How the Viennese celebrate New Year’s Eve

Spread the love

Read Time:2 Minute, 29 Second

The turn of the year is just around the corner, and the Viennese usually celebrate New Year’s Eve in a very traditional way, with lots of culinary delights from close family or friends. Fireworks, toasts, and the Danube Waltz are a must.

According to a recent study conducted by KMU Forschung Austria on behalf of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, 6 out of 10 Viennese (62 percent) plan to celebrate the turn of the year. This festive mood is also reflected in consumer spending, which averages 60 euros per person.

New Year’s Eve is, above all, a culinary celebration for the Viennese
The turn of the year is an important sales driver for Viennese retailers. Half of the Viennese (51%) use the time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve to make purchases, including drinks, food, and lucky charms, among the most popular products. “New Year’s Eve is, above all, a culinary celebration. Sparkling wine, champagne, lucky charms, decorative items, and food from the delicatessen department are the main sales drivers on New Year’s Eve,” says Margarete Gumprecht, Chairwoman of the Retail Division of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. Vienna’s 90 or so wine shops are also well-frequented and generate a significant proportion of their annual business during this period.

The majority celebrate New Year’s Eve at home with family and friends
When asked how the celebrations are organized, most Viennese (52%) say they celebrate at home with close family or friends. One in four is a guest at a party hosted by friends, colleagues, or family. 18 percent use the occasion to celebrate outside Vienna and escape the city.

The cult film “Dinner for One” is part of the evening for 15 percent, eleven percent celebrate in a pub, restaurant, or bar. Around one in ten Viennese plan to visit the Vienna New Year’s Eve Trail (which is also a significant tourist attraction). Six percent plan to go to a ball, concert, theatre, opera or cabaret on New Year’s Eve.

Health, family, and environmental protection as resolutions for 2025
Around three in ten Viennese (29%) have made New Year’s resolutions for 2025. For the majority (59%), health is the top priority, as they want to exercise more or live healthier lives in other ways. 44% plan to take more time for themselves and 39% want to spend more time with their loved ones. Three in ten Viennese wish to change their career, while 21% want to stop smoking and/or drink less alcohol. Reducing the time spent on social media is important for 18 percent, while 16 percent want to increase their environmental commitment.

Fireworks and the Danube waltz are popular New Year’s Eve traditions
The most popular New Year’s Eve activities include toasting the New Year (71 percent) and watching fireworks (65 percent). Traditional elements such as the Danube waltz, which 19 percent of Viennese would like to dance at midnight, and wax pouring (18 percent) provide additional enthusiasm.