New Year’s Eve in the Graz Region
Lights, flavours and the turn of the year
One last look back, one first moment looking ahead.
New Year’s Eve Show on Graz Main Square
Water, light and music
On 31 December, Graz Main Square becomes the stage for the New Year’s Eve Show. Towering water fountains, lasers, light, fire effects and video projections on a water screen accompany the music against the backdrop of Graz City Hall. The show takes place without traditional fireworks or firecrackers and is designed as a fine-particle-free alternative.
Five 20-minute shows are spread throughout the evening. “Spirit of the Time” features hits from six decades, while “La Dolce Vita” is dedicated to Italian classics. At midnight, the final show begins, marking the start of the new year.
Admission to the Graz New Year’s Eve Show is free. The programme starts at 5:30 pm on 31 December 2026.
Styriarte New Year’s Eve Concert
Graz in ¾ Time
On 31 December 2026, Haus Styriarte presents its first New Year’s Eve concert, “Graz in ¾ Time”, at the Stefaniensaal. The Graz-based Recreation orchestra, conducted by Alma Deutscher, performs a programme of waltzes and orchestral works by Johann Strauss, Richard Strauss, Robert Stolz, Florence Price and Alma Deutscher.
The concerts take place at 4 pm and 7 pm. Christiane Willms hosts the programme. Tickets are available from Styriarte.
Discover Graz on 31 December
Culinary delights and the historic centre
31 December gets off to a flavourful start in Graz. On the Culinary New Year’s Eve Tour, GrazGuides lead the way through the city centre, stopping at selected restaurants along the route. Styrian specialities, fine wines and stories about the city accompany the final day of the year.
The New Year’s Eve Old Town Tour also explores Graz’s festively decorated historic centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, the regular Historic Centre Walking Tour is another option.
Many restaurants in the Capital of Delight Graz offer special New Year’s Eve menus on 31 December. More restaurants and culinary addresses in Graz and the surrounding region can be found in the food guide.
Graz New Year’s Eve Run
An active end to the year in the city centre
On the afternoon of 31 December, runners take over part of Graz city centre. The Graz New Year’s Eve Run follows a circular route through the centre and past well-known squares in the historic Old Town.
Alongside ambitious runners, many participants take part in costume. Music, spectators and the atmosphere on the final day of the year have made the run a regular part of Graz’s New Year’s Eve programme.
The New Year’s Eve Run is also easy to follow from along the route before the evening programme begins in the city centre.
Best views
City lights from above
For a quieter New Year’s Eve in Graz, the hills around the city offer peaceful spots with sweeping views. Around midnight, the Schlossberg in particular provides a striking perspective over Graz at night.
The Plabutsch, with the Fürstenstand, and other elevated spots around Graz also open up views across the city and surrounding region.
New Year’s Eve in a bathrobe
At Therme NOVA Köflach, New Year’s Eve can be spent in warm thermal waters and saunas, with views across the wintry Lipizzanerheimat. At NOVAPARK Flugzeughotel Graz, bathrobes are also part of the New Year’s Eve experience: the rooftop spa and hotel offer an urban setting for a relaxed turn of the year.
New Year’s Eve around Graz
Celebrate, indulge or welcome the new year quietly
New Year’s Eve is celebrated in many different ways around Graz. In the Lipizzanerheimat and the towns surrounding the city, the programme includes smaller concerts, New Year’s Eve celebrations in restaurants and hotels, as well as events combining music and regional cuisine.
A regional tradition is Bauernsilvester on 30 December, an early New Year’s Eve celebration. In recent years, it has been celebrated in places such as Köflach, at wineries and in local restaurants, with music, regional food and convivial gatherings.
For a quieter turn of the year, Therme NOVA Köflach offers a relaxed alternative, while an overnight stay and wellness break around Graz can extend the experience. Current events and dates are added regularly to the event calendar.
Accommodation for New Year’s Eve
Those spending New Year’s Eve in Graz or the surrounding area will find a range of accommodation across the Graz Region – for a lively New Year’s Eve and a relaxed start to the new year.
Event calendar
Around New Year’s Eve, the Graz Region hosts a range of events, concerts and cultural activities. Current dates, times and venues can be found in the event calendar.
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New Year’s Day in Graz
The first day of the year
On 1 January, Graz takes on a quieter pace. New Year’s concerts provide a musical start to the year, while the historic centre is ideal for a walk through its still-quiet streets and squares.
Some museums, exhibitions, cafés and restaurants are also open on New Year’s Day, offering a relaxed mix of culture and culinary experiences.
Tip: New Year’s concerts also take place in other towns across the Graz Regio
Frequently asked questions about New Year’s Eve in Graz
There are no traditional fireworks or firecrackers at the New Year’s Eve Show on Graz Main Square. Instead, water fountains, lights, lasers, fire effects and music create the spectacle.
The New Year’s Eve Show on 31 December 2026 starts at 5:30 pm. There are five 20-minute shows throughout the evening, with the final show starting at midnight.
Yes. Admission to the New Year’s Eve Show on Graz Main Square is free.
The Schlossberg and Plabutsch, with the Fürstenstand viewpoint, offer particularly good views across Graz and the surrounding area.
On 31 December, activities include culinary tours, Old Town tours and the New Year’s Eve Run through the city centre.
On New Year’s Day, options include a walk through the historic centre, a New Year’s concert, or visits to museums, exhibitions, cafés and restaurants that are open. Opening hours should be checked in advance.
