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“What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?” Few questions cause as much pressure as this one. A plan for the big night? Often nonexistent. But Vienna, as always, delivers. For the undecided and the spontaneous, the city offers a wealth of last‑minute options. Here’s an overview of how to ring in the new year in Austria’s capital.
Vienna’s New Year’s Eve Trail
If you enjoy being surrounded by people and moving through lively crowds, the famous Silvesterpfad is the place to be. From 2 p.m. until 2 a.m., visitors can wander between numerous stations offering live shows, sparkling wine, and snacks. Newcomers can even pick up a quick waltz lesson in the afternoon on the Graben—perfect preparation for midnight. More information: wienersilvesterpfad.at
New Year’s Concerts
For those who prefer music over street festivities, Vienna’s concert halls offer elegant alternatives. At the Wiener Konzerthaus, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at 7 p.m., followed by a festive gala with Federspiel and guest artists at 10:30 p.m. The Hofburg hosts an evening of waltzes, overtures, and polkas performed by the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra. The Minoritenkirche also welcomes the new year with a concert featuring works by Fritz Kreisler, Astor Piazzolla, and others. Tickets: konzerthaus.at, hofburgorchester.at, oeticket.at
New Year’s Eve Parties
If New Year’s Eve without dancing sounds dull, Vienna’s club scene has you covered. At Schloss Cobenzl, “Kein Sonntag ohne Techno” promises the “biggest NYE rave in the city,” complete with panoramic views. The Loft hosts its “New Loft’s Eve Retro Party,” celebrating the hits of the ’90s and 2000s. Meanwhile, Hotel Zoku near the Prater offers a rooftop celebration with live music, dinner, and drinks. Tickets and details: ksot.ticket.io, theloft.at, livezoku.com/vienna
New Year’s Eve Dining
Cooking on holidays isn’t for everyone—and it doesn’t have to be. Many Viennese restaurants offer special menus for the occasion. Among them: the Brasserie & Bakery at The Guesthouse Vienna, Sperling in the Augarten, Thell with its “Grand Soirée,” and the iconic Palmenhaus. Reservations: theguesthouse.at, sperling.wien, thell.restaurant, palmenhaus.at
Sporty New Year’s Eve
Why postpone good intentions to January when you can end the year full of motivation? The 49th New Year’s Eve Run along the Ringstraße offers exactly that. Whether jogging or walking, everyone is welcome—and last‑minute registration is possible until December 31. Information: lcc-wien.at
Simply Staying Home
Let’s be honest: staying home is far from the worst option. Watching the city’s bustle from your window has its charm. And nowhere does the sound of the Pummerin ring clearer than on the radio at home. You can even watch it ring on TV—something you certainly won’t manage on the crowded Silvesterpfad.
- Hector Pascua with reports from kurier.at/picture: Map – Silvesterpfad
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