Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Graz

There are a lot of things you can do around Graz for New Year’s Eve, from open-air parties in the squares to parties in the clubs. Here is a short overview of what is going on in Graz for New Year’s.

Useful information about New Year’s in Graz

Fireworks in Graz

Fireworks were forbidden in Graz in 2018 to protect the wellbeing of animals and prevent the air pollution. Even though you could be fined with up to 10.000€ for shooting them, people were still doing it in some parts of Graz.

Public transport

Bus and trams drive all night long during the night between 31st December and 1st January. Between 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., they go every 30 minutes. Please note: there are no night buses!

The Schloßbergbahn goes from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and the Schloßberglift all night long.

Shop opening hours

Shops are open until 2 p.m. on 31st December.

On 1st January all shops are closed.

Outside parties in Graz

The city organizes a water and light show in the main square in Graz for those who want to celebrate in the city centre. Read more about the timeplan here: https://www.inside-graz.at/veranstaltungen/grazer-silvester-spektakel-wasser-musik-lichtshow.html.

Here is a video of last year’s show:

Other outside parties can be found in Franziskanerplatz and Mariahilferplatz (where even a big tent is built up for a farmer’s party).

Indoor parties in Graz

If you want to party in a disco, there are many clubs that do special programs for New Year’s Eve in Graz:

• Mausefalle: free entry until 10 p.m. Martini Asti and Prosecco are sold at a lower price all night long.
• PPC: from 11 p.m. there is “I love Silvester” with music from the 80s and 90s. Two tickets for the price of one until midnight.
• Postgarage: opens at 11:30 p.m. with different types of music, including House, Techhouse, Drum&Bass, Funk, Soul, Old School, and Hip Hop.
• Dom im Berg: with light shows, international acts and electronic music.

New Year’s Gala Dinners in Graz

According to Inside Graz, the following restaurants will have gala dinners:

• Aiola Upstairs
• Aiola im Schloss
• Eckstein
• Restaurant Schlossberg
• Starcke Haus
• Nova Air

I recommend booking a table beforehand!

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Learn how to celebrate New Year’s in Graz as an Austrian in my other blog post: New Year’s Traditions in Austria