Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
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Every January 1st, the whole world turns its eyes to Vienna to witness one of the most prestigious musical events on the planet: the New Year's Concert. For more than eight decades, this Viennese tradition has thrilled millions of spectators in more than 90 countries. Broadcast live from the sumptuous Golden Hall of the Musikverein, this exceptional concert brings together the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for an enchanting program composed mainly of works by the Strauss family. Between lively waltzes, festive polkas and the legendary Radetzky March, the New Year's Concert in Vienna embodies elegance and the Austrian joie de vivre.
A Viennese tradition born in 1939
The New Year's Concert in Vienna traces its origin to 1939, when conductor Clemens Krauss proposed for the first time a program entirely dedicated to the Strauss dynasty. Initially scheduled for December 31st, this inaugural concert aimed to celebrate Viennese music and boost the population's morale in a difficult historical context. The success was immediate and the tradition was permanently established in the Austrian cultural landscape.
From 1941, the concert was moved to January 1st, a date it has kept ever since. This annual appointment quickly became one of the most anticipated concerts in the world, a symbol of hope and renewal to start the year with music. The New Year's Concert in Vienna now represents much more than a simple musical event: it embodies a true cultural embassy of Austria throughout the world, conveying the values of refinement and tradition that characterize the Austrian capital.
The Musikverein: a prestigious setting for the concert
The Musikverein of Vienna, and more precisely its famous Golden Hall (Goldener Saal), provides the sumptuous setting for the New Year's Concert since 1939. Inaugurated in 1870 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, this building located at Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, is considered one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world and benefits from exceptional acoustics, recognized by the greatest musicians.
The Golden Hall takes its name from its sumptuous decoration: abundant gilding, caryatid statues representing the muses, ceiling decorated with Apollo and majestic columns create an atmosphere that is both solemn and warm. Able to accommodate about 1,700 spectators, this historic hall offers an ideal setting to celebrate the New Year with music. If you have the chance to attend the New Year's Concert in Vienna, you will experience an unforgettable experience in this temple of classical music.
The Strauss dynasty: at the heart of the musical program
The program of the New Year's Concert in Vienna is mainly structured around the works of the Strauss family, a true musical dynasty that marked 19th-century Viennese culture. Johann Strauss II, nicknamed "the Waltz King", occupies a prominent place with his lively compositions that have traveled around the world. His famous "The Blue Danube" has become a veritable unofficial anthem of Austria and regularly features in the concert program.
But Johann Strauss II is not the only member of this illustrious family to be celebrated during the New Year's Concert in Vienna. His father, Johann Strauss I, composer of the famous Radetzky March which traditionally closes the concert in a festive and participatory atmosphere, as well as his brothers Josef Strauss and Eduard Strauss, also enrich the repertoire with their waltzes, polkas and marches. The program occasionally incorporates works by other Austrian composers such as Franz von Suppé or Carl Michael Ziehrer, adding a touch of diversity while remaining faithful to the Viennese spirit.
The immutable ritual of the New Year's Concert
Each edition of the New Year's Concert in Vienna scrupulously respects certain traditions that are an integral part of the event. The concert always takes place on January 1st at 11:15 AM (Vienna time) and lasts about two and a half hours. Two encores are systematically performed at the end of the program: first "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II, during which the conductor traditionally addresses his wishes to the audience and television viewers, then the inevitable Radetzky March by Johann Strauss I.
This last piece gives rise to a unique moment where the Golden Hall audience keeps time by applauding, guided by the conductor's knowing gestures. This interaction between the orchestra and the audience creates an atmosphere of musical communion that perfectly sums up the spirit of the New Year's Concert in Vienna: elegance, joy and sharing. The floral decoration of the hall, composed of thousands of flowers offered by the city of Sanremo in Italy, adds a touch of freshness and color to this winter event.
The conductors of the New Year's Concert
Since its creation, the New Year's Concert in Vienna has been conducted by the greatest international conductors, each bringing their personal vision and interpretation of the Straussian repertoire. For several decades, certain maestros have marked the history of the event through their recurring presence. Willi Boskovsky thus conducted the concert for 25 years (from 1955 to 1979), establishing a style of interpretation that remains a reference.
More recently, prestigious conductors such as Riccardo Muti (who conducted the concert in 2025), Zubin Mehta, Mariss Jansons, Gustavo Dudamel, Daniel Barenboim, Christian Thielemann or Franz Welser-Möst have had the honor of conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for this January 1st appointment. For the 2026 edition, it is Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin who will take the baton, promising a fresh and energetic interpretation of the Viennese repertoire. Each year, the choice of conductor arouses the interest and anticipation of music lovers around the world.
How to attend the New Year's Concert in Vienna
Attending the New Year's Concert in Vienna in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein represents a dream for many classical music lovers. However, obtaining tickets is an obstacle course due to the astronomical demand that far exceeds the available supply. Places are allocated by lottery every year, generally between January and February for the concert of the following year. Registration is done exclusively via the official website of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ticket prices for the New Year's Concert in Vienna vary considerably depending on the type of seat: from €35 for standing places to €1,200 for the best seated places. There is also a New Year's Eve concert (December 30) and a dress rehearsal (December 31) which offer the same program under similar conditions, with slightly lower prices. These two events constitute interesting alternatives for those who did not obtain places for the January 1st concert, while offering a comparable musical experience in the exceptional setting of the Musikverein.
Following the concert on television or online
If you cannot obtain tickets or prefer to experience the event from home, the New Year's Concert in Vienna is broadcast live in more than 90 countries worldwide. In France, France 2 and France Musique traditionally offer a live broadcast from 11:15 AM on January 1st, accompanied by insightful commentary on the works performed and the history of this legendary concert. The quality of the television coverage allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Golden Hall and the details of the musical interpretations.
Many streaming platforms also offer the rebroadcast of the concert, sometimes delayed, allowing a global audience to share this privileged moment. Watching the New Year's Concert in Vienna has become a family tradition for millions of people that marks the beginning of the new year under the best musical auspices. This television accessibility has greatly contributed to making this event one of the most watched concerts in the world, with an estimated audience of several tens of millions of viewers.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Vienna on foot and independently
If you are going to Vienna to try to attend the New Year's Concert or simply to discover this magnificent imperial capital, why not take advantage of your stay to visit Vienna in depth? Ryo offers you a complete audio-guided itinerary that will allow you to explore the architectural, historical and cultural treasures of the city at your own pace. From St. Stephen's Cathedral to the Hofburg Palace, passing through the charming streets of the historic center, this tour will help you discover the very essence of Vienna.
The Ryo app transforms your smartphone into a personal guide that accompanies you throughout your discovery of Vienna. Thanks to 26 carefully selected and commented points of interest, you will understand why Vienna was for centuries the beating heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Between two visits, don't hesitate to stop at one of the famous Viennese cafés to taste a piece of Sachertorte or an Apfelstrudel, true institutions of local gastronomy that you can also discover during your visit.
Vienna, much more than a New Year's concert
While the New Year's Concert in Vienna is an exceptional event, the Austrian capital deserves to be discovered throughout the year for its countless riches. Imperial city par excellence, Vienna houses breathtakingly beautiful monuments such as Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburgs, or the Belvedere Palace which houses the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt works, including the famous "The Kiss".
Art and culture enthusiasts will find their happiness in the city's numerous museums, from the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) to the Albertina, passing through the Museum Quarter. Visiting Vienna also means strolling along the Ringstraße, this circular avenue that encircles the historic center and concentrates some of the city's most beautiful buildings: the National Opera, City Hall, Parliament or the Burgtheater. The discovery of these monuments takes on its full meaning when accompanied by the enlightened commentary of the Ryo circuit.
The Viennese musical heritage beyond the New Year's Concert
Vienna is not only the city of the New Year's Concert, it is also and above all the world capital of classical music. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Mahler... all these giants of music lived and composed in Vienna, leaving an indelible mark on the city's cultural heritage. Today still, Vienna counts more than 15,000 musical performances per year, from concerts in baroque churches to grand spectacles at the National Opera, including intimate recitals in historic salons.
Beyond the Musikverein, you can attend concerts in other prestigious halls such as the Konzerthaus or the Vienna State Opera, one of the most renowned operas in the world. For music lovers, extending your stay after the New Year's Concert in Vienna will allow you to dive into this exceptional musical universe. Don't hesitate to use the Ryo audio-guided tour to discover the emblematic places linked to the musical history of the city, from composers' houses transformed into museums to the statues that pay tribute to them in Vienna's parks and gardens.
Preparing your trip for the New Year's Concert in Vienna
Organizing a trip to Vienna for the New Year's Concert requires meticulous preparation, especially in terms of accommodation. The year-end holiday period being particularly popular, it is highly recommended to book your hotel several months in advance. Vienna's historic center offers a wide choice of establishments, from luxury palaces to more affordable boutique hotels, all located near the main tourist sites and the Musikverein.
Regarding transportation, Vienna has an excellent network of subway, tram and bus that greatly facilitates travel in the city. The historic center is particularly well suited to discovery on foot, and it is indeed the best way to appreciate the majestic architecture of the buildings and the unique atmosphere of Viennese streets. To optimize your visit, download the Ryo audio-guided tour which will offer you an optimized itinerary to discover the essence of Vienna in one or more days, depending on the time you have available.
The magic of Vienna in winter
Visiting Vienna during the New Year period offers the advantage of discovering the city in its winter attire. Even if the Christmas markets generally close before December 31st, the festive atmosphere persists and the city keeps its illuminations that add a magical touch to nighttime walks. Viennese cafés, with their large often fogged windows, invite comforting breaks around hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine (Glühwein).
The temporary ice rinks installed in front of certain emblematic monuments, such as the one at City Hall (Wiener Eistraum), generally remain open until March and offer a fun activity for the whole family. For culture lovers, theaters and concert halls offer particularly rich programming during this period. Beyond the New Year's Concert in Vienna, you can attend opera performances, ballets or other classical music concerts in the city's numerous halls.
In conclusion, the New Year's Concert in Vienna represents much more than a simple musical appointment: it is a celebration of Austrian culture, a moment of universal sharing and a tradition that unites millions of music lovers around the world each year. Whether you have the chance to attend the concert in the sumptuous Golden Hall of the Musikverein or follow it comfortably from your television, you will experience an exceptional moment that resonates as a promise of joy and harmony for the year to come. And if you plan a trip to Vienna for this occasion, don't forget to download the Ryo audio-guided tour to discover all the treasures of this imperial city that has so much to offer beyond its prestigious New Year's concert.
Frequently asked questions about the New Year's Concert in Vienna
When does the New Year's Concert in Vienna take place?
The New Year's Concert in Vienna takes place every year on January 1st at 11:15 AM (local time). It is preceded by a New Year's Eve concert on December 30th and a dress rehearsal on December 31st, both offering the same program in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
How to get tickets for the New Year's Concert?
Tickets are allocated by lottery via the official website of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Registration generally takes place between January and February for the concert of the following year. Prices vary from €35 to €1,200 depending on the seats.
What is the program of the New Year's Concert in Vienna?
The program of the New Year's Concert in Vienna is mainly composed of waltzes, polkas and marches by the Strauss family (Johann Strauss father and son, Josef and Eduard Strauss). The concert traditionally ends with two encores: "The Blue Danube" and the "Radetzky March".
Can we watch the New Year's Concert on television?
Yes, the New Year's Concert in Vienna is broadcast live in more than 90 countries. In France, you can follow it on France 2 and France Musique from 11:15 AM on January 1st. Many streaming platforms also offer the broadcast of the concert.
How long does the New Year's Concert last?
The New Year's Concert in Vienna lasts about two and a half hours, including intermission. The concert starts at 11:15 AM and generally ends around 1:45 PM, including the two traditional encores that conclude the event in a festive atmosphere.
Who conducts the New Year's Concert in Vienna?
Each year, a different conductor is invited to conduct the New Year's Concert in Vienna. For the 2026 edition, it is Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin who will have this honor. Among the conductors who have marked the history of the concert, we count Willi Boskovsky, Riccardo Muti, Zubin Mehta and Daniel Barenboim.