Vienna City Guide - $section

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Vienna Ball Season
Vienna is the only city in the world where balls still dominate the social calendar during the winter season, and a Viennese ball is a unique opportunity to experience the sophisticated charm of the city and the famous Viennese waltz. The official ball season offers about 300 public balls for every taste and pocket, of which the most famous are the Opera Ball, the social elite highlight of the European ball season, the Philharmoniker Ball, and the glamorous Kaiserball (Imperial Ball) at the imperial Hofburg Palace, which is the traditional opener and is a glittering New Year's Eve celebration which attracts tourists and Viennese alike. The season officially lasts from New Year's Eve until Ash Wednesday the following year, but balls can occur up until June. Numerous rental services in the city specialise in ball gowns and formal wear. For more information contact Vienna Tourism on (0)1 24 555 or email info@wien.info
Venue: Various
Date: 31 December 2007 to 5 February 2008
Website: virtualvienna.net/holidays/balls/ballsmain.html

New Year's Day Concert
Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the annual New Year's Day concert is seen by millions of viewers worldwide and is a traditional start to the New Year. The orchestra is considered to be one of the finest in the world and this most famous of concerts features some of the most popular waltzes by the celebrated composer, Johann Strauss. For more information, one can contact the ticket and ball office of the Vienna Philharmonic on +43 (0)1 505 6525 or consult their website.
Venue: Vienna Musikverein
Date: 1 January
Website: www.wienerphilharmoniker.at