These New York Holiday Buffets Are Loaded With That Classic Christmas Charm
New York State knows how to celebrate the holidays like nowhere else on Earth.
From elegant Manhattan ballrooms to cozy mountain lodges tucked away in the Catskills, holiday buffets across the Empire State deliver that nostalgic Christmas magic we all crave.
These aren’t just meals—they’re full-blown festive experiences complete with twinkling lights, carolers, and tables groaning under the weight of seasonal delights.
Ready to feast your eyes (and stomachs) on ten spectacular spots serving up pure yuletide joy?
1. Tavern On The Green
Few places scream “New York Christmas” louder than Tavern on the Green, where holiday dreams have been coming true since way back when.
Nestled right in Central Park, this iconic eatery goes absolutely bonkers with decorations each winter.
We’re talking thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights wrapping every surface, massive wreaths, towering Christmas trees, and enough sparkle to temporarily blind passing reindeer.
The holiday buffet here feels like stepping into a Victorian Christmas card that someone brought to life.
Traditional favorites pile high on elegant serving stations—think perfectly glazed hams, roasted turkey with all the trimmings, and side dishes that would make your grandmother weep with joy.
Families have been making this their annual tradition for generations, and honestly, who can blame them?
Between the storybook setting and the seriously satisfying spread, it’s pretty much impossible not to feel festive here.
Location: 67 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
2. The River Café (Holiday Brunch Buffet)
Picture yourself brunching beneath the Brooklyn Bridge while Manhattan’s glittering skyline serves as your holiday backdrop.
That’s the magic waiting at The River Café, where waterfront dining meets serious Christmas spirit.
The legendary spot transforms into a winter wonderland each December, draping its already-stunning interior with garlands, twinkling lights, and enough festive cheer to make Santa himself jealous.
Their seasonal holiday spread doesn’t mess around either.
Carved meats, seafood towers, decadent desserts, and seasonal specialties crowd the buffet tables like guests at a very delicious party.
Every dish gets plated with the kind of care you’d expect from a spot this iconic.
The views alone are worth the trip—watching snowflakes drift past those floor-to-ceiling windows while you load up your plate creates memories that last way longer than your food baby.
Location: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
3. The Plaza Hotel – Palm Court
When Eloise celebrated Christmas at The Plaza, she knew what was up.
This legendary Fifth Avenue landmark practically invented old-school New York luxury, and their Palm Court holiday brunches carry on that proud tradition.
Walking into this space during the holidays feels like time-traveling back to when elegance actually meant something—soaring ceilings, palm trees wrapped in lights, and chandeliers that probably cost more than most apartments.
The buffet spread matches the surroundings perfectly.
Classic holiday dishes get the white-glove treatment here, with chefs preparing everything to absolute perfection.
Carved prime rib, delicate pastries, seasonal salads, and desserts that belong in an art museum rather than your stomach cover the tables.
Live music often floats through the air, adding to that special something that makes you sit up a little straighter and feel fancier just by being there.
It’s pricey, sure, but some traditions are worth splurging on.
Location: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
4. Mohonk Mountain House Holiday Buffet
Ever wanted to celebrate Christmas in an actual Victorian castle?
Mohonk Mountain House makes that fantasy real every single year.
Perched dramatically on a mountain lake about 90 minutes north of the city, this National Historic Landmark goes absolutely wild with holiday decorations—we’re talking multiple Christmas trees in nearly every room, miles of garland, and enough gingerbread to construct a small village (which they actually do).
The holiday buffet here has achieved legendary status among New York Christmas enthusiasts.
Multiple dining rooms overflow with seasonal specialties, traditional favorites, and creative dishes that celebrate winter’s bounty.
Everything gets made from scratch using quality ingredients, many sourced from nearby farms.
The setting enhances every bite—those massive stone fireplaces, lake views, and century-old architecture create an atmosphere so magical you half-expect Dickens characters to wander through.
Families book their spots months in advance, treating this as their annual pilgrimage to Christmas perfection.
Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561
5. Glenmere Mansion Holiday Brunch
Glenmere Mansion proves that refined countryside elegance and hearty holiday feasting make perfect partners.
This Italian Renaissance beauty sits on 150 pristine acres in Orange County, looking exactly like the kind of place where wealthy families in old movies gathered for Christmas.
The mansion transforms each December into something straight out of a holiday romance novel—tasteful decorations, crackling fireplaces, and an overall vibe that whispers “sophisticated celebration” rather than screaming it.
Their seasonal holiday buffet matches that understated elegance perfectly.
Expect beautifully prepared dishes that honor traditional Christmas flavors while adding subtle modern touches.
The chefs here clearly understand that holiday food should comfort and delight in equal measure.
Small details make the difference—fresh herbs from their gardens, locally sourced ingredients, and presentation that looks effortless but obviously isn’t.
The intimate setting means you’re not fighting crowds, just enjoying good food in a gorgeous space with people you actually like.
Location: 634 Pine Hill Rd, Chester, NY 10918
6. Sagamore Resort Holiday Buffet
Nothing says “classic American Christmas” quite like the Sagamore Resort’s holiday buffet on Lake George.
This Adirondack institution has been hosting families for over a century, and their Christmas traditions run deep.
The resort embraces that nostalgic, slightly old-fashioned holiday spirit that feels increasingly rare—think carolers, massive wreaths, and decorations that favor timeless elegance over trendy gimmicks.
The holiday buffet here could feed a small army and probably has.
Station after station offers traditional Christmas fare prepared the way your great-grandparents would have recognized and approved of.
Roasted meats, hearty casseroles, fresh-baked breads, and desserts that make you loosen your belt just looking at them.
The lakeside setting adds extra magic, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch snow falling over the frozen water.
Generations of families return here year after year, creating traditions and memories that connect them to Christmases past while making new ones.
Location: 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
7. Otesaga Resort Hotel Holiday Buffet
Cooperstown’s crown jewel, the Otesaga Resort Hotel, serves up holiday magic with serious historical pedigree.
This grand lakeside beauty opened in 1909 and hasn’t lost an ounce of its original charm.
Walking through the doors during the holidays feels like stepping into a time machine set for Christmas Past—in the absolute best way possible.
Crystal chandeliers draped with garland, period-appropriate decorations, and an overall atmosphere that oozes old-money elegance without being stuffy about it.
The holiday buffet continues that theme beautifully.
Traditional dishes get prepared with techniques and recipes that have stood the test of time because they simply work.
Everything tastes like Christmas should taste—rich, satisfying, and faintly nostalgic even if you’ve never eaten here before.
The view over Otsego Lake provides a stunning backdrop, especially during those perfect winter days when everything sparkles under fresh snow.
Baseball fans visiting the nearby Hall of Fame often discover this gem and immediately add it to their annual traditions.
Location: 60 Lake St, Cooperstown, NY 13326
8. The Sagamore Ballroom At The Sagamore
Want your holiday buffet with a side of actual ballroom grandeur?
The Sagamore Ballroom delivers exactly that experience.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a full-blown Christmas production complete with live carolers, elaborate light displays, and enough festive atmosphere to make even Scrooge crack a smile.
The ballroom itself provides a stunning setting, with soaring ceilings, massive windows overlooking Lake George, and architectural details that remind you when resorts really knew how to impress.
Multiple buffet stations circle the room, each focusing on different holiday specialties.
The variety here is genuinely impressive—traditional favorites, creative seasonal dishes, international touches that add interest, and desserts that deserve their own zip code.
Carolers in period costume stroll between tables, adding live music that beats any playlist.
Kids especially love this experience, wide-eyed at the lights and decorations while loading plates with more food than they could possibly finish.
It’s theatrical, yes, but in the most delightful way possible.
Location: 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
9. Bear Mountain Inn Holiday Buffet
Sometimes the best Christmas celebrations happen in the coziest places.
Bear Mountain Inn proves this theory year after year with their beloved holiday buffet.
This rustic stone beauty sits right in Bear Mountain State Park, offering that perfect combination of wilderness charm and civilized comfort.
Massive stone fireplaces anchor the dining areas, their crackling fires creating warmth that goes way beyond just temperature.
The decorations lean heavily into the natural setting—lots of evergreen boughs, pinecones, and simple elegance that lets the stunning Hudson Valley location shine through.
The holiday buffet here embraces hearty, satisfying food that tastes even better after hiking the nearby trails.
Think substantial portions, classic flavors, and nothing too fussy or pretentious.
Everything gets prepared with care and served in an atmosphere that encourages you to relax, eat too much, and enjoy being surrounded by people and nature.
The inn’s history dates back to the 1920s, and you can feel those decades of holiday celebrations in the walls.
Location: 3020 Seven Lakes Dr, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
10. The Emerson Resort & Spa Holiday Buffet
The Catskills have always known how to do winter right, and The Emerson Resort continues that proud tradition.
Tucked into the mountains near Mount Tremper, this resort combines rustic mountain charm with modern comfort in ways that feel effortless.
During the holidays, they embrace the cozy factor completely—think lots of natural materials, evergreen branches everywhere, and lighting that creates instant hygge.
Their holiday buffet celebrates regional ingredients and classic winter dishes that warm you from the inside out.
The chefs here clearly understand mountain cooking—substantial, flavorful, and designed to satisfy people who’ve been breathing crisp mountain air all day.
Local farms supply much of the produce and proteins, giving everything that fresh-from-the-source quality you can actually taste.
The setting enhances the experience beautifully, with mountain views framing every meal and enough peace and quiet to actually hear yourself think.
It’s the kind of place where you show up stressed from city life and leave wondering why you don’t live in the mountains full-time.
Location: 5340 NY-28, Mount Tremper, NY 12457