I just made reservations for New Year's Eve dinner at Ratskeller. I received an email from the restaurant asking if I want to be seated in the Weinstube or the "other area where there is music and dance". The "other area" has an entry fee of 12 euro per person, and is opened at 8:00 pm. The Weinstube has an a la carte menu, and the other area offers both prix fixe and a al carte menus.

Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated!

If you want to dance, there are two different style bands or a DJ, but one dancefloor isn't that big. Someone might take you seat while dancing. If you want to eat the Weinstube is always nice, but the "other area" has more action. (People walking around coming and going for the next dance).

If I were "older", I'd sit in the Weinstube to drink wine, if I were "young" I'd be dancing. ;-).

"if I were "young" I'd be dancing"
Pray tell what kind of music will they play? Polka or Techno? Neither is popular with young Americans.

Depends on the band ;-) No polka , but something close to 1960s/70s Schlager for the bigger room ("Boney M" kind of stuff. "Ma Ma Ma Ma, Ma Baker...") and 1980s "New German Wave" for the smaller.

But you should ask them, not every year's the same.
But you're right, it's not for those "really young", young people. The typical German new yeaers party, no techno.

The Weinstube is for sitting down, drinking and discussing life in general (at least on this day...)

I would prefer to be where the action is, but my husband and son think they're better suited in the Weinstube. Thank you.

For the "action after midnight ;-)" DO NOT forget to buy enough fireworks. All is DIY, Aldi usually has so great offers. (But I don't know if they would let you in at the dancefloor carrying them).

Honestly we were a bit scared to be outside on the street at the strike of midnight because people got really wild and drunk, some were shooting fireworks at others. We heard all the ambulance sirene going every which way immediately after. We had our family reunion on New Year's eve at Am Marstall (which I would have highly recommended if it hadn't gone under)and we really didn't need any band/dancing as german schlaeger music is not our favorite, so I would agree with your husband & son. The Weinstube is actually quite nice and has a more intimate ambiance than the large hall. The weinstube is actually quite nice and has a more intimate atmosphere than the large hall. We've spent hours with a group of friends there and still got the great pictures we took. You can always play outside before or after midnight or if you find a safe place outside at midnight. It was super crowded around Marienplatz and that's where most of the fireworks injuries occured. I was so drunk that I lost my new watch off my hand that night without even realizing.

I would do the Tollwood festival (Oktoberfest grounds) at midnight, but it takes a while to get there from downtown. Far more space and a great view in all directions.

Whoever is interested, Performing at Tollwood are:
"Vitello Tonnato & The Roaring Zucchinis".
Swing.

http://www.zucchinis.de/roaring-zucchinis-Eng.html

http://www.rosserevents.ch/kuenstler...ato/index.html

Thank you everyone for the additional information, i.e. fireworks, Tollwood festival, etc.

By the way, has anyone ever attended a concert (classical soloists perform) in the Residenz?

I would not miss the 9th symphony on New Years Day at the Gasteig. But it may already be sold out.
I do like the side balcony at the Herkulessaal of the Residenz.
It's not the most expensive category but you're as close to the performers as it possible. Sound is no so brilliant.

If you want to listen to classic on New Years Day, Beethoven is a must! At 4pm, order your ticket now, if you want to attend.

http://www.muenchenticket.de/guide/t...onie+Nr+9.html

Thank you, logos999. Sounds great. Unfortunately, the website is in German, so I'll have to figure out how to purchase tickets.

You can try their hotline:
+49 180 / 54 81 81 81

MO-FR 9.00 bis 20.00 Uhr
SA 9.00 bis 16.00 Uhr
SO 10.00 bis 16.00 Uhr

If you want tickets, buy them asap. It'll be sold out.

Logos999, I purchased tickets. Thanks!

You're welcome