Is this tour appropriate for children?

No, all riders must be 21 or older due to alcohol consumption on board.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring beer or wine. Additional drinks are also available for purchase.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Check-in is at The Great Raleigh Trolley headquarters located at Tap Yard, 1610 Automotive Way, Raleigh, NC.

What happens if it rains?

The tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly for weather conditions.

Are tickets refundable?

Holiday Tour tickets are non-refundable unless the tour is canceled by The Great Raleigh Trolley.

How long is the Moonshine and Mistletoe tour?

The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Moonshine & Mistletoe: Festive Trolley Tour in Raleigh | City Tour | Guided Tour

Raleigh, North Carolina’s vibrant capital, is a city that mixes Southern charm with a rich, often hidden, history—and nowhere is that more entertaining than aboard The Great Raleigh Trolley's Moonshine and Mistletoe tour. Departing from 1610 Automotive Way, this 90-minute ride through downtown Raleigh offers something unique: a spirited dive into the city's Prohibition-era lore combined with festive holiday cheer.

The Great Raleigh Trolley’s Moonshine and Mistletoe tour stands apart by blending merry holiday vibes with gripping tales of local bootleggers, secret stills, and moonshine runners who outsmarted the law during the 1920s. Passengers gather aboard a classic trolley where laughter flows as easily as the strong sips, setting the tone for an evening richer in personality than most seasonal outings. It’s a perfect blend of lighthearted revelry and a peek into the underground liquor trade that helped shape the city’s colorful past.

Raleigh’s downtown, an evolving mix of historic buildings, trendy eateries, and street art, serves as a dynamic backdrop. Along the route, you’ll glimpse some of the area’s holiday displays—though note that these are outside the trolley’s control, yet add a festive sparkle to the cityscape. This is not just a ride; it’s an immersive experience in how local culture, illicit enterprise, and holiday spirit collide.

Ideal for those 21 and older who enjoy history with their holiday festivities, the tour encourages attendees to bring their own beer or wine, or purchase drinks on board, making it both convenient and convivial. By highlighting a lesser-known facet of Raleigh’s history through an engaging, social setting, The Great Raleigh Trolley cements itself as a standout provider in the city’s growing roster of experiential tours. For locals and visitors alike, Moonshine and Mistletoe is a not-to-miss seasonal adventure that rides the line between education and entertainment with a healthy splash of holiday spirit.

About The Great Raleigh Trolley

The Great Raleigh Trolley runs guided trolley tours in Raleigh, North Carolina, offering themed rides that highlight local history, holiday traditions, and paranormal stories. The company operates a rotating schedule of experiences, including family-focused holiday trips like the Santa Express and Cocoa & Caroling Tour, adult-oriented outings such as the Holiday CHEERS Bar Cruise and Moonshine & Mistletoe, and history-driven excursions like Tour of the Month with Heather Leah and Moonshine & Mayhem with Darci VanderSlik.

Several tours focus on haunted and paranormal topics, including Haunted History: Paranormal Expedition with Heather Leah and Christmas Spirits, led by paranormal experts. Other seasonal offerings include Must See Raleigh Holiday Edition and Hidden Holiday: Raleigh Christmas Past with Heather Leah. Named local guides appear regularly on the schedule.

Tours vary in length and format; examples provided list 60- and 90-minute itineraries for specific holiday and adult tours. Many rides run through Downtown Raleigh and historic neighborhoods such as Oakwood, and select tours include stops at notable sites like the North Carolina Executive Mansion and the City of Raleigh Christmas tree. Some tours welcome families and children, while others are restricted by age (for example, adult-only bar cruises and tours noted for ages 13+).

Booking details, schedule, and ticket policies are available through the Great Raleigh Trolley's event listings. The business presents both seasonal holiday programming and themed historic or paranormal tours to meet a range of visitor interests in Raleigh. Reservations are recommended for busy holiday dates and specialty themed departures; book early.