hidden gardens are ready to welcome you and your guests for a delicious holiday lunch or an unforgettable Christmas dinner.

Brooklyn 

When planning your Xmas party, make sure to check out Brooklyn! When talking about this neighborhood, we can't miss mentioning its dining scene! Brooklyn is home to plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars serving dishes and drinks from all over the world. The cuisine is one thing, but the unique decor and the views from the dining spots' windows are something to die for! If you're planning to rent a venue for your holiday party in one of the city's areas, you should definitely check out what Brooklyn has to offer! The one thing people associate with Brooklyn the most is the Brooklyn Bridge! You and your closest family and friends can enjoy a holiday dinner in one of the city's restaurants, offering views of this iconic structure. And we all know that food tastes better with a spectacular view! Be sure to rent the space that stole your heart without delay since the best venues get booked quickly, and you may miss your chance. If you want peace and quiet after a big family dinner, we suggest you step into the gorgeous Prospect Park for some downtime. But if you're in the mood for something completely different, why not go for a Christmassy walk around Coney Island?

Queens

Home not only to Peter Parker but also to many well-known places and great dining spots. This neighborhood will satisfy anyone, starting from food to entertainment and leisure. Queens' charm lies in the area's wonderful ethnic diversity, contemporary art museums, world-class sports venues, and many more. Jackson Heights is a paradise for every foodie - you can rent a place serving finger-licking holiday dishes from Asia, South America, and beyond. For an international crowd of family and friends, we encourage you to check out Corona for authentic Cuban cuisine, Astoria for amazing Greek spots, and many places in Flushing for your dream Christmas party. The lively nightlife scene in Queens is every partygoer's dream - you can be sure that you will find a bar or pub where you can throw a small Christmas party for your closest friends. 

FAQs about Holiday Party Venues in New York City, NY

How much does it cost to rent a holiday party venue in New York City?

Hourly rates in New York City range from $75 to $2000, depending on the venue type, location, and other factors. Many places offer party packages, costing between $30 to $85 per person, often featuring all-inclusive holiday deals with set food and drink menus for a hassle-free celebration. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly holiday party venues or premium, luxurious Christmas party locations, you’ll find them on Tagvenue. Use our smart search filters to browse venues that fit your budget and needs. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What kinds of holiday parties can I throw in New York’s venues?

The sky is the limit! Thanks to the wide range of fantastic venues for special celebrations of all types and sizes that will perfectly match your plan for your dream event. If you're organizing a company holiday party, there are plenty of classy and elegant spaces that will fit all your needs. You can also host a festive family gathering or fun Christmas party with your friends. Any holiday bash will be merry and joyful if celebrated with your closest ones!

Holiday dinner parties are a trendy option, so you can feast on seasonal specialties and enjoy NYC's unique ambiance during that time of the year. More formal occasions often call for holiday banquets or galas. At the same time, a fun dress-up Christmas party is an excellent pick if you're celebrating in a casual setting! You can also throw a themed bash, like a Winter Wonderland party or an ugly sweater competition!

What kinds of venues can I rent for my holiday party in New York?

Holiday restaurants are an amazing choice if you're thinking of throwing a sit-down Christmas dinner with your extended family. At the same time, private dining rooms will serve more intimate events well. If you wish to throw a not-so-traditional festive event with your closest friends, why not rent a bar or a private room in your favorite pub? For a holiday party with colleagues, we recommend a winery or a nice cocktail bar where you can socialize and mingle comfortably. Big Apple's apartments and lofts are a great choice for parties of bigger sizes as you don't have to worry about other guests and time restrictions when you should leave. They are also some of the best quiet holiday party venues in NYC so that you can feel the Christmas spirit. And if you're looking for an even larger holiday party venue in NYC, why don't you check out our selection of grand and luxurious banquet halls and ballrooms?

What are some of the best holiday party venues in New York?

Looking for a Xmas party location in New York can get quite overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together a few special recommendations:

• Velvet Brooklyn - This classy private party room in one of Williamsburg's best venues is perfect for small to medium-sized Christmas celebrations. With an impressive, rich ambiance, this space will turn any party into a night to remember. You can also pick one of their exclusive Christmas offers and enjoy the time without worrying about a thing! Have you event in this venue for $35 to $70 per person plus the cost of renting the space.
• Jajaja Mexicana West Village - This legendary gastropub on Houston Street will make any party a smashing success - especially a holiday bash! Featuring handcrafted cuisine, an extensive selection of cocktails and unique decor, this space will satisfy all of your guests. Rent this venue for $1000.
• St Tropez West Village - St Tropez West Village is both a restaurant and wine bar. It celebrates food, wine and life in a truly South French style! If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, there is nowhere better for your upcoming event than this eatery, located moments away from 8th Avenue Station. The dinner package is available starting at $95 per person.