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For some it is simply overrated, for others it’s the highlight of the year: New Year’s Eve, a night full of emotions, expectations, sometimes disappointments, champagne and if you’re lucky even some kisses too. To keep “Silvester” from becoming disastrous or even worse boring it takes some planning, and as we all know: It’s the early bird, who is catching the biggest worms. That’s why we’ve got some tips to make this year’s change-of-date memorable. (and don’t forget your cameras to capture the evening!)

Homegrown

If you like it intimate and less crowded you will probably want to stay at home or at a friend’s place, at best with a balcony or even a rooftop terrace to see the fireworks. Just because you don’t go out, doesn’t incline you may wear sweatpants and watch TV all night. Dress up, invite your friends and prepare to party! As a good host you ought to be well prepared to serve your guests something special. How about Japanese Fondue called “Shabu” http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/853838-Fondue-Japanese-Style-Shabu-Shabu-w-Sesame-Dipping-Sauce this year? Have your beverages cold, champagne glasses at hand and your 80s to 90s top-trash list prepared and have plenty of reserves, so you can heat your fondue up again, whenever you want. Also prepare some party games! Yes, everybody is too old, too sophisticated and too cocky to play, but as soon as you get over yourselves, you’re going to have a swell time. And speaking of swell and the roaring 20ies – why not having a themed party? Here are some ideas for games to play, and if at some point you decide to go out, don’t worry there will be parties everywhere.

Classy

Staying at home sounds delightful, doesn’t it? But honestly, our recommendation is to go out at New Year’s. And even if you aren’t feeling to join the masses, there are plenty of classy ways to spend your evening, Galas for example.

The town hall turns into a place of grandeur and magic on the 31st. The “Neujahrs-Gala” is a place to dine like kings, dance waltz like aristocrats and throw a little chin-chin in between, with warm buffet, orchestra and soloists through the night and at midnight you can step onto one of the many balconies to enjoy the fireworks. But you probably want to get your tickets rather sooner than later.
If you prefer some culture with your classy touch, the gala at Theater an der Wien will welcome you with Arias from the famous 3-penny-opera, but be sure to secure your tickets as well.

to the streets! – Der Silvesterpfad

As much as we enjoy home-parties and the charm of the classical Vienna for New Year’s we want be, where the action is, outside! Vienna’s inner city is annually celebrating what they call “Silvesterpfad”: 12 hours of a variation of events at as much as 13 locations including the Prater, Schönbrunn, Heldenplatz, Stefansplatz and nearly all the famous places. Bowls of Punch and mulled wine will be served to keep you warm (and tipsy) through the whole day, until you the grand finale at 12 p.m., when the fireworks are shot, kisses are given and the waltz is starting. Make sure to gather your loved ones around you and celebrate with hundreds and even thousands, the beginning of a new year, but be sure to dress appropriate to the conditions.

This silvester probably requires the least bits of planning, but be sure to add a little spice in it. Meet for drinks and dinner before going to Heldenplatz and have your partyplans in order for when the waltz is over, because nothing kills the mood as standing for hours in the cold, without knowing where to go and what to do, trust us on this one. And don’t be afraid of the waltz, Vienna’s dancing schools provide waltzlessons at Stephansdom between 2 and 4:30 p.m. to make sure that there are no excuses left at midnight!

Silvester in…!?

Bratislava! Brno! The countryside! Sometimes it is not bad to break with your routine and what better time to start it than New Year’s! Think of a place you always wanted to visit, and do exactly that, and take everybody with you. Adventuring together can make marvelous memories and the best part is: going home is not an option!

Whatever your plans are going to be, make sure to have them early in order and invite your friends in time, in order to celebrate a beautiful and stressless Silvester amongst your friends and family. And even though it seems like a long time until the 31st it is never too early to start planning!