Before the clock strikes twelve and ushers in the new year, Vienna parties like no other city. A dazzling lineup of events, performances and choices of entertaining activities await those who are spending the last days of the year in the city and the celebration promises to be one that will go on throughout the night and the next day.
The streets of Vienna turn into one big stage for a dazzling party from daytime until nighttime on the “New Year’s Path” in the major city squares like the Prater, the City Hall square and the city center. Over 80 restaurants and coffee shops will bring out their best drinks and culinary spreads while bars and music lounges feature special live shows of pop, rock, jazz and folk music.
The revelry along the New Year’s Path happens from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. the following morning. Aside from the music events, the Vienna Dance Schools will also be offering free crash courses on waltz at the Stephenplatz. The main event will be a gigantic fireworks display over the Prater and at Heldenplatz.
Those who want a unique take on the New Year’s Eve experience can do it with a bozt cruise along the Danube or take the Majestic Imperator train, the luxurious “palace on rails.” There are also the New Year’s Eve balls at the Hofburg Vienna, the Palais Ferstel and in many other premier hotels in the city. And as the famous chimes of St. Stephen’s Cathedral ring in the new year at midnight, toast to a good year ahead with a glass of Viennese champagne.
