The calendar year may be winding down, but luckily, such is not the case for New York City’s bar and restaurant scene. As anyone who lives here can tell you, December is never quiet: just walk by Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park if you don’t believe us. But tourist hordes and giant Christmas trees aside, this last month of the year is quite literally festive, which means dining and drinking out right now takes on an extra glittery and magical sheen. 

And while you might want to hit all of your holiday restaurant favorites this season, make sure to leave some nights (and days!) free to check out some new contenders. December’s arrivals offer a little bit of everything: for those of us with a sweet tooth, we’ve got one of Los Angeles’ most famed doughnut shops opening up in the Village, plus the first New York location of one of France’s most storied bakeries. Cocktail enthusiasts are also in luck: we have all the details on the new concepts from the teams behind Zero Bond and Junoon, respectively.

As to where you should head first? We’ll leave that up to you. Read on for the 10 best new restaurants and bars to check out this December in New York.

The West Village has no shortage of chic cocktail spots, but the mid-month arrival of Dandelion has been one of the most eagerly anticipated openings of the season. The result of a collaboration between Eytan Sugarman and Will Makris (known for Zero Bond and White Horse Tavern, among others), the space is just as sexy as some of their other ventures, especially the striking green marble bar and low, sultry lighting. And the beverage program, run by veterans of places like Employees Only and

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