Your ultimate guide to
Vienna’s 2025/2026 Ball Season

There’s no other place in the world with such a long and glamorous ball tradition as Vienna. With around 400 balls each year, the city rightfully holds the title of the waltz capital. Whether it’s famous, glamorous events like the Vienna Opera Ball or the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, the elegant balls of various professions like the Confectioner’s Ball or the Coffee House Ball, or university balls, there’s sure something you’ll like.

Have you always dreamed of attending a ball yourself? In this post, I’ll answer all your questions about the Viennese ball season and tell you everything you need to know: from ticket purchases to dress codes, and even insider tips for an unforgettable evening. So, lace up your dancing shoes and get ready for a great time!

When does the ball season in Vienna start?

The Vienna ball season officially begins on November 11th at 11.11 AM, marking the start of the Carnival season. Traditionally, this is celebrated with a quadrille and waltz dance on the Graben (a street) in Vienna’s city center. The highlight of the ball season is in January and February when the most famous balls take place.

Do I need an invitation to attend a Viennese ball?

No! You don’t need an invitation, you just need to buy a ticket. However, it’s not that simple as the popular balls often sell out very quickly. It’s best to secure your ticket as soon as they go on sale (usually in the fall, but sometimes as early as May or June). Tickets for the Opera Ball or the Vienna Philharmonic Ball are especially in demand and many other balls sold out very quickly this year as well.

Where can I buy tickets for a Viennese ball?

You can purchase tickets for most Vienna balls online on the event organizers’ websites. In some cases, you may need to make a written request (e.g., Jäger Ball) or you can buy tickets directly at the ball office in addition to the online sale (e.g., Vienna Philharmonic Ball). Generally, there are no tickets available at the door.

How much do tickets for a Viennese ball cost?

Ticket prices vary, but they usually range from € 120 to € 210. There are exceptions, both higher and lower. For example, tickets for the Opera Ball cost € 410, while you can attend the Flowers Ball at the City Hall for just € 80.

Tip: Most balls offer discounts for students. For example, you can attend the Ball of Sciences for € 40 or get tickets for the Vienna Philharmonic Ball for € 75. Occasionally, there are cheaper tickets for younger non-students, such as at the Confectioners’ Ball (70 € for guests born in 2000 or later).

What’s included in my ball ticket?

Standard tickets (“flaneur tickets”) only include entry to the ball and access to all the rooms. Seating, food, and drinks are not included in the ticket price and must be paid separately. I was quite surprised during my first ball visit that access to the ball’s opening ceremony wasn’t necessarily included with the ticket.

If you want to guarantee a seat at one of the tables, you must book that separately. You can book individual seats or entire tables, and in some cases, even boxes. Prices depend on the booked room and can vary from ball to ball.

Here are a few examples to give you some orientation: At the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, a seat at a table costs between € 105 and € 400, while at the Confectioners’ Ball, you’ll pay between € 45 and € 255 per seat plus the entrance ticket to the ball.

As mentioned, not every ball attendee can experience the ball’s opening ceremony in the grand hall. If you want to be there live, make sure to check if the hall is accessible to everyone and arrive early to secure a standing spot. If you don’t manage to get a place, you can usually follow the opening via live stream from other rooms.

At the Opera Ball, you can purchase extra tickets for a fixed seat or standing place during the opening ceremony (prices range from € 100 to € 250, in addition to your entrance ticket). On the day of the ball, there are also free standing spots available in the ballroom, first-come, first-served.

Dress Code: What should I wear to a Viennese ball?

At a ball, you should dress in line with the festive atmosphere. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to feel like a princess (or prince) for once and walk up the grand staircase in a beautiful ball gown? For me, the fun starts even with trying on different dresses, it’s such an incredible moment that you should really take your time for.

But back to the question of dress codes, which vary from ball to ball and are sometimes strictly enforced for example, at the Jägerball, wearing a dirndl or traditional suit is appropriate, at the Rudolfina Redoute, women need to wear a mask, and at many balls, uniforms are allowed. I recommend checking the dress code for each ball in advance, which you can usually find on the ball’s website or on your ticket.

Generally, the dress code is as follows:

• For women: a floor-length evening dress or large ball gown, no cocktail or party dresses.
• For men: tailcoat or tuxedo – no suit, no tie.

Tip: Don’t wear shoes that are too high or uncomfortable – you’ll be standing, dancing, and walking around all evening. Trust me, I had a very painful experience with this at my first ball. If you don’t want to give up high heels, at least bring a more comfortable pair of shoes with you. You can leave them at the coat check and change when needed.

Do I need to know how to dance to attend a ball?

No worries, dancing is part of the Vienna ball culture, but it’s absolutely not a requirement. Even if you don’t know the dance steps, you are still very welcome. Additionally, not all dances at a ball are waltzes, there are areas with modern music or lounges with club atmosphere. In short: You can enjoy a ball in Vienna even without a dance course!

If you’d like to refresh your waltz skills, there are a number of dance schools in Vienna that offer special ball courses.

Do I need a partner to attend a ball?

No, you can attend with your family, as a couple, with friends, or even on your own, whatever suits you best.

At some balls, there are so-called taxi dancers who are hired by the organizers and will be happy to dance with you if you don’t have a partner.

What can I expect at a ball?

Besides the obvious – dancing – a ball offers much more than that. Here are some highlights:

• Opening Ceremony: The most beautiful part of a ball is the opening ceremony. It’s something special when the debutantes enter the ballroom, the ladies in long white dresses, the men in tailcoats, and they end up opening the ball with a waltz. After the “Alles Walzer” (All Waltz), the dance floor is open for all other ball guests. There are usually performances in between such as dance shows, music, singing, etc.
• Music and Dance: Classical orchestras, modern bands, and DJs provide variety.
• The Midnight Quadrille: Led by a dance master, pairs of dancers face each other and dance together, a really fun but also very exhausting experience that you shouldn’t miss. Make sure to secure your spot!
• Side Program: In addition, there’s often a colorful side program with various guest stars, show dances, photo spots, raffles and more.
• Food and Drink: There are bars and buffets and if you have a reserved seat, food and drinks are often served to you.
• Explore the different rooms and observe the ball guests in their magnificent gowns: Admiring the most beautiful ball dresses is a must.

Can I become a debutante at a Viennese ball?

Yes, that’s generally possible, as long as you meet certain requirements! These vary from ball to ball, so it’s best to check on the event’s website.

Generally, the following criteria are important:

• Age: Most balls have a minimum and maximum age for participation. For example, at the Opera Ball, women must be between 18 and 25 years old, and men between 18 and 28 years old.
• Waltz skills: Good waltz knowledge is essential! Some balls even require you to know how to dance the left waltz.
• Dress code: Women need a floor-length white ball gown, and men typically need a tailcoat. There are often additional requirements, such as gloves, hairstyles, etc.
• Registration deadlines: You’ll find the registration deadlines on the ball organizers’ websites or dance school pages. You must meet these deadlines. After registering, you will be invited to an audition. If you’re selected, there will be one or more rehearsals before the big day.
• Partner: At some balls, registration is only possible as a couple.

How long does a ball last?

Balls usually start between 9 and 10 p.m., with entry about 1 to 1.5 hours before the opening ceremony. They end in the early morning hours, usually between 4 and 5 a.m., traditionally with the song “Brüderlein fein,” but of course, you can leave whenever you want. A special event is the Elmayer Kränzchen on Shrove Tuesday, which marks the end of Carnival and the ball season each year. It’s the only Vienna ball that starts at 6 PM and ends at midnight.

Which are the most beautiful balls in Vienna?

With such a wide selection of balls, it’s not easy to choose. Think about what’s most important to you: Do you want to experience a classic and elegant ball, or would you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere? The location can also be a deciding factor f, rom the magnificent Hofburg, where most balls take place, to the impressive City Hall, the Musikverein, Palais Ferstel or the Wiener Konzerthaus. And of course, your budget plays a role in finding the perfect ball for you.

Wiener Opernball (Vienna Opera Ball)

The Vienna Opera Ball is the most expensive and well-known ball in Vienna, attracting many star guests and celebrities from Austria and abroad every year. The opening ceremony features performances by stars of the Vienna State Opera, and the event is broadcast live on television.

WHEN :
February 12, 2026
WHERE :
Vienna State Opera
TICKET PRICES :
410 €
Tickets for the opening: 100 € – 250 € in addition to the ball ticket
Table shares: 230 €/seat in addition to the ball ticket
TICKET SALES :
Regular ticket sale has already ended and tickets are sold out. There is now a waiting list to buy a ticket only in combination with a table reservation.
STATUS AS OF OCTOBER 2025:
Sold out, registration for the waiting list in combination with a table is possible.

Ball der Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Ball)

Another highlight of Vienna’s ball season is the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, held in the Musikverein, the home of the Vienna Philharmonic, who also perform during the opening.

WHEN :
January 22, 2026
WHERE :
Musikverein
TICKET PRICES :
220 €, Students: 75 €
Table shares: 105 € – 400 €/seat – in addition to the ball ticket (available from October 6 via email)
TICKET SALES :
Starting January 12, 2026, at 9.30 a.m. online, by phone or at the Vienna Philharmonic ticket office (Kärntner Ring 12)

ZuckerBäckerball (Confectioner’s Ball)

The “sweetest” ball in Vienna features not only a magnificent venue but also a variety of program highlights such as star guests, ballet performances, a live confectionery workshop, and more.

WHEN :
January 15, 2026
WHERE :
Wiener Hofburg
TICKET PRICES :
155 €, born in 2000 or later: 70 €
TICKET SALES :
Tickets available online

Wiener Kaffeesiederball (Vienna Coffeehouse Owners’ Ball)

WHEN :
January 23, 2026
WHERE :
Wiener Hofburg
TICKET PRICES :
210 €, Students up to 26 years: 96 €
TICKET SALES:
Tickets available online

Other famous Viennese balls:

• Ball der Wissenschaften (Ball of Sciences)
• Jägerball (Hunter’s Ball)
• Elmayerkränzchen
• Rudolfina Redoute
• Blumenball (Flower Ball)
• and more.

Extra tip: The dress rehearsal of the Vienna Opera Ball

If you can’t attend the Vienna Opera Ball itself but still want a little glimpse into the magic, I highly recommend the dress rehearsal the evening before (February 11, 2026) ! It’s a wonderful opportunity to admire the beautifully decorated opera house and get an exciting preview of the opening ceremony.

The event lasts around two hours, but it’s not a dance event. Instead, you can stroll through the festively decorated rooms, marvel at the stunning grand staircase, snap some photos, and watch the dress rehearsal of the opening. You’ll see the debutantes (not yet in their white dresses), famous opera stars (in 2024, it was for example Elīna Garanča) and the ballet. Tickets for the 2026 dress rehearsal range from € 40 (for standing tickets) to € 100.

Due to high demand, tickets for the dress rehearsal will be allocated via a lottery system. From November 11, 2025 at 11.11 a.m. until November 18, 2025 at 11.59 p.m., you can register through a form on the Vienna State Opera’s website (maximum of 4 tickets per person). By December 12, 2025 at the latest, you will be notified whether you have the opportunity to purchase tickets.

Vienna’s ball season is a fabulous way to experience the city at its most glamorous, a highlight you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a dancing pro or just there to soak in the atmosphere, you’re sure to have a magical time.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to message me!