Blog article • 3 min read
7 under-the-radar NYC venues for the ultimate holiday party
It's that time of year again. While everyone is talking about their next beach trip and Aperol spritzes, you're already in full-on holiday party mode.
First item on the to do list? Securing the perfect venue. So skip the overbooked ballrooms and discover these fresh, under-the-radar spots that opened in 2025 or remain hidden gems.
Cue Mariah. Cue Bublé. Let’s go!
New openings for 2025
- Neighborhood: Lower Manhattan
- Capacity: 150 guests
- Estimated budget: Mid-range
Grupo Gitano’s newest lounge brings serious old-school NYC party vibes — think champagne, harbor views, and a 3,000-square-foot dance floor most people can’t get into. Yes, the club is normally members-only. But with Planned, you and your team can skip the line and get straight to the party.
- Neighborhood: Financial District
- Capacity: 120 guests
- Estimated budget: Premium
Hidden inside the ultra-chic new Printemps department store, Maison Passerelle delivers an exclusive fine dining experience led by acclaimed chef Gregory Gourdet. Think hand-painted frescoes, private dining intimacy, and a globally inspired French menu that feels tailor-made for high-end holiday receptions. It's the kind of venue that feels like an insider's secret—until your team is walking through the doors.
- Neighborhood: Meatpacking
- Capacity: 250 guests
- Estimated budget: Premium
Opened in May 2025, Drai’s Supper Club brings Vegas glam to Manhattan with a modern twist on the classic supper club. Picture live jazz, an elegant Art Deco-inspired design, velvet floral chairs, grand piano, and moody lighting. The two-story venue combines luxury dining upstairs with a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge downstairs, perfect for a sophisticated holiday party that feels both exclusive and unforgettable.
Hidden gems worth discovering
- Neighborhood: SoHo
- Capacity: 100 guests
- Estimated budget: Midrange
Housed in a historic bank building, INTER offers a design-forward, architecturally striking space ideal for companies looking for something unexpected. The venue features immersive light installations, soaring ceilings, and adaptable open floorplans that work well for upscale receptions, brand experiences, or creative holiday gatherings. Unlike a typical museum rental, INTER creates an experiential backdrop that elevates both the aesthetic and guest engagement.
- Neighborhood: Long Island City
- Capacity: 125 guests
- Estimated budget: Midrange
Tucked away in LIC, The Foundry is a 19th-century metalworks building turned architectural showpiece. With its dramatic glass atrium, ivy-covered courtyard, and exposed brick interiors, the space blends industrial grit with elegance. A dramatic, high-impact space that feels nothing like a typical banquet hall—perfect for planners who want their holiday party to leave a lasting impression.
The Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts
- Neighborhood: Lower East Side
- Capacity: 150 guests
- Estimated budget: Premium
A true icon hiding in plain sight, the Angel Orensanz Foundation is a 19th-century synagogue turned awe-inspiring venue with soaring Gothic arches and cathedral-level drama. It’s hosted cultural legends like Maya Angelou, Alexander McQueen, and Spike Lee—and somehow still feels like a best-kept secret. If you’re looking for something historic, theatrical, and unforgettable, this is it.
- Neighborhood: NoMad
- Capacity: 60 guests
- Estimated budget: Midrange
Apotheke’s new NoMad outpost is moody, glamorous, and tailor-made for intimate holiday celebrations. Inspired by European apothecaries and absinthe dens, the space features velvet drapes, gold hardware, and theatrical lighting. It’s cozy without being cramped, and features some of the best mixologists in the city. Great way to treat your team.
Pro tip: streamline your planning with Planned
Finding the perfect venue is only the first step. Collecting quotes, managing contracts, securing approvals, handling payments, and onboarding vendors can quickly turn holiday party planning into a second full-time job.
That's where Planned comes in. We give you:
- Curated venue recommendations in hours
- Access to exclusive discounts and professional negotiation suppport
- Contracting, and legal support
- Easy payments and real-time budget tracking
These venues are already in high demand for the 2025 holiday season. Working with Planned allows you to secure these coveted spaces faster, before they're fully booked.
Book us today to tell us about your event!
