A Festive Trolley Pub Adventure in Raleigh

The Trolley Pub Holiday Pub Crawl Experience in Raleigh is a lively, two-hour tour that whisks you through some of the city’s most popular bars decorated for the season. For $39 per person, you’ll hop on a specially outfitted trolley, decorated with holiday cheer, and visit three distinct spots: The Raleigh Times, The Avenue Raleigh, and The Ugly Monkey Party Bar. The tour includes a Santa hat, a complimentary festive drink, hot cider or hot chocolate, and cheerful decorations, making it a perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends or family.

One thing we really appreciate is how the tour balances fun with local flavor. Each stop offers something different: from historic charm at The Raleigh Times to the energetic, divey vibe of The Ugly Monkey. The guided nature of the trip means you’ll get some local insight, often delivered by knowledgeable hosts, which adds an authentic touch to your holiday outing.

A potential consideration might be that the tour is weather-dependent, so if rain or snow disrupts your plans, you’ll need to reschedule or accept a full refund. Also, while the tour does include a free drink, alcoholic beverages are BYOB—so if you prefer a fully stocked bar, you’ll want to bring some additional drinks yourself.

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, social way to enjoy Raleigh’s nightlife and holiday spirit. It’s especially good for groups, couples, or anyone wanting a casual, spirited evening with a bit of local color and festive cheer.

Key Points

Festive Atmosphere: Decorated trolley, holiday-themed drinks, and Santa hats set a cheerful tone.
Variety of Venues: From historic pubs to lively, divey bars, each stop offers a distinct local vibe.
Informed Guides: The guides are knowledgeable and add context that enhances the experience.
Price & Value: At $39, with drinks included and decorations, this offers good value for a fun night out.
Weather Cancellations: Tours are weather-dependent; plan accordingly.
Group Size: Limited to 14 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

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In-Depth Review: What to Expect on the Raleigh Holiday Pub Crawl

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour begins at 323 W Davie Street, right in the heart of downtown Raleigh. This central location makes it easy to access via public transportation or walk from many nearby accommodations. The tour lasts approximately two hours, which is plenty of time to enjoy the bars without feeling rushed, yet short enough to keep the energy lively and manageable.

The small group size—up to 14 travelers—creates a cozy, social environment. The trolley itself is fitted with a cooler, ice, and festive decorations, turning a simple ride into part of the fun. The tour is led by a driver/guide who keeps things moving smoothly and shares tidbits about each stop.

The Stops: A Closer Look

The Raleigh Times

Our first stop is The Raleigh Times, a historic pub located in a building that once housed a newspaper. Here, the focus is on Belgian beers, microbrews, and American pub grub. We loved the sense of history combined with a relaxed atmosphere—it’s not just about the drinks but also the story of the place. The free admission and the short 20-minute stop give you a chance to soak in the ambiance, sample some local brews, and chat with fellow travelers.

The Avenue Raleigh

Next, we head to The Avenue in the lively Glenwood South Entertainment District. This bar offers a solid selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak up the holiday vibe. Inside, you might shoot a game of pool, catch a game on TV, or just enjoy the bustling scene. The guide often points out local favorites here, adding some insider tips.

The Ugly Monkey Party Bar

Our final stop is The Ugly Monkey, a cheerful dive bar with a vibrant, slightly kitschy atmosphere. Known for its DJs, karaoke, and rum buckets, this place ends the tour on an energetic note. We loved the lively, unpretentious vibe that makes it a fun spot to dance or just unwind with your new friends.

Included and Optional Extras

The tour includes a free Santa hat, a festive drink, and hot cider or hot chocolate to keep you warm and in holiday spirits. The cooler and ice mean you can keep your drinks cold as you move from bar to bar. Since alcoholic beverages are BYOB, you can bring additional drinks if you wish, which is a plus for those wanting more variety or stronger drinks.

The guide is a key part of the experience, often sharing interesting tidbits or local lore. From the reviews, we learn that knowledgeable guides are a highlight, making the tour both fun and informative.

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Downtown Raleigh Pub Crawl

Price and Value

At $39 per person, including drinks and decorations, this tour is a great value for a fun, festive night out. It’s a relaxed way to see some of Raleigh’s nightlife without the hassle of planning individual visits or paying cover charges. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more social and personalized.

Possible Drawbacks

Weather can be a factor—poor weather might mean rescheduling or a full refund. Since the tour is primarily outdoors or in open-topped trolley, rain or snow could dampen the mood. Also, if you’re expecting a large selection of drinks included, note that only one free drink per person is provided; additional beverages are BYOB.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for groups of friends, couples, or holiday enthusiasts who enjoy casual nightlife, festive decorations, and a little local flavor. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a relaxed, social atmosphere and don’t mind bringing their own drinks if they want more options. It’s less suited for travelers seeking a formal or upscale experience or those uncomfortable with the idea of a short, lively pub crawl.

Final Thoughts

The Trolley Pub Holiday Pub Crawl in Raleigh offers a cheerful, relaxed way to celebrate the season. The blend of historic charm, lively bars, and friendly guides creates a memorable evening filled with local flavor and holiday fun. For just $39, it delivers good value in a compact, well-organized package, especially if you enjoy socializing in informal settings.

It’s an experience that balances spirited fun with authentic Raleigh character. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned visitor, this tour provides a festive way to explore downtown Raleigh while soaking up the local scene and holiday cheer.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, social outing that combines good drinks, friendly guides, and a sense of local authenticity, this pub crawl is worth considering.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Not quite. The tour requires good weather, so if bad weather occurs, you might need to reschedule or get a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours from start to finish, visiting three bars with short stops at each.

Are drinks included?
You get one free drink per person and hot cider or hot chocolate. Additional alcoholic beverages are BYOB.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, making it intimate and manageable.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 323 W Davie St in downtown Raleigh and ends back at the same location.

Can I bring extra drinks?
Yes, since alcoholic beverages are BYOB, you can bring additional drinks if you like.

This lively, festive pub crawl offers an authentic, fun way to enjoy Raleigh’s nightlife during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to celebrate with friends or just enjoy some local flavor and cheer, it’s a small-group adventure worth considering.