The 7 Best Heated Rooftop Igloos in NYC (And How to Book Them)
The 7 Best Heated Rooftop Igloos in NYC (And How to Book Them)
Winter Glamping on a Skyscraper: Where to Drink Cocktails in a Snow Globe
In New York, rooftop season does not end in September. It just gets enclosed in plastic. The “Rooftop Igloo” phenomenon has taken over the city, turning freezing terraces into cozy, heated bubbles with panoramic views of the Empire State Building.
But be warned: Not all igloos are created equal. Some are luxurious private dining rooms with velvet seats and chandeliers; others are flimsy tents with a cold draft. And the booking process? It is a competitive sport.
“The Golden Rule of Igloos: You are paying for ‘Real Estate,’ not just drinks. Most venues require a steep ‘Minimum Spend’ or a ‘Rental Fee’ just to sit down. Know the price before you book.”
🧊 The Booking Strategy
- Book 30 Days Out: Reservations for prime times (Friday/Saturday night) open 30 days in advance on Resy or OpenTable and vanish instantly.
- Check the Minimums: A “reservation” often commits you to a minimum spend of $50-$100 *per person*, regardless of what you eat.
- Dress in Layers: Even with heaters, these are uninsulated plastic bubbles on a windy roof. It can still get chilly. Keep your coat on.
🚨 The “Shared” Trap
Read the fine print! At some venues (like 230 Fifth), igloos are “communal” (you sit with strangers) unless you pay a massive fee to buy out the whole bubble. If you want a private romantic date, look for venues that guarantee “Private Booking.”
| Dining & Drinking | Visuals & Lights |
|---|---|
| Best Igloos Guide (You are here) | Saks Light Show Guide |
| Secret Holiday Bars | Dyker Heights Guide |
| Best Hot Chocolate NYC | Holiday Windows Guide |
Ranking: The 7 Best Igloo Experiences
1. Somewhere Nowhere (The “Teardrops”)
Location: Chelsea (Renaissance Hotel)
The Vibe: Ultra-Luxe Nightclub.
Why It Wins: These aren’t flimsy plastic tents; they are rigid, architectural “teardrop” glass structures. They feel substantial and high-end. The view of the Empire State Building is arguably the best in the city.
Cost: High. Expect bottle service minimums.
2. 230 Fifth (The Classic)
Location: Flatiron (230 5th Ave)
The Vibe: Tourist Party.
Why It Wins: It is the most famous. They have the *most* igloos (dozens of them), so it’s easier to get in. They provide red robes to wear.
The Downside: It is extremely crowded, loud, and unless you pay for a private one, you will be sitting with strangers.
3. City Winery (The “Winter Domes”)
Location: Rockefeller Center (The Rink)
The Vibe: Date Night Elegance.
Why It Wins: Location. You are sitting *on* the plaza at Rockefeller Center, watching the skaters and the Tree, but you are warm and drinking wine.
Cost: Rental fees apply, but the view is priceless.
4. The Greens at Pier 17 (The Cabins)
Location: South Street Seaport
The Vibe: Scandi-Chic.
Why It Wins: Instead of plastic bubbles, they build tiny wooden “cabins” with glass walls. It feels like a private ski lodge. The food (by Danny Meyer’s group) is actually good.
5. Mr. Purple (The Chalet)
Location: Lower East Side (Hotel Indigo)
The Vibe: “Cool Kid” Party.
Why It Wins: They transform the roof into a “Veuve Clicquot” ski lodge. It is less about “sitting in a bubble” and more about the “Aprés-Ski” party atmosphere with a great downtown view.
6. Refinery Rooftop
Location: Midtown (Refinery Hotel)
The Vibe: Industrial Chic.
Why It Wins: The retractable glass ceiling covers the *entire* roof, creating one giant “igloo” effect. It is warmer and more reliable than the individual bubbles, with a killer view of the Empire State Building.
7. Haven Rooftop
Location: Midtown (Sanctuary Hotel)
The Vibe: Cozy & Central.
Why It Wins: Located right in the Theater District, this is the perfect pre-show stop. It is fully enclosed and heated, decorated with thousands of lights (Ski Chalet theme).
Comparison: Vibe vs. Price
Pick your bubble wisely.
| Venue | Privacy | Cost Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somewhere Nowhere | 100% Private | $$$$ (High Minimums) | “The Gram” / Luxury Date |
| 230 Fifth | Shared (Usually) | $$ (A la carte) | Groups / Tourists |
| The Greens | Private Cabins | $$$ (Rental Fee) | Foodies / Cozy Vibes |
| City Winery | Private Domes | $$$ (Res Fee) | Watching the Tree |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the igloos actually warm?
“Warm-ish.” They have electric heaters, but they are not insulated buildings. If it is 20°F (-6°C) outside, it might be 50°F (10°C) inside. You will likely keep your coat on.
What happens if it snows?
That is the best time to go! Being inside a clear bubble while snow falls on Manhattan is a magical experience. The venues stay open (unless it is a dangerous blizzard).
Can I just walk in?
For 230 Fifth, yes (but expect a line). For Somewhere Nowhere, The Greens, or City Winery, absolutely not. You must book weeks in advance.
Keywords for your next internet searches
NYC Rooftop Igloos 2025, 230 Fifth Igloo Bar Reservations, Somewhere Nowhere Teardrop Igloo, Best Winter Rooftops NYC, Rooftop Bars with Heaters NYC, Pier 17 Winter Cabins, City Winery Rockefeller Center Dome.
🇧🇷 Love Rooftops? See São Paulo’s Skyline
São Paulo is the capital of skyscrapers in South America. If you love the rooftop vibe, check out the best spots in SP with our partners at Comércio São Paulo:
🔗 Explore the Full Christmas Special
We’ve organized all our itineraries below for easy navigation:
Christmas Special (Index):
Dining & Drinking Itinerary:
- Guide Best Heated Rooftop Igloos (You are here)
- Guide Secret Holiday Pop-Up Bars
- Guide Best Hot Chocolate NYC
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in NYC 2025
