Want to check out some fantastic New York City light displays without the holiday hordes? Follow this 7 part series of seasonal itineraries for outstanding alternatives to Rockefeller Center.

BAITA AT EATALY

14 floors above 5th Avenue is where you will find Eataly's newest pop-up restaurant, Baita. Located in the space usually occupied by La Birreria, this rooftop restaurant and microbrewery has undergone a temporary makeover meant to evoke an Italian Alps ski-lodge. Baita still boasts the same spectacular view through the glass enclosed retractable roof, but now diners and drinkers can recline on Adirondack chairs draped in throw blankets set around several illuminated trees.

Baita features special regional dishes and seasonal cocktails, in addition to the regular rooftop menu. The food is fine, but can be a bit inconsistent. The beer list, however, is as stellar as always and features some great house-brewed cask ales, served at a "cellar temperature" of 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Go for some salumi & formaggi, your safest bets for food, and enjoy a few rounds high above town.

Total Cost: About $50 per person for shared dinner and drinks. Tax and tip included.

Best Nights to Go: The bar area is crowded almost every night of the week, but tables can be reserved for lunch and dinner. Weekend reservations for reasonable dining hours should be made about a week in advance. Baita is open from December to March.

Nearby: The Flatiron Room - A dimly lit cocktail parlor and cabaret with an extensive whiskey list and live music nightly.

Check out other installments of this holiday series here.