They usually reward Austrian children for the prvious year's behavior. Though this is an offical holiday, stores are open. Stores close in the afternoon and don't reopen until December 27. This is a holy day for resting, going to church and visiting family. Traditionally, friends and relatives are invited to eat roast goose.
Most stores close early in the afternoon.
The heartiest of Viennes celebrants gather at Stephansplatz and wait for the church bell to ring. Fireworks are traditional and may be bought by anyone over 18. The Kaiserball is held at the Hofburg palace. Outside on the streets is a bigger party with snacks, drinks, music and cabaret under festive tents throughout the city. It is customary to give relatives and friends good-luck charms for the New Year, which are usually marzipan pigs, clovers, chimney sweeps and mushrooms sold at stands at the New Year's markets that appear a day or so before at the Rathaus, Schottenkirche and Stephansplatz.