We are going to Vienna for New Year's. Does anyone have any suggestions for things to do on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in the city? Also, I'm looking for a good resource for opera, symphony and ballet tickets.

Try nethotels.com for events as well as hotel information.

Hi Jennifer. <BR>I too will be in Vienna this New Year's. It's our second trip in fact. While there are a number of more formal events that sell out early (the Kaiserball on New Year's Eve, the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Day concert) there are many wonderful performances by other groups and innumerable opportunities to celebrate the New Year. The entire inner city (the old city) has a huge street celebration (including places where you can take waltz lessons) on New Year's Eve. On New Year's day, you can head to the Rathausplatz for a bowl of hot Guslaschsuppe and watch the famous Vienna Phil concert live on a jumbo tron. (I ask you, where in America would crowds of people stand outside in the cold to watch an orchestra play on a giant screen?!) <BR> <BR>You can also go to Sunday mass at the chapel of the Hofburg palace and hear the Vienna Boy's Choir sing, like they have for the last 500 years. <BR> <BR>For details on all of these, try the web page info.wien.at <BR>They'll get you started. <BR> <BR>I guarantee you will have a wonderful time, but bring warm clothes!!

Thank you Kate. I am really looking forward to my first trip in Vienna and think this will be a memorable New Year's. What a great opportunity to experience a common holiday in another country's eyes! Since you have been before - do you think staying in the Fleichmarket area will be close enough? Most other hotels near the ring are booked.

Jennifer, last December I stayed at Hotelpension Arenberg (4-star small hotel within the Ring and a Best Western property but with the posh Vienna feel). It is a small 24-room place with homemade muslei for breakfast. The walls have pictures of conductors, actors, etc., with personal notes & signatures to Frau Arenberg. You are a 3-minute walk from the Air Terminal (where the buses arrive from the airport), 2-minute from an U-Bahn stop and 5-minute walk to Stephensplatz (middle of town). <BR>Have a coffee and torte at Demel's and a Sachertorte at the Sacher. For a good and big weinerschnitzel, try Figlmuller's (near St. Stephens). Andre Rieu has an excellent orchestra and may be playing there at New Year's. <BR>If you want a larger hotel of 4 or above stars and near the center, try the Sacher, SAS Radisson or Imperial (the concierge at those may be able to get you tickets others can't). <BR>The other hotel is a small 3-star--not as nice as Arenberg or the others but with a great buffet breakfast and, like the others, has shower & toilet but, unlike them, it has no bathtub. It is near the university and visiting professors stay there. It is Hotel Drei Kronen. A nice outdoor market is across the street. It is a 2-minute walk to the university, 3-minute to U-Bahn stop and 8-minute walk to the Opera House and just outside the Ring.

Hi <BR>We went to Vienna for the millenium. We had a wonderful time. We did the usual and got all our tickets for concerts/Vienna Choir Boys etc. when we got there. All along the walking streets they sell champagne with glass glasses or hot glogg. You can dance walzes on the Ratsplatz etc. You will have a great time. We stayed at the HOtel Josefshof It has a great location one block form the ring near the Ratsplatz.www.josefshof.co.at/josefshof/ Ride the street cars, go to the palaces, eat, drink and have fun. It is cold there, but being from Boston it was not that cold. Furs are in. Go for it. <BR> <BR>Sue

We also stayed at the Arenberg and found it quite charming--our room had a balcony--and it is in a nice area. If you have a chance to see Andre Rieu, I think you will enjoy his show. Of course, the Boys' Choir. However, I would watch the horses at practice. We were there prior to Christmas and were able to enjoy the great Christmas markets. I know you will have fun. Go to the Vienna Woods for new wine in local cafes. Also, I second Demel's.

Have you tried the Kaiserin Elisabeth? Some people have had aloof service there, but I have always been treated graciously and professionally. The location is superb. <BR>For things to do, try ice skating in front of the Rathaus. You can rent skates (they're not very sharp but so what). I'm a lousy skater but I had a great time anyway, and the mulled wine afterwards took away the sting of my humiliating lack of skill in the rink. Great fun and hardly any other tourists. Take plenty of pictures--it's beautiful (there's a stand at the rink to check your belongings). <BR>BTilke

Thanks to all of your for your insight. Unfortunately most hotels are already booked in Vienna but we were able to find a nice hotel in the center of it all - we don't plan to spend much time in the room anyway. I can't wait to ice skate, watch the symphony and get to know the locals. Kate - I hope you have a wonderful trip and maybe we will see you there!

Jennifer, my husband and I will be in Vienna for New Year's Eve as well. We try and go someplace different for every New Year's Eve. We have never been to Vienna and are very excited. <BR> <BR>We are attending the Kaiserball on New Year's eve - they have a web site, the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Philharmonic for Beethoven's 9th Symphony (one of my favorites), The Veinna Boys Choir and the Opera. We only have 4 nights and are really packing in as much as we can. We will sleep on the planes! <BR> <BR>I found most of this information at www.info.wien.at . It should be a lot of fun - I am really looking forward to it.

Hi Jennifer, <BR> <BR> I spent this summer in Vienna, and did much of the cultural stuff. If you're interested in events such as the Spanish Riding School, Vienna Boys Choir, and Vienna State Opera, Scholars' Circle (World's Box Office) www.worldsboxoffice.com) is your best bet. They provide you with free show information and even have a toll free US and international number for you to make reservations in advance and at the last minute.

Karen, You and your husband should definitely post a summary of your experience at the Kaiserball when you return. We will be attending the Wiener Symphoniker to hear Beethoven's 9th and plan to ring in the new year with the fireworks by St. Stephens.

Karen, <BR><BR>My husband and I went to the Kaiserball when we were there 5 years ago. It was fabulous, and great for people watching. We had to bring an extra suitcase to stuff my ballgown in, but it was worth it. <BR><BR>This year I was lucky enough to get tickets (through a lottery system) to the New Year's Day Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic! I've watched it on PBS for years and now I can't believe we'll actually be there!<BR><BR>Jennifer, maybe we'll run into you at midnight at St. Stephans when the Pummerin tolls. <BR><BR>Have a great time ladies!

I am so jealous a couple of you are headed to the Philharmonic on New Year's Eve. From everything I read, that is an amazing concert. We are going to the Philharmonic on the 30th for Beethoven's 9th Symphony - my favorite. We should definitely all post reports post New Year's Eve. I finally got my reservation confirmation for the Vienna Boys Choir - but only at the worst seats possible. Does anyone know if this is standard? I made my reservation in late August - and am disappointed we got fairly bad seats. Regardless, it will be beautiful - we are there to listen - right?<BR><BR>