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As the air turns frosty, we can’t all act on the urge to escape to a mountain cabin. Fortunately, hotels, bars, and restaurants in major cities around the United States have set up cozy ski chalets, igloos, and holiday pop-ups serving hot chocolate, fondue, and seasonal cocktails, so travelers can escape without ever leaving the city. We’ve rounded up urban destinations, from Minneapolis to Dallas, where diners can remain snug with a blanket and warm drink in hand, savoring the winter season.
Rooftop at the Envoy (Boston)
Courtesy of Rooftop at The Envoy
Soar seven stories above the Boston harbor in an igloo at the Rooftop at the Envoy, bookable from now until Dec. 31 on OpenTable. Order gin-based cocktails like the Winter Garden Spritz, made with spiced cranberry syrup, lemon juice, Prosecco, and club soda, or the Pomegranate Polar Spritz with pomegranate Juice, Satsuma syrup, Prosecco, and club soda. Visitors can also book a fireside table while taking in views of the Boston Seaport or a glass-covered “icebox.”
Snowglow at Hi-Lawn (Washington, D.C.)
Courtesy of Julep PR
Ever wonder what it would be like to step inside a snow globe? The seasonal Snowglow at Hi-Lawn in DC’s Union Market offers a chance to do just that from now to Jan. 4. Snow and animated holiday scenes swirl around the 360-degree sphere while frosty trees and tartan throws envelop the seating area. The drink offerings include spiced eggnog, Snowgronis (festive riffs on white Negronis), cherry hot chocolate topped with a torched marshmallow, and applejack toddies. The chefs designed a small-plates menu that includes Alpine cheese fondue and sugar-dusted rum balls. Book the experience on Resy or visit the Snowglow Lounge, where you can order the same items without a reservation.
Four Seasons Winter Village (Baltimore)
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
The fourth-floor terrace of the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore transforms into a Winter Village from Dec. 5 until March 15. Diners can book a festive private cottage on OpenTable overlooking the Inner Harbor and enjoy a four-course meal bursting with winter flavors, from a roasted butternut squash soup to a pumpkin chai panna cotta served with a maple spice cake. Work up an appetite at the outdoor skating rink, booked separately, and order a gingerbread decorating kit while sipping on the Chesapeake Toddy, a blend of whiskey, tea, lemon juice, bitters, and vanilla.
Après LA: A Fairmont Century Plaza Chalet Experience (Los Angeles)
Courtesy of Fairmont Century Plaza
Book a chalet designed like a homey Swiss Alps retreat with snow-topped trees, chandeliers shaped like moose antlers, and decorative sleds hanging on wood-lined walls at Après LA: A Fairmont Century Plaza Chalet Experience. Bookable from now to Dec. 31, the pop-up experience will feature cheese fondue, a chocolate ganache s’mores cake, and seven winter-themed cocktails. Sip the Macallan Spiced Pear Hot Toddy or a Winter Solstice Black Manhattan with chocolate bitters.
Bar Primi Winter Garden (New York)
Courtesy of Briana Balducci
Twinkling lights and a snow machine turn the patio at Bar Primi in the Penn District into a Winter Garden from now to the first week in March. Sip an espresso and tequila drink spiced with cinnamon and mole bitters, and savor rich Italian dishes like burrata pockets and pappardelle with ragù Bolognese while sitting by the fire. The restaurant pop-up accepts walk-ins and reservations on Resy.
Le Chalet at Saks (New York)
Courtesy of Alex Stanisloff
With leather sofas, fireplaces, and a wood-paneled ceiling, the decor in the hidden cocktail bar at Saks Fifth Avenue whisks visitors to a cozy cabin in the French Alps. The menu draws inspiration from the same source, featuring chocolate fondue, croque monsieur, and cocktails like the Vow of Silence, crafted with chartreuse, root beer, and absinthe. Le Chalet at Saks will offer special holiday desserts from Dec. 4 to Jan. 7, which will include a s’mores-inspired chocolate mousse and a brown butter cake with eggnog ice cream.
Adolphus Hotel’s Winter Village (Dallas)
Courtesy of The Adolphus
Settle into the seventh-floor rooftop of the Adolphus Hotel’s Winter Village pop-up, which features cabanas and glass-covered chalets, filled with cozy throws and holiday decor from now to Jan. 31. Or try your hand at an ice-free curling rink while savoring a toasty baked brie with a brandied cherry compote and sipping on apres-ski drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate with your favorite liqueur.
Astrea Rooftop Bar (Indianapolis)
Courtesy of InterContinental Indianapolis
The Astrea Rooftop Bar at the InterContinental Indianapolis aims to become “Home for the Holidays” for locals and visitors from now to Dec. 30. The pop-up features luggage giveaways, firepits and heaters to stay warm, and DJs dressed as Santas to keep spirits high. Sip spiked apple cider and an upgraded mulled wine with chocolate liqueur and walnut bitters, or a winter spritz with white wine, plum gin liqueur, and a cinnamon, rosemary, and orange simple syrup. Sample smoked fish dip, snow crab claws, and other items from the food menu.
Hewing Rooftop Ice Bar (Minneapolis)
Courtesy of Hewing Hotel
While some seek heated spaces during the winter months, those who embrace the cold should bundle up and head to the outdoor Hewing Rooftop Ice Bar. Bartenders will serve Earl Grey hot toddies and other drinks from a bar carved entirely of ice, starting Jan. 16 and lasting until the ice melts. Scandinavian potato flatbread topped with trout roe and a spiced cider and butternut soup shooter will be among the special menu items.
Lakefront Lodge at Harry Caray’s (Chicago)
Courtesy of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group
With leather seating, a fireplace, and decorative skis, the Lakefront Lodge at Haray Caray’s offers an Alpine escape in downtown Chicago’s Navy Pier. Guests can book the lodge, along with two private heated igloos, from now through the end of February. Order a s’mores kit for your group or a hot chocolate bar with churros, crushed peppermint, and mini marshmallow toppings. Add rum, schnapps, or bourbon for a boozy version. Appetizers on the winter menu include cheesy garlic bread, chili, and loaded tater tots.
Julekha Dash
2025-12-04 13:57:00