New York City: New Year’s Eve Drinks, History and Ball Drop

If you’re dreaming of ringing in the New Year in the city that never sleeps, this tour promises a spirited evening filled with historic bars, lively stories, and an exclusive spot for the iconic Times Square ball drop. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the lineup, it’s an experience that’s worth considering if you’re after a mix of history, drinks, and a prime view of the celebration.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines a taste of New York’s Prohibition past with the excitement of New Year’s Eve. Plus, having an exclusive viewing area for the ball drop sounds like a real perk, especially if you’re tired of fighting crowds. However, potential travelers should be aware that some reviews mention long wait times at bars and issues with staffing, which could affect the overall vibe.

This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy history and lively social environments. If you’re comfortable with walking, have a good sense of humor, and want an easy, all-in-one package for New Year’s Eve, it could be a great fit. Just keep in mind, it’s a somewhat structured experience, so if you’re after a totally flexible night, you might find it a little restrictive.

Key Points

• Includes a guided tour of historic NYC bars and speakeasies
• Offers a four-hour open bar with appetizers
• Provides a private view of the Times Square ball drop
• Lasts around 5 hours, starting late afternoon into midnight
• Requires security checks and strict adherence to timing and ID policies
• Good value for money if you want a curated, all-in-one experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience kicks off in the late afternoon, meeting in front of Sir Henry’s Bar on 8th Avenue. From there, your guide takes you on a journey into America’s Prohibition era, starting at a classic Irish pub. Here, you can kick things off with a drink—probably a beer or wine—while soaking in the local ambiance. It’s a relaxed way to get into the mood and meet your fellow revelers.

Next, the tour moves to a second location, where you’ll learn about the catalysts behind Prohibition and the women of the Gilded Age, all while enjoying drinks and small bites. This part of the tour offers a mix of storytelling and socializing, with the chance to ask questions and get a feel for the city’s colorful past.

Finally, the highlight of the evening is a visit to one of the last-standing 1920s speakeasies. Here, you’ll hear about notorious gangsters and bootleggers, plus the sudden end of Prohibition. This setting, with its vintage vibe, sets the scene for your big night.

As midnight approaches, you’ll be led to a reserved, exclusive area just 12 blocks from Times Square. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a prime view of the ball drop, without the chaos of the general crowd. The open bar continues from 8 PM until midnight, giving you plenty of time to toast the New Year.

The Bars and Speakeasies

Each stop on the tour has its own character. The first is an Irish bar with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for warming up. The second offers more insight into Prohibition’s origins—a critical part of NYC history that shaped the city’s nightlife. The last is a vintage speakeasy, providing an authentic glimpse into the 1920s.

While the overall concept is engaging, some past guests have pointed out issues like long queues for drinks at certain locations. One review mentions that staffing was inadequate at the last two bars, leading to wait times that could dampen the mood. The selection of alcohol at the Flute Champagne wasn’t impressive for one guest, which is worth considering if you’re particular about your drinks.

However, the tour’s main value lies in its storytelling and curated experience. You’re not just bar hopping blindly; you’re getting a narrative that enriches the evening and adds context to the historic surroundings.

The All-Important Midnight View

The reserved viewing area is a significant highlight. Instead of battling crowds along the barricades, you get a dedicated space that offers a clear view of the iconic Times Square ball drop. This exclusive setup means you won’t have to worry about losing sight of the countdown, which is a common frustration during New Year’s in NYC.

Guests have noted that this part of the experience helps avoid the chaos, allowing you to enjoy the moment in a more relaxed setting. The view of the ball drop combined with the open bar and appetizers makes for a memorable way to start the year.

Food and Drink

For five hours, you’ll have access to an open bar and small plates, which is a pretty solid deal at $350 per person. The included appetizers are described as modest, and some reviews mention they’re not enough to sustain a long night, so you might want to eat beforehand or bring some snacks.

The selection of drinks at the bars can vary, with some guests feeling that the choices are limited, especially at the Champagne stop. During the open bar, you can expect a range of cocktails, beer, wine, and possibly other spirits, depending on the venue.

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Price and Value

$350 might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider what’s included—guided visits to three historic bars, an open bar for four hours, appetizers, and a prime viewing spot—the price begins to make sense. For a special event like New Year’s Eve in NYC, this all-in-one package could actually save you money compared to booking separate bars, tickets, and a view.

However, some guests have felt that the experience didn’t quite match the description—notably mentioning issues like wait times, staffing, and missing some promised amenities like a champagne toast or pizza. It’s worth weighing these points and deciding if the curated experience and convenience outweigh the potential downsides.

The Practicalities

The tour lasts approximately five hours, starting in the late afternoon and ending at midnight. Be prepared for about 1.5 to 2 miles of walking, which is manageable but could be tiring if you’re not used to walking in winter weather.

Security around Times Square is tight, so arriving on time, bringing your ID, and following the host’s instructions are crucial. Only guests 21 and over are allowed, and no large bags, backpacks, or umbrellas are permitted.

Since transportation isn’t included, plan how you’ll get to and from the meeting point. It’s centrally located on 8th Avenue, so grabbing a taxi or using public transit is straightforward.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer, Bill from the US, pointed out some frustrations: “Started too early. Staffing at the last two bars wasn’t adequate, leading to long waits. The selection of alcohol at the Champagne stop was poor, and the space felt crowded. Also, some promised amenities like the toast and pizza were missing, which was disappointing given the cost.” This feedback highlights that while the experience has its charms, logistical hiccups can occur.

It’s worth noting that the tour’s good value for money was appreciated by some, especially considering the exclusive viewing and curated history. If you’re flexible and enjoy lively, story-rich nights, this could still be a fun way to ring in the new year.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love history, want to avoid the chaos of Times Square crowds, and appreciate a guided experience with food, drinks, and storytelling, this tour aligns well with those preferences. It’s particularly suited for adults who want a social, curated night without the hassle of organizing multiple venues or fighting for a view.

However, if you’re very particular about drink selections, dislike waiting in lines, or prefer a more spontaneous night out, you might find the experience less satisfying. Also, if you’re traveling with young children or prefer family-friendly activities, this tour isn’t designed with kids in mind.

Final Thoughts

This New Year’s Eve tour offers a well-rounded package that combines history, drinks, and an exclusive view of one of the world’s most iconic celebrations. It’s a good option for travelers who want a bit of everything and are comfortable with a set schedule. While some logistical issues have been noted, the overall value—especially the private viewing area—can make it a memorable way to welcome 2024.

If you’re after a hassle-free, historic, and adult-oriented celebration, this could fit the bill. Just go in with realistic expectations, and you’ll likely enjoy a festive night out in true New York style.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the meeting point on 8th Avenue.

What is the minimum age requirement?
You must be 21 or older to participate in this experience.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card and driver’s license for security and identification purposes.

Are large bags or backpacks allowed?
No, large bags, backpacks, or umbrellas aren’t permitted for security reasons.

How long does the walking involve?
There’s roughly 1.5 to 2 miles of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended, especially in winter.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility with your plans.

Whether this experience is perfect for you depends on your priorities—if you value curated storytelling, avoiding crowds, and an inclusive celebration, it’s worth considering. Just remember, a few logistical quirks might pop up, but overall, it offers a memorable way to welcome the New Year in New York.

You can check availability for your dates here: