Festive NYC Restaurant Decks Their Halls with $60,000 Worth of Christmas Decor

Rolf's German Restaurant Christmas decor Christmas decorations festive holiday

As Christmas approaches, many business are in the holiday spirit—and then there’s Rolf’s German Restaurant in New York City. “Festive” doesn’t do this locale justice, as the amount of decor they have is awe-inspiring. This eatery decks their halls with 15,000 Christmas ornaments, 10,000 lights, 800 dolls, and thousands of icicles. The bar, tables, and customers are surrounded by shiny baubles and rolling greenery, as well as Victorian-style decorations. But despite the potential overload on extravagance, these adornments are tasteful. They bathe the space with beautiful splendor.

Beginning the last week of September, a six-man team starts to transform Rolf’s into a Christmas wonderland. Each year, they work overnight and complete the decorations in about six weeks. To create this display, however, doesn't come cheap. The restaurant spends between $60,000 and $65,000 annually to carry on the tradition. Their dedication is worth it, though; people come from all around to experience Rolf’s. Luckily, they’ve got longer than just the Christmas season—the festivities are up until April.

Photographers James and Karla Murray captured the restaurant just in time for Christmas. Check out more of Rolf’s handiwork on 6sqft and then add it to your travel bucket list.

Clearly, Rolf’s German Restaurant has gotten into the holiday spirit!

Rolf's German Restaurant Christmas decor Christmas decorations festive holiday New York

Rolf's German Restaurant Christmas decor Christmas decorations festive holiday

Rolf's German Restaurant: Website 
James and Karla Murray: Website | Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [Homecrux, 6sqft]

All images via James and Karla Murray / 6sqft.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
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