Trolley Pub Holiday Pub Crawl Experience Raleigh

If you’re looking to combine a festive spirit with a fun, social way to explore Raleigh’s vibrant bar scene, the Trolley Pub Holiday Pub Crawl is worth considering. This seasonal tour offers a lively two-hour ride through some of the city’s best spots, with plenty of holiday cheer, good company, and a bit of adventure on a pedal-powered trolley.

What we particularly like about this experience is its inclusive vibe—everyone gets a Santa hat and a complimentary drink, setting a playful, holiday mood. Plus, the stops are thoughtfully chosen, each offering a different flavor of Raleigh’s nightlife, from historic pubs to lively dance bars.

A possible consideration is that the tour’s success hinges on good weather, as it’s outdoors on a trolley. If rain or cold weather strikes, your experience might be less than ideal unless the provider offers a reschedule or refund—and they do specify that weather can impact plans.

This pub crawl suits groups of friends, holiday visitors, or anyone who enjoys a laid-back yet spirited way to see the city. It’s especially appealing if you’re new to Raleigh or want a memorable way to celebrate the season with others.

Key Points

• Festive atmosphere: Includes Santa hats and holiday decorations that boost the cheer.
• Two-hour fun: A lively ride that hits three different bars, each with its own vibe.
• Inclusive experience: Complimentary drink, hot beverages, and fun party accessories.
• Limited group size: Max 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Good value: For just $39, you get an organized, guided tour with multiple stops.
• Weather-dependent: Cancellations due to poor weather may affect plans, but full refunds or reschedules are offered.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Start at The Raleigh Times

Your journey begins at The Raleigh Times, a historic spot nestled in a former newspaper building. This location is noteworthy for its Belgian beers, microbrews, and classic pub grub. The charm of the setting—an old newspaper office—adds a nostalgic touch. We liked that the stop is just 20 minutes, enough to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. This stop is free to enter, so you’re free to browse or just clink glasses with friends before the trolley departs.

The Avenue Raleigh in Glenwood South

Next up is The Avenue, a lively bar in Raleigh’s popular Glenwood South district. Here, you’ll find a solid selection of craft beers and well-made cocktails. The environment is casual and versatile—you can shoot some pool, catch a game, or simply enjoy the vibe. This stop also lasts about 20 minutes and is free to enter. We appreciated the relaxed setting, giving everyone a chance to chat and unwind before moving on.

The Ugly Monkey Party Bar

The final stop is The Ugly Monkey, a dark, divey scene that’s perfect if you’re in for a lively, no-frills party. DJs, karaoke, and rum buckets lend a fun, slightly wild atmosphere. This stop is also about 20 minutes, and again, free to enter. From reviews, it’s clear that this bar’s cheerful chaos is a hit with those looking to let loose. The DJ-led scene really ups the festive energy—just be prepared for a more raucous environment.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $39 per person, the tour includes a two-hour ride on the Trolley Pub, guided by a knowledgeable driver/guide. You also receive a free drink per person, along with ice, a cooler, and hot beverages—hot chocolate or cider—perfect for warming up during the chilly season. Santa hats are provided to enhance the holiday spirit, and the vehicle comes decorated for the occasion, adding to the festive vibe.

However, alcohol is BYOB, so if you want extra drinks beyond the included one, you’ll need to bring your own. Tips and gratuities are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to thank your guide for a good time.

The Trolley Pub Experience: What It’s Like

Imagine a pedal-powered trolley that seats up to 14 people, decorated festively and designed to keep the mood light and lively. Your driver is also your guide, providing insights into Raleigh’s bar scene and ensuring everyone stays safe. The period of each stop is just enough to soak in the atmosphere, chat with friends, and sample some drinks.

The trolley itself is a fun, social way to move between bars without the hassle of driving or taxis. The cooler keeps your drinks cold, and the whole setup encourages mingling—perfect for making holiday memories.

The experience is very weather-dependent. If rain or cold weather causes cancellations, you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund. Since most travelers book about 25 days in advance, planning ahead helps secure your spot, especially during the busy holiday season.

Authenticity and Value

We found that the value for the price is reasonable given the organization, guided nature, and inclusions. For $39, you’re paying for a curated experience with a guide who can enhance your understanding of Raleigh’s bars and craft beer scene. The tour’s small group size—max 14—also ensures a more intimate, friendly atmosphere, which is often missing from larger, impersonal pub crawls.

Reviews from other travelers highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides, which seem to be a key strength. Although, since there are no reviews yet, we rely on the description that emphasizes a guided experience, which adds educational and safety value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This pub crawl is ideal for groups of friends looking for a festive, social outing. It’s perfect for visitors wanting an easy way to sample different bars without the hassle of figuring out transportation. It also suits those who enjoy lively atmospheres and don’t mind a bit of cold weather if necessary.

If you’re a holiday visitor in Raleigh or a local wanting a fun twist on your usual night out, this tour offers a memorable way to celebrate the season. It’s especially good for people who appreciate good guides and a relaxed pace.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Trolley Pub Holiday Pub Crawl offers an enjoyable, well-organized way to experience some of Raleigh’s best bars with a festive spin. The inclusive touches—Santa hats, hot drinks, decorations—make it feel special, while the guided component ensures you get a bit of local insight along the way.

The two-hour duration strikes the right balance—long enough to enjoy three different spots without feeling rushed—and the price is reasonable for a guided group experience with drinks and decorations included.

If you like lively, social outings with a holiday twist, this tour is a good choice. Just keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to BYOB if you want extra drinks beyond the complimentary one.

FAQs

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour begins at 323 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601. It’s accessible by public transportation and close to other city amenities.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs approximately 2 hours, including all stops and travel time on the trolley.

Are there age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, suggesting it’s suitable for adults. The tour involves alcoholic beverages, so minors are not permitted.

What drinks are included?
Each passenger receives one free drink—hot chocolate or hot cider—and there’s a cooler for additional beverages if you BYOB.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the tour is outdoor and weather-dependent, it might be canceled due to poor weather. In that case, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, the tour is BYOB, so you can bring extra drinks if you wish. Be sure to bring enough for your group, as tips and gratuities are not included.

Whether you’re a local seeking a fun holiday outing or a visitor wanting to experience Raleigh’s nightlife with a festive touch, the Trolley Pub Holiday Pub Crawl strikes a good balance of casual fun and holiday spirit. Just remember to dress warmly, book in advance, and prepare to toast to the season!