Looking for a truly unique way to ring in the new year? Vienna’s New Year's Eve events have vibrant energy, offering something special as the New year's eve countdown begins. From an indulgent sparkling wine breakfast to iconic midnight traditions, Vienna is the place to be for an unforgettable night. Start planning your New Year and see what makes Vienna’s celebrations so extraordinary – there’s no better way to answer the call for New Year’s Eve events near me! Many travellers either know too little about local events, or they are overwhelmed with the choice they are presented with. You should have it easier with my top list of the best things to do to celebrate the new year 2024/25 in my hometown.
1. New Year's Eve Events
a. Silvesterpfad Vienna (New Year's Eve Trail)
New Year's Eve In Vienna 2024/2025. Clearly, our annual grand street party Silvesterpfad ('New Year's Eve Path') celebrates New Year Eve in Vienna on the largest scale. Each year, the event lines up a dozen free open air New Year Eve concerts in Vienna's historic city centre. You can listen to everything from folk music, waltz and operetta to pop and rock tunes. Officially, the Silvesterpfad starts at 2.00 pm on 31st December. The whole pedestrian area and other historic squares turn into one big party area where tens of thousands of Viennese and visitors celebrate.
At the many New Year Eve booths in town people have tea, mulled wine, beer, champagne and warm food. Many booths sell New Year Eve lead casting kits, a popular Austrian tradition performed at midnight of the New Year. The largest fireworks are at Heldenplatz close to the Imperial Palace and at the Vienna Prater in front of the Ferris Wheel. If you have sensitive ears, consider wearing ear protection at those locations, and at Stephansplatz in front of Stephansdom.
My tip: The Viennese dancing schools provide free lessons in Vienna waltz dancing in front of Stephansdom between 2.00 pm and 4.30 pm.
b. Open Your Ears to the New Year's Eve Fireworks
Few things are as uplifting as hearing the Pummerin, the grand bell of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, ringing in the new year. This bell only rings on special occasions, and its twelve midnight chimes are broadcast city-wide, accompanied by the stirring strains of the Blue Danube Waltz. Join locals at Stephansplatz to experience the Viennese tradition of waltzing your way into the New Year.
Date: December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Location: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Stephansplatz, Vienna
Time: Midnight
2. Four New Year's Eve Dinners: Four Different Ways To Celebrate
Savor a memorable New Year’s Eve dinner at one of Vienna’s renowned restaurants.
a. Fine Dining above Vienna's Rooftops
Do you want to treat yourself to something else at the end of the year and end 2024 in a really luxurious way? At hotel Grand Ferdinand's rooftop restaurant Limón the New Year's Eve celebration starts with a champagne reception. Following a cold appetizer buffet and subsequent New Year's Eve menu including wine accompaniment you will be served oysters, ox drag raviolo, sole fillet and desserts, among other things. At midnight, the traditional pig skull meal is said to bring good luck. Live DJ and a dream view of the city and fireworks round off the evening.
Date: December 31, 2024
Location: restaurant Limón at Grand Ferdinand, Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Vienna
Bookings: book online
b. Candlelight Dinner at The Giant Ferris Wheel
New Year's Eve In Vienna 2024/2025. What if you wanted a top dinner at a rooftop restaurant for New Year's Eve? While not physically higher up, dining in an elegant vintage wagon at the Giant Ferris Wheel could well surpass expectations for the usual New Year Eve agenda. During 90 minutes, you will see Vienna's skyline and famous Prater park gently change angles while you enjoy fine Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, apple strudel and more.
Location: Wiener Riesenrad, Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Vienna
Price: from EUR 408 for 2 guests (3 course dinner)
Bookings: book online (German language website only) or call +43 1 729 5430 -19
c. Taste Austrian Classics at Wiener Wirtschaft
Actually, biting into a Schnitzel at an unpretentious neighbourhood favourite is not a bad idea either for New Year Eve. At Wiener Wirtschaft, the innkeeper has chosen a refined take on traditional Austrian cuisine. Known for its warm, relaxed atmosphere, this restaurant serves up authentic local dishes, from schnitzels to gulash, paired with fine Austrian wines. Their festive Eve multi-course menu is a perfect introduction to the evening’s celebrations, offering both locals and visitors a true taste of Viennese hospitality.
Date: December 31, 2024
Location: Wiener Wirtschaft, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 27-29, 1040 Vienna
d. Grab A Midnight Snack
Round off New Year with a visit to the Bitzinger Vienna sausage stand at the Albertina. Close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this iconic stand serves Viennese favourites like Käsekrainer, Waldviertler, and Sacherwürstel, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine or freshly tapped beer. It’s the perfect late-night indulgence to cap off your New Year celebrations with a touch of authentic Viennese street food charm.
Date: 31 December, 2024
Location: Bitzinger Sausage Stand at the Albertina, Albertinaplatz 1
Time: Midnight
3. New Year's Eve Concerts In Vienna
Vienna's best classical orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra perform New Years Eve concerts. In addition, there are regular classical concerts taking place on the 31st December, and a few contemporary concerts. Read more in New Years Eve Concerts.
a. Die Fledermaus at the Vienna State Opera
New Year's Eve In Vienna 2024/2025. The operetta Die Fledermaus (The Bat) is a long New Years Eve tradition in Vienna. Die Fledermaus is hugely popular because it is hilariously funny and full of catchy tunes. Many Vienna balls play the famous Fledermaus quadrille at midnight. In essence, this famous operetta by Johann Strauss II revolves around a humorous series of events involving mistaken identities and romantic entanglements at a lavish masquerade ball in 19th-century Vienna. It's a lighthearted and comedic work known for its beautiful waltz music and witty libretto, capturing the essence of Viennese operetta tradition. In fact, some of the operetta lyrics are even referenced in our everyday language. The best way to watch this popular operetta is at a local opera house. At Volksoper, there are still tickets available.
Performances: 31st December 2024, 1.30 pm; 07.00 pm
Tickets: tickets for the evening show; tickets for the afternoon show.
b. Vienna Philharmonic Concert at the Musikverein
The New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Musikverein is one of the most prestigious and celebrated events of the year, drawing worldwide audiences. Few people know that the orchestra performs this cherished program three times: a “preview performance”, the Silvesterkonzert, and the renowned New Year’s Concert. Each concert features the same program, offering more people the chance to enjoy this spectacular musical tradition.
Dates: 30 December (Preview performance), 31 December (A Silvesterkonzert), 1st January (The New Year’s Concert)
Location: Musikverein, Vienna.
Tickets: email me at barbara.cacao(at)vienna-unwrapped.com
c. Concert at Minoritenkirche
Why not spend the afternoon of New Year Eve in the company of conductor Mario Hossen along with the music of violinists and composers Johann Strauss and Fritz Kreisler? Specifically, Maestro Hossen loves to connect with audiences, bringing a fresh perspective to traditional repertoire. He will be accompanied by Les Orpheistes Orchestra, known for its versatility, performing a wide range of works from the classical repertoire to contemporary compositions.
The program will unfold the tunes of Old Viennese Dances, Roses from the South (waltz), the Pizzicato-Polka and Strauss' iconic Blue Danube Waltz. The Minoritenkirche church's serene atmosphere enhances the enchantment of this concert, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of classical music.
Date: 31st December, 2024
Time: Starts at 4 PM
Location: Minoritenkirche, Minoritenplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Tickets: Book Here (Note: Vienna Unwrapped readers receive an exclusive 10% discount with the code UNWRAPPED.)
Free Cancellation: Cancel anytime up to 24 hours before the concert for a full refund.
Reserve now & pay later: Book your spot today and pay later.
d. Vienna Gala at the City Hall
New Year's Eve In Vienna 2024/2025. Celebrate the new year with a glamorous ball and gala dinner at the Viennese's own town hall. The neo gothic building and halls are a fantastic and authentic place to dine, waltz, and 'chin-chin' your glasses to live orchestra tunes of Vienna waltz king Johann Strauss, and a modern live band.
A few dozen young Viennese debutants dressed in white and black will open the ball. Half an hour before midnight international soloists will sing the best songs from Viennese operettas my local grandparents and mum loved so much. At midnight it's your turn to dance the midnight waltz. The warm buffet is cooked up by the town hall's popular historic tavern, the 'Wiener Rathauskeller'. Highlight of the evening: At midnight you can step out on the balcony of the town hall with a glass of champagne to watch the fireworks, while the Blue Danube Waltz is being played.
Date: 31st December 2024, from 6.30 pm
Location: Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus), Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Admission: Get tickets for the New Year's Eve in Vienna Gala.
4. New Year Markets in Vienna
Vienna’s New Year's Markets (Silvestermarkt or Neujahrsmarkt) are a fantastic way to embrace the festive spirit as the year comes to a close. These markets, held in iconic locations around the city, offer delightful food, drink, and unique gifts. Here are three of the best New Year markets you can visit in Vienna:
a. Schönbrunn New Year Market
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Schönbrunn Palace, the Schönbrunn New Year Market is a beautiful way to end the year. The market features stalls offering handcrafted gifts, gourmet delicacies, and cosy treats. You can enjoy a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate as they stroll through the park. It’s a great place to pick up last-minute souvenirs or just enjoy the festive vibe before ringing in the New Year.
Location: Schönbrunn Palace, Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
b. Maria-Theresien-Platz New Year Market
The Maria-Theresien-Platz market, located between the Natural History Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, is a picturesque spot for enjoying New Year Eve shopping. This market features a blend of art and culture, with stalls offering traditional Austrian food, local delicacies, and New Year’s-themed gifts. The stunning museum architecture adds a sophisticated touch to the lively market, making it an ideal spot to explore before the night’s celebrations.
Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
c. Wintermarkt on the Riesenradplatz
Located near the iconic Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) at the Prater, the Wintermarkt feels particularly nostalgic and local to me. With the giant Ferris wheel lit up against the evening sky, the market is a bustling place to enjoy local snacks like sausages, pretzels, and roasted chestnuts, as well as festive drinks like punch and mulled wine. The fun atmosphere of the Prater park adds to the experience, making it a perfect stop for families and couples to enjoy traditional Austrian warmth during the winter season. On New Year’s Eve the live stage programme starts at 8 pm.
Date: 16th November 2024 to 6th January 2025
Location: Riesenradplatz, Prater, 1020 Vienna.
5. Explore More New Year's Eve Activities
Looking for what to do on New Year's Eve in Vienna? If you're looking for more ways to celebrate, there’s no shortage of unique and exciting activities to enjoy. Let’s see more options to make your New Year's Eve in the Austrian capital truly unforgettable.
a. Experience Sparkling Horse Carriage Ride
Doing an unusual thing like toasting with champagne in a horse carriage will likely stick in your memory forever. So, why not use the 'sparkling' Viennese horse carriage ride to clearly remember New Year's Eve 2024/2025? While your coachman hitches up the horses, your butler pours a bottle of bubbles into your champagne flutes. Local delicacy shop Zum Schwarzen Kameel delivers their iconic sandwiches along with chocolate and fruit petit fours before you head off into the night. Since I have a sensitive stomach I double checked with the operators: because of the carriages' perfect suspension the 40-min rides through the center are super smooth. Also, at that time of the year the carriages are closed with 360-degree windows and you get cosy blankets. Book tickets.
b. Cherish New Year's Eve On A Danube Yacht
While most boat operators hibernate during the winter, some small yachts are ready to cruise around Vienna, and even to Bratislava. In two to four hours your private skipper takes you around the Vienna Danube and Danube Canal to the city's outer rims. At midnight, prepare to see the New Year's fireworks at nearby Prater and at City Hall. Alternatively, get back on shore just before midnight and celebrate with the locals.
Location: Meet at Handelskai 269, 1020 Vienna
Price: from EUR 967 per group
Bookings: book online
c. Enjoy New Year's Eve Traditions: Wiener Silvesterlauf
New Year' Eve In Vienna 2024/2025. In Vienna, good luck traditions for new year's eve charm like pig figurines, chimney sweeps, and four-leaf clovers are New Year’s staples. Before New Year Eve fully unfolds join a fun local tradition: Each year, almost 5,000 people run, walk or Nordic-walk around Ringstrasse boulevard at the annual Viennese New Year Eve Race Wiener Silvesterlauf. Since the 3.3 mile track leads past dozens of splendid historic buildings and you are welcome to walk you can fully enjoy the show. Actually, a few participants either wear typical signs of good luck such as pig costumes and 4-leaf clovers or dress up as cartoon characters. What's more, you will hear Johann Strauss' Blue Danube Waltz as the event kicks off. And each year, some locals can't help waltzing to it!
While the fastest runners take 16 to 19 minutes, everyone else can take as long as 1.5 hours to make the circuit. At the end of the event the winners will receive their medals in the University's main auditorium, along with the winners for the most original costumes. . It’s a fun way to embrace Viennese traditions and spread good fortune as you welcome the new year.
Date: 31st December 2024, 11.00 am
Location: Ringstrasse, Universitätsring 1, in front of University of Vienna
Admission: EUR 18 to EUR 22; register online
Celebrate a Royal New Year’s Eve in Vienna
Vienna’s New Year's Eve celebrations makes it the perfect destination for a royal New Year’s Eve. Add a Viennese New Year’s Eve look with a touch of glamour and you'll blend right in with the city’s timeless charm. As you waltz into the New Year under Vienna’s twinkling lights, you’ll be part of a celebration that feels as regal as the city itself, leaving you with memories of a truly magical night. Here's to a splendid start to 2025!
- Need help? Visit Vienna Travel Planning
- Explore More Things To Do In Vienna December
- Visit Vienna Tourism Calendar
