New Year’s Eve in Vienna: 7 activities for a successful start to the new year

The New Year’s Eve Trail in Vienna is one of the biggest highlights on December 31. On this legendary party mile, which stretches from the Prater to the city center, eight stations are linked together, presenting a wide range of musical performances and shows . From waltzes on Stephansplatz to popular music on Am Hof and Latin American rhythms on Kärntner Straße, there is something to suit every taste. The offer is complemented by an afternoon children’s program at Neuer Markt from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a wide range of culinary delights from Viennese cuisine. Finally, the festive highlight is the fireworks display in the Prater.

The operetta “Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss belongs to Vienna like no other. The libretto with its sharp-tongued wisdom and astute observations is especially popular on New Year’s Eve. This year too, you can experience “Die Fledermaus” on New Year’s Eve, let yourself be carried along by the singing and the orchestra and laugh at the humorous events on stage. Last-minute bookers can still get a ticket for standing room from 10 a.m. on the day of the performance.

New Year’s Eve doesn’t just have to be fireworks! At Imperial Lights, you can experience the magic of lights without any bangs or smoke. Stroll along the magical path of lights through the majestic Schönbrunn Palace Park and immerse yourself in a world of glittering lights. The artistic installations were created especially for the baroque setting and allow you to experience Vienna’s cultural heritage in a new way. Embark on a sparkling walk and experience a magical New Year’s Eve with the whole family.

If you like it upscale, you should definitely visit the traditional New Year’s Eve gala at Vienna City Hall at the turn of the year. A 4-course menu awaits you in the magnificent ballroom, where you can choose between a meat and a vegan option. Chocolates will be served with your coffee and a lentil soup will be served as a midnight snack. Midnight is a good keyword, because as soon as the clock strikes 12, you can dance into the New Year to the traditional Viennese Danube waltz.

But you can also party beforehand in the disco area or be surprised by the show acts. If you want to attend, you should wear an evening dress and tuxedo. However, the gala will cost you dearly with tickets in the three-digit range.

If the gala at City Hall is too expensive for you, but you still want to celebrate the New Year in magnificent surroundings, you might want to pay a visit to Cobenzl Palace. Here you can celebrate indoors and outdoors on four floors with a great view over the city. From here, you can marvel at the spectacular fireworks in the sky over Vienna at midnight and rave to techno and EDM.

Head to lofty heights and enjoy a panoramic view of Vienna from the Danube Tower. Here you can enjoy New Year’s Eve at either 170, 160 or 155 meters. An elegant gala menu awaits you in the tower restaurant at 170 meters, including an aperitif and wine accompaniment. One floor below in the tower café you can help yourself to the buffet and another 5 meters below you can enjoy the view on the indoor terrace with drinks. Depending on the weather, you can literally slide into the New Year on the slide.

If you don’t think much of New Year’s resolutions, then visit the party at the 25hours Hotel am MuseumsQuartier. From the rooftop bar, you’ll have the perfect view over the city as you dance the night away and be surprised by the surprise shots every hour. There’s an aperitif to welcome you and as many soft drinks as you can drink. For those of you with a sweet tooth, there is a candy bar and popcorn, and a small snack awaits you at midnight.