When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée - NYC
Why House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée - NYC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée in New York City offers a uniquely immersive social experience, combining the allure of supernatural storytelling with expertly crafted cocktails. Set inside the atmospheric Volkov Manor, this event invites guests to wander freely through an elaborately decorated estate that blends haunting ambiance with elegant nightlife. Visitors enjoy a series of miniature craft cocktails, each inspired by a storied spirit, served at multiple themed bars throughout the venue. The soirée perfectly balances a spooky yet welcoming environment with live music, magical performances, and interactive experiences such as tarot readings and a giant Ouija board, making it an enticing destination to meet friends or celebrate special occasions. The event’s free-form style allows each attendee to curate their evening—whether mingling casually, engaging with mysterious characters in full costume, or unraveling hidden secrets in the manor’s rooms. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 230 reviews, it has become a celebrated seasonal attraction in NYC’s social calendar around Halloween. The combination of creative cocktails, captivating performances, and a mysterious setting sets House of Spirits apart as a memorable and versatile venue for friends seeking both thrills and conviviality in an elegant yet eerie atmosphere.
Here's what people think of House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée - NYC
As of recent, House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée - NYC holds a 4.5-star rating based on 237 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly praise House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée for its engaging and immersive experience that blends theatrics, mixology, and a haunted atmosphere. Positive feedback often highlights the high quality and creativity of the cocktails, noting that the miniature craft drinks are not only delicious but also thoughtfully themed after spirits tied to the story of Volkov Manor. Attendees appreciate the authentic performances from actors who remain in character throughout, enhancing the eerie yet approachable vibe without making anyone uncomfortable. The venue’s stunning décor, interactive elements such as tarot readings, magic acts, and a scavenger hunt contribute to a dynamic and intriguing evening. Many reviewers commend the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace, accommodating both those seeking lively engagement or more relaxed socializing. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention that the ticket price can feel high for a single evening, and a few found some of the scares or interactive moments intense or overwhelming, especially for shy guests. A minor number noted that at busy times, certain experiences could feel rushed or crowded. However, the general consensus emphasizes how the event successfully marries a Halloween-theme with a high-quality cocktail experience, resulting in an overall beloved event. In summary, House of Spirits stands out for its creativity, atmosphere, and interactive fun, while the few drawbacks largely relate to personal preferences and the premium pricing, which many find justified by the unique offering.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nur E.
First time attending the haunted soirée and we loved it! It gave us a chance to dress up for Halloween and enjoy date night. We opted for the silver package which entails 2 hour performance and 5 strong drinks which made the night even better. Highly recommend if you are looking for something fun/spooky to do.
Matata Washington
My wife and I had a blast at the House of Spirits! It was our first time visiting a haunted house and it exceeded my expectations. The ambiance of the mansion was perfect. As you check in you're given your wristband which contains your drink tickets and directed to the library/lounge area for a spooky briefing. After that you're on your own to roam around and be entertained. The best part for us had to be the maze at the top level. I'd advise heading straight there and getting that out of the way before a line forms, but be prepared! After that there's a haunted scavenger hunt which is very creepy. There's themed rooms on each level where you can get cocktails, there's 5 different drink booths each with a different cocktail. I must say The Romanov was very delicious, this was easily our favorite cocktail. In each room there were also interesting performances, the performance with the actress holding a James Dean portrait stole the show! After you're done there's a nice lounge where you can hang out and have more drinks if you choose. Overall this was a fantastic experience, all of the actors and actresses did a wonderful job. The drinks were great and the thrills were abundant. I highly recommend this place. It was definitely worth it.
Katie Brummell
The overall experience was great. The actors were amazing! The cocktails were good. There was a lot going on and at times it was confusing. It was part solve a mystery, part spook house, part cocktail hour, part live entertainment. To take advantage of the event it really important to talk to the actors to get clues to solve the mystery. Be forewarned there are a lot of stairs! There is an elevator it's old and you have to have permission and a staff member to ride it. There is also no elevator to the attic. There was some confusion amongst staff with our check in. We checked in early and didn't receive our group assignment and were not directed to the lounge we ended up waiting in the lobby for 30 minutes before we figured out that the lounge was open. Then had to go get our group assignment because we didn't receive one. Like I said it was overall a fun experience definitely something different.
Maeve J
This was a lot of fun! Great costumes and makeup, the actors seemed like they were having a great time. There were a few elements that I think could have been a bit better executed like the maze - compared to everything else it seemed very low budget. It was also very crowded and you had to wait in line to get to each of the main draws of each floor of the mansion. The drinks were great though, and overall it was quite fun.
Jennifer DeOliveira
Awesome adult night out!! Atmosphere was fantastic, including the actual building, costumes, and decore. Highly recommend doing this!! The only reason for 4 stars is because the story was difficult to follow so I stopped caring about it and just enjoyed the experience.
How to reach House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée - NYC
None
Website: None
Why House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée - NYC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée with your friends?
Gathering with friends at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée in NYC offers a uniquely immersive experience that combines mystery, elegance, and spine-tingling fun into one unforgettable night. This isn’t just another cocktail party; it’s a darkly glamorous event that pairs a haunting ambiance with expertly crafted cocktails, interactive performances, and alluring secrets hidden within a massive historic mansion. For groups seeking a memorable outing that sparks conversation and adventure, this venue stands out as an exceptional choice. The freedom guests have to explore the haunted Volkov Manor at their own pace means every group can tailor their experience—choosing to dive deep into the eerie lore or simply enjoy the artfully mixed drinks in beautiful surroundings. Whether you and your friends prefer mingling with ghostly characters, hunting for clues in hidden rooms, or watching mesmerizing performances by talented actors and magicians, House of Spirits offers something to engage everyone. Its emphasis on interactivity, spectacular design, and a vibe that is equal parts spooky and sophisticated makes it a top-tier venue for a group meetup that seamlessly blends entertainment with socializing.
What activities make House of Spirits perfect for a group meetup?
House of Spirits is designed as a free-roaming, open-world cocktail soirée inside the impressive and ornate Volkov Manor, a 40,000-square-foot haunted mansion filled with mystery and intrigue. This expansive setting provides endless activities perfect for groups eager to explore and experience together. Guests receive tickets that include a flight of carefully crafted cocktails—each drink highlighting seasonal and unique flavors that enhance the event’s autumnal, haunted theme. Beyond drinks, attendees can indulge in decadent chocolate truffles to complement their libations. The interactive nature of the event shines through the presence of 32 exceptional actors who remain in character throughout the night, inviting guests to engage with ghostly spirits from different eras in captivating ways. For those with a taste for adventure, the manor houses secret rooms, eerie hallways, and even a haunting maze themed around dark historic figures like Rasputin and Slavic mythology. Groups can bond over deciphering clues in scavenger hunts or test their fate using mystical ingredients like a giant Ouija board found within the house. Additionally, the venue showcases magical performances, including illusions by renowned magicians, and tarot card readings, offering multiple shared moments for amazement and laughter. The pre-show lounge adds a relaxed starting point where your group can gather 45 minutes before the event to purchase additional food and drinks and get excited for the evening. All of this together makes House of Spirits a versatile and thrilling environment tailored to group interactions ranging from intense explorations to intimate chats over exquisite cocktails.
How does House of Spirits create an immersive haunted experience for guests?
What sets House of Spirits apart for group outings is its commitment to creating a fully immersive, theatrical experience that feels like stepping into a supernatural story. Unlike a typical haunted house with a set path and jump scares, this soirée allows you to roam freely in a luxurious, historically inspired mansion where every corner hides a new discovery. The actors portraying the spirits of Volkov Manor’s eerie inhabitants deliver performances so convincing that guests become part of the storyline as they move through the experience. These characters, grounded in lore inspired by true stories and Slavic folklore, range from tragic figures to sinister entities like the notorious Midnight Man, adding layers of psychological thrill without making shy guests uncomfortable. The manor itself, decked out with elaborate makeup effects, gorgeous period costumes, and beautifully designed settings, transports your group from modern NYC to a dreamlike world where the past haunts the present. Intriguing touches such as levitating crystal balls, secret passages, and a haunting maze increase the sense of wonder and suspense. This not only heightens the spooky fun but also ignites conversation and cooperative exploration among friends, making the experience socially rich as well as deeply atmospheric.
Why is the cocktail selection at House of Spirits special for a night out?
Cocktails at House of Spirits are far more than mere drinks; they are an integral part of the experience, crafted to reflect the soirée’s eerie elegance. Guests receive several tasting tickets that they can redeem at different bars throughout the manor, each offering unique libations designed with thematic creativity and expert mixology. The drinks often feature fall flavors and darkly decadent ingredients that enhance the event’s haunting mood, adding a sensory dimension to the journey through Volkov Manor’s sinister stories. Many guests praise the cocktails for being notably strong yet balanced, complementing the rich chocolate truffles served alongside them. This curation ensures that cocktail enthusiasts in your group will find more than just refreshment—they’ll encounter flavorful surprises that engage their palate and elevate the overall event ambiance. The multiple bars spread throughout the mansion encourage your group to move around and share discoveries, keeping energy high and conversations flowing. For groups looking to impress or simply savor expertly mixed drinks in a captivating space, House of Spirits delivers a sophisticated yet spine-tingling libation experience.
How does the venue cater to group dynamics and social experiences?
House of Spirits works exceptionally well for groups because it respects individual preferences while fostering shared experiences. Since guests can engage with the event as much or as little as they like, groups can naturally split up to pursue different interests—one subset might enjoy the interactive performances and hidden mysteries, while others linger in bar areas or participate in games and tarot readings—then reconvene to share stories and discoveries. This flexibility helps accommodate varying comfort levels and social styles within any friend or family group. The mansion’s various spaces—from stately lounges to secret rooms and expansive backyards with additional bars and entertainment—offer multiple zones for mingling or intimate conversation. The encouragement of costume-wearing adds to group bonding, as friends can dress up to match the haunted theme, creating a unified vibe that enhances the night’s magic. Safety measures and an age restriction of 21+ ensure that the environment remains secure and fully adult-oriented, making it ideal for gatherings seeking an elevated Halloween or spooky-season celebration. The two-hour experience, plus access to the pre-show lounge, provides plenty of time for relaxed, unhurried enjoyment alongside social spontaneity, encouraging interactions that are memorable without feeling rushed or staged.
What makes the location and setting of House of Spirits special for hosting meetups?
Located at 60 Pine Street in NYC, House of Spirits makes an exceptional venue because it takes advantage of a historic urban mansion transformed into a theatrical playground of haunted elegance. This setting offers a rare blend of city accessibility combined with a moody, otherworldly atmosphere that transports guests away from the everyday bustle. The mansion’s architecture and rich decoration enhance the feeling of stepping into a different era and a parallel world where spirits from the past mingle with today's visitors. The grandeur of the 40,000-square-foot space means groups can spread out without feeling cramped, and the mix of indoor and outdoor areas provides variation in scenery and activity. The elaborate setup of the venue, with its hidden passageways, secret rooms, and immersive design, ensures that every visit feels fresh and filled with mystery, which appeals to repeat visitors and first-timers alike. It’s this combination of location convenience, historic charm, and immersive artistry that makes House of Spirits a one-of-a-kind destination for groups seeking a special night out that balances spooky adventure with sophisticated socializing.
Could House of Spirits become a yearly tradition for your group?
For friends or families looking for a unique annual event to look forward to, House of Spirits offers precisely that kind of memorable tradition. The experience evolves each year with new themes and characters based on different historic narratives and folklore, ensuring that no two visits are exactly the same. The creative team refreshes the storyline regularly, keeping the haunted world of Volkov Manor intriguing and inviting for returning groups. Costumes and themed dress also allow for creative expression and group identity year after year, turning the soirée into an anticipated occasion that bonds participants through shared excitement and seasonal celebration. The balance of theatrical immersion, quality cocktails, social flexibility, and communal thrills means that your group can enjoy evolving adventures together, creating stories and memories that strengthen friendships over time. This combination of elements makes House of Spirits a top contender for a must-do NYC event that becomes part of your group's Halloween or fall season rituals, offering a darkly glamorous yet warmly social setting to reconnect and celebrate life’s mysteries.