The New Year’s Day Concert at Barcelona’s Grand Teatre del Liceu is like a time-portal into 19th Century Vienna.

The Viennese ballroom comes to life on stage as the Strauss Festival Orchestra plays Johann Strauss favorites, complimented by opera and ballet. Don’t expect too much from the Strauss Ballet Ensemble dancers who have an incredibly small area within which to waltz, polka, and more.

The lively music and merriment of the conductor and performers, who interact with each other and with the audience, lifts spirits and makes everyone feel part of the party. I wanted to spring up from my seat and dance in the aisle when I attended on New Year’s Day 2024.

The production itself has run in Europe for 35 years and is well worth weaving into any holiday travels. More tips about what to experience in Barcelona in other blog posts like this one.

Click here for a one-minute trailer of what to expect.