Welcoming in the new year doesn’t get much more exciting than New York City’s iconic Times Square ball drop. This year, visitors can experience the festivities through a unique lens – that of Prohibition-era speakeasies. The New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Drinks & Ball Drop Tour offers a captivating blend of history, ambiance, and celebration. Tour-goers will sip complimentary cocktails at hidden speakeasies, learning about notorious gangsters who once frequented these secret establishments. And when the clock strikes midnight, they’ll enjoy a champagne toast and prime views of the ball drop from a VIP reserved area. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity to usher in the new year in style.
About Your Stay

- Unique New Year’s Eve celebration in NYC with a speakeasy theme, including visits to 1920s-style hidden bars and a complimentary open bar.
- Immersive experience exploring prohibition-era New York, learning about notorious gangsters and bootleggers who shaped speakeasy culture.
- VIP reserved viewing area for the iconic Times Square ball drop, located 12 blocks away from the crowded main event.
- Includes a midnight champagne toast to ring in the new year in a festive setting.
- Tour starts at 795 8th Ave and ends at 205 W 54th St, with easy access to public transportation.
Overview of the Tour
The New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Drinks & Ball Drop Tour in NYC offers a unique and immersive experience for those looking to celebrate the new year in style.
This prohibition-themed tour takes guests to one of New York’s last-standing 1920s speakeasies, where they’ll learn about notorious gangsters and bootleggers.
Participants will enjoy one complimentary drink at each of the first two venues, followed by an open bar from 8 PM to midnight, culminating in a midnight champagne toast.
The tour also provides a VIP reserved viewing area for the iconic ball drop, located just 12 blocks away from the main event.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
Prohibition-Themed Speakeasies
Participants on the New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Drinks & Ball Drop Tour will be immersed in the captivating world of 1920s prohibition-era New York.
The tour takes guests to one of the last remaining speakeasies from that era, where they’ll learn about notorious gangsters, bootleggers, and the secretive watering holes that flourished during this time.
The tour experience includes:
- Sipping on complimentary cocktails as you step back in time.
- Exploring the hidden entrances and discrete signaling methods used to access these clandestine establishments.
- Uncovering the intriguing stories behind the speakeasy’s origins and its role in shaping New York’s underground nightlife.
Notorious Gangsters and Bootleggers
Delving into the captivating tales of notorious gangsters and bootleggers who thrived during prohibition, the tour provides a glimpse into the underworld that shaped New York’s speakeasy culture. Guests will learn about the power struggles, turf wars, and ingenious tactics employed by these criminal masterminds to evade law enforcement and supply the city’s thirsty patrons. The tour highlights the legendary figures who left an indelible mark on the era, such as:
| Gangster | Significance |
|---|---|
| Lucky Luciano | Pioneered the modern crime syndicate |
| Al Capone | Notorious Chicago mob boss |
| Meyer Lansky | Financial mastermind behind organized crime |
| Dutch Schultz | Bronx-based bootlegger and racketeer |
Exploring these stories offers a vivid understanding of the shadowy world that fueled the rise of speakeasies and the speculators who profited from it.
Exclusive Ball Drop Viewing
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, guests on this exclusive tour will have a prime vantage point to witness the iconic ball drop in Times Square.
The tour provides a reserved VIP viewing area just 12 blocks away, offering an unobstructed view of the dazzling display.
Revelers can expect:
- A front-row seat to the electrifying countdown and the ball’s descent.
- A festive champagne toast to welcome the new year.
- The energy and excitement of being part of one of the world’s most celebrated New Year’s Eve traditions.
This exclusive access ensures a memorable and stress-free way to experience the ball drop, away from the crowded streets of Times Square.
Inclusions and Amenities
This tour provides an array of inclusions to ensure guests enjoy an exceptional New Year’s Eve experience.
Revelers receive one complimentary drink at each of the first two speakeasy venues visited. From 8 PM to midnight, an open bar provides unlimited alcoholic beverages. At the stroke of midnight, guests will toast the new year with a glass of champagne.
Plus, the tour includes a VIP reserved viewing area for the iconic ball drop, offering an exclusive vantage point to witness this celebrated tradition.
With these thoughtful amenities, the tour promises an unforgettable night of revelry and Prohibition-era sophistication to ring in the new year.
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Meeting and End Points
The meeting point for the New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Drinks & Ball Drop Tour is located at 795 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, outside Sir Henry’s bar.
From this starting point, the tour will take guests through New York’s prohibition-era speakeasies, providing an exclusive view of the famous ball drop from 12 blocks away.
The tour ends at 205 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019, at the Flute Champagne Bar.
The meeting and end points are:
- 795 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (outside Sir Henry’s bar)
- 205 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019 (Flute Champagne Bar)
- Conveniently located near public transportation for easy access.
Reviews and Pricing
According to the information provided, the New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Drinks & Ball Drop Tour in NYC has received mixed reviews.
The tour has a total rating of 3.5 stars based on 2 reviews. While one reviewer praised the tour’s informative nature and friendly staff, describing it as the "best way to see the New Year’s Eve ball drop", another reviewer found the tour to be "overpriced" and "underwhelming".
The tour is priced at $350 per person and is non-refundable, with no refund for cancellations.
Questions About Your Stay
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a dress code, but attendees are encouraged to dress in smart casual or festive attire to match the Prohibition-era theme and the celebratory nature of New Year’s Eve.
Can I Bring My Own Drinks or Food?
No, guests are not allowed to bring their own drinks or food on the tour. The tour includes complimentary drinks at the first two venues, an open bar from 8 PM to midnight, and a midnight champagne toast.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is allowed during the tour, but participants are advised to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions at each venue. Flash photography may be prohibited in some locations to avoid disrupting the ambiance.
Can I Leave the Group at Any Time?
Participants can leave the group at any time, but they must inform the tour guide. However, leaving the group means missing out on any remaining activities and losing access to the VIP ball drop viewing area.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. However, the description notes that the tour may not be suitable for certain travelers, such as those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. It’s recommended to check with the tour provider for any age-specific policies.
New Years Eve Speakeasy Drinks & Ball Drop Tour NYC
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Speakeasy Drinks & Ball Drop Tour offers a unique New Year’s Eve experience in NYC. Guests will step back in time to the Prohibition era, visiting iconic speakeasies, learning about notorious gangsters, and enjoying an open bar and VIP viewing area for the Times Square ball drop. With its immersive atmosphere and festive amenities, this tour provides an unforgettable way to ring in the new year in the heart of the city.






















