The best rooftop bars open during the winter range from a mountain ski lodge to a cigar lounge overlooking Times Square.
Journey north for the winter at this mountain-lodge takeover of Eataly’s rooftop bar, La Birr
eria, revamped with Adirondack chairs, pine trees and vintage Dolomite artwork. The namesake concept, baita (literally, “small ski lodge in the Alps”), is a holistic idea of not only snowy slopes but also warm hearths, meat and cheese, and festive drink. The latter takes the form of a 60-glass Italian wine selection; three caldi (hot) cocktails with a base of tea, hot chocolate or eggnog; and classic-riffing cups like a Barr Hill Gin–charged White Hot Negroni and a frosty, espresso-laden Grappacino with almond grappa.
While the music pounds downstairs, this LES rooftop offers a palm-studded oasis with white chaise lounges. On Saturdays between 10pm and 1am, the spot is often packed with large group reservations (fortune, it seems, favors the popular and organized). Head there on Sundays and Mondays for two-for-one well drinks.
You can pretend you're a successful business tycoon as you stare from the top of the Empire Hotel at all the little people below before marveling at the amazing sunset. Three separate terraces offer views of Lincoln 
Center and Central Park, and an appropriately sleek bar—constructed of stacked metal pipes—dispenses specialty cocktails like the Oran’gin the Mood (orange juice, Bombay Sapphire, Patrón Citrónge and club soda)
.
Find French-Mediterranean fare and classically inspired cocktails at this posh tri-level bar and restaurant. The rooftop's retractable roof makes the bar enjoyable during the winter months while sipping champagne or a winter cocktail.
Getting past the doorman can be
tough work at the rooftop bar of the still-trendy Standard Hotel, but your trials will be rewarded with stunning views of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan. The bi-level boîte boasts an artificial-turfed alfresco bar 
with garden chairs and large, round pouf ottomans that can easily accommodate upwards of three reclining friends. Don’t just bypass the lower-level room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a Jacuzzi
Part of the Hotel Indigo’s 26-floor expansion on the Lower East Side, this cocktail den sprawls across two outdoor terraces with a swimming pool and soaring views of the Manhattan skyline. A brainchild of the Gerber 
Group (Irvington, Whiskey Park), the loft-inspired lounge is decorated with exposed-brick walls, reclaimed-wood tables and free-hanging light fixtures inside, while a flowing canopy and strings lights deck the terraces. From a silestone-topped bar, Gerber head bartender Nico Szymanski concocts seasonal cocktails.
This rooftop lounge at the Kimberly Hotel offers
views of the Chrysler Building. Sleek leather couches and wicker chairs decorate the airy space. Choose from cocktails, like the Oh Yoko, and small plates, such as lobster sliders, salmon fritters and yellowfin tuna tartar.
More info @https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/best-nyc-rooftop-bars-open-during-the-winter
LONDON
The private winter lodges on the department store rooftop come complete with a “hot toddy bell” to ring for pine liqueur and mulled negronis. Or brave the outdoor winter garden, wrapped in a faux-fur rug.
Info: 300 Oxford Street, W1, johnlewis.com
A few doors down on Oxford Street, Selfridge’s rooftop goes alpine for winter, with outdoor sheds, roast suckling pigs and hot mulled cider cocktails to keep you toasty.
Info: 400 Oxford Street, W1, forest-restaurant.co.uk
Hunker down with a Moncler blanket and hot-water bottle to watch Miracle on 34th Street at this rooftop outdoor cinema. There are only eight people per sitting, so you won’t have to jostle for a good view.
The Berkeley Health Club & Spa will be transforming its rooftop terrace into a cinema once again this December. Hotel guests and Londoners can book to watch 'Miracle on 34th Street' or 'Santa Claus: The Movie' on the big screen, whilst nestling between plenty of fluffy cushions and hot water bottles.
With a glass of mulled wine in hand and wrapped up in plenty of warm down feather Moncler blankets, guests will be protected from the cold and there will be heating lamps to keep you warm when the cold really sets in. Towering high above bustling Knightsbridge and overlooking Hyde Park, this magical outdoor theatre is London’s only private cinema featuring just eight seats.
Screenings will take place for the duration of December and there will be two screenings each night - at 5pm and 7pm.
Movie tickets are available for both residents and non-hotel guests everyday, weather permitting (excludes December 25, 2016).
Two Rooftop Winter Cinema ticket options are available:
Info: Wilton Place, SW1, the-berkeley.co.uk
A clear dome protects drinkers and diners from the moment they join the queue at this holly-and-ivy-covered pop-up. Rib-sticking food comes courtesy of Gunpowder and Le Bab.
Info: Television Centre, Wood Lane, W12, pergolaontheroof.co.uk
