The Christmas season may officially be over, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the festive atmosphere and all kinds of great events in Vienna. Find out here where you can get the last mug of punch, how to start the new year in the most Viennese way and why January is the best time for waltzing.

Tip: Check out the Vienna Welcome Card and secure great discounts on public transport and attractions.

New Year's concert by the Vienna Philharmonic: a start with tradition
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra sets the tone for the New Year in Vienna - literally. On 1 January, Riccardo Muti conducts in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein and has a few highlights up his sleeve: this time, the New Year's Concert honors Johann Strauss on his 200th birthday and brings the work of a female composer to the stage for the first time. Incidentally, the event is not only a real highlight in Vienna: every year, the concert is broadcast to 50 million people in over 90 countries. If you would prefer to experience the musical start of the year in person and the Viennese way, it's best to win over Fortuna. Tickets are rare and are allocated via a lottery system. But don't worry: alternatively, you can enjoy the concert at the public viewing on Stephansplatz or at the Riesenradplatz in the Prater - and toast to 2025 with a warming mug of punch. 

Vienna Christmas markets: for one last punch
Speaking of punch: if you missed the Viennese Christmas markets in December or just can't get enough of mulled wine, chestnuts and the like, we have good news for you: Just because the Christmas season is over doesn't mean you have to miss out on the festive atmosphere and winter delicacies in Vienna. Some markets, such as the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market or the winter market on Riesenradplatz, will continue to provide you with all kinds of Christmas-warming delicacies until 6 January.

Tip: Combine your visit with the coolest sights in Vienna and explore Schönbrunn Palace from the inside or get a bird's eye view with a ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. And don't forget your Vienna Welcome Card, as it entitles you to great discounts.

Start of the Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna anniversary year: a year of classical music

We have already teased the 200th birthday of Viennese cosmopolitan Johann Strauss. From 1 January to 31 December, the whole city is in a celebratory mood and is honoring the Waltz King with weekly premieres in the Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna Festival Year. After the kick-off at the Vienna New Year's Eve Trail, numerous events await you throughout Vienna, from classical music concerts to circus performances and raves. In January, you can look forward to highlights such as tritsch tratsch - Johann Strauss II - greatest hits/a remix at the Klangforum, where the artist's hits are interwoven, overwritten and sampled. You can also embark on a journey to yourself in the escape room Schatten des Zweifels - Im Kopf des Genies or find out more about the composer's secret love affairs in Blitz und Donner at the Odeon Theater - developed from real love letters and with Strauss music as the soundtrack. 

Go to the musical: Rock Me Phantom of the Opera

We think: Musicals are definitely among the most beautiful events in wintry Vienna. You are currently spoilt for choice between the world-famous phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera and Rock Me Amadeus - The Falco Musical, an impressive homage to a true Viennese original. Based on Falco's greatest hits, you will experience the highs and lows of the exceptional Austrian artist up close at the Ronacher - with plenty of emotions, escapades and success stories. Do you live for drama and pure romance? Then The Phantom of the Opera at the Raimund Theater is just the thing for you. In the new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic, you can expect spectacular special effects and a legendary soundtrack with goosebumps guaranteed.

Really cool: With the Vienna Welcome Card, you also get a 20% discount on your ticket. 

Dancing at the Viennese balls: It's all waltzes!
Do you prefer to start your year in three-four time? Luckily, the Viennese ball season reaches its peak in January and February. From traditional dance evenings to colorful festivals, our beautiful city has so many highlights to offer. The Hofburg opens its venerable doors for the Zuckerbäckerball, the Musikverein is the venue for the Vienna Philharmonic Ball and the Vienna City Gardens Flower Ball turns City Hall into a dance floor. You can also dress up for the Vienna Rainbow Ball for the 27th time and set an example for diversity, openness, solidarity and visibility of the queer community. But beware: if you want to celebrate, you have to be quick, because tickets for the Vienna balls are in high demand. 

Viennese ice dream: Vienna on Ice
Every year since 1996, the area between the Burgtheater and Rathausplatz has been transformed into a real winter wonderland. With 9,000 m2 of ice, romantic ice paths through Rathauspark and the Sky Rink ice terrace, the Vienna Ice Dream truly lives up to its name. From 23 January, you can skate on two levels and enjoy a fantastic view of the illuminated City Hall. Ice skates are available on site and are already waiting for you to dance around the rink to the latest hits - and sometimes to the sounds of the waltz. For a little break in between, there are also several stalls and huts offering regional delicacies and warm drinks. 

Want more tips for winter Vienna? Here we reveal our insider tips for Vienna in the cold season. And here we show you our Viennese coffee houses - to warm up with a Melange, Verlängertem and co.