Vienna hosts the Vienna Philharmonic's famous New Year's Concert each January 1.
The Vienna New Year's Concert is performed by the Vienna Philharmonic in Vienna's Musikverein concert hall. It is best known for music by the Strauss family, especially Johann Strauss II, whose waltzes and polkas became central to the program. The event is broadcast to audiences around the world.
The concert began in 1939, during a politically complicated period in Austrian history. After World War II, it developed into the annual New Year's Day tradition recognized today. Its program normally ends with three customary pieces: the “Blue Danube” waltz, a performance of the “Radetzky March,” and a greeting of “Happy New Year.”
Although the concert is strongly associated with January 1, its name can cause confusion with New Year's Eve events. The performance takes place on New Year's Day, and the Vienna Philharmonic also gives related performances on December 30 and December 31.