Romantic ballroom events are as typically Austrian as the famous Sachertorte cake or a cup of Viennese melange coffee. With more than 400 events every year, Austria is the glamorous home of ballroom dancing, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.
However, there’s more to today’s balls than just doing the Viennese waltz or the quadrille. The opening dance and midnight interlude of the debutantes and debutants, the ladies’ gift, ball orchestra and a glass of champagne or two are the glamorous ingredients for an unforgettable night.
The ball season begins on November 11 of each year and traditionally ends on Shrove Tuesday. It reaches its peak in January and February. Some balls take place even later. Curious about what ball events take place in 2025? Take a look on the ball season calendar in Austria.
The most famous and biggest ball in Austria undoubtedly is the Vienna Opera Ball. Celebrities from all over the world come to this renowned event to do the waltz and enjoy the history-charged atmosphere of the Vienna State Opera. Tickets for the ball are so popular that it’s strongly advised to book your tickets for next year’s event right after this year’s ball. However, Austria’s ball season has more to offer than just the Vienna Opera Ball. With many other events all across the country, Austria is a paradise for ballroom dancers.
Vienna’s Parkhotel Schönbrunn also hosts many ballroom events throughout the season.
You’re visiting one of Vienna’s famous ballroom events and looking for a place to stay? Austria Trend Hotels are the perfect choice of accommodation, with comfortable luxury rooms waiting for you after a long night of dancing.
Before the ball, there’s no better place to get ready, have your shoes polished by our concierge service and relax than at an Austria Trend Hotel. On the next day, our traditional breakfast is the most delicious way to recharge your batteries after a long night of Viennese waltzing.
Can’t wait to visit a traditional Austrian ballroom event? Check out our exclusive ball packages.
Offer "Everbody waltz"It’s already more than 150 years ago that the Blue Danube Waltz was first performed in Vienna in early 1876. Johann Strauss’ world-famous melody is not just Austria’s unofficial national anthem but also a vital part of every ballroom event.
Are you ready for the big waltz? Thought of everything you need? In order to spend an unforgettable ball night in Vienna, Salzburg or any other Austrian city, it’s good to be prepared. With our checklist, you’re all set for a glamorous dance night!
Before the ball
• Book a hotel
• Break in new ball shoes
• Make a hair appointment
• Make a manicure & pedicure appointment
• Practice your dance steps
• Don’t forget the cufflinks
On the night of the ball
• Tickets
• Cash
• Beauty kit
• Blister pads
• Book a taxi
Do you know what a ladies’ gift is? Have you heard of flower pinching or dancing cards? Find out some interesting trivia about the history, terminology and traditions of ballroom events!
Ball history
Balls used to be veritable upper-class marriage markets. After all, it’s there that debutantes were introduced to marriageable men back then.
Blue Danube Waltz
It’s already more than 150 years ago that the Blue Danube Waltz was first performed in Vienna in early 1876. Johann Strauss’ world-famous melody is not just Austria’s unofficial national anthem but also a vital part of every ballroom event.
Bow tie
The famous bow tie was invented by Duchess Louise de La Vallière, the mistress of Louis XIV. She is said to have been the first to knot a tie into the distinctive “butterfly wings”.
At a ball, men are advised to wear white bow ties. After all, it’s the ball’s service staff that traditionally wears the black ones.
Candy Ball
At every Bonbon Ball, guests and jury elect the “Miss Bonbon”.
Dance card
On the dance card, female ball guests can note down their dance partners for the individual dances. The first and last dance of the evening are traditionally reserved for your date.
Dress code
Men are advised to wear a dark suit or dinner jacket with a discreet tie or a white bow tie. Those who like it more formal go for a tailcoat with a white shirt and bow tie. For the ladies, it’s either cocktail dress or evening gown.
Flower pinching
At the end of the night, guests are allowed to take home the ball’s floral decoration.
Ladies’ gift
The ladies’ gift is a small present for the female ball guests. Good news for the gents: some balls also have gentlemen’s gifts!
Opera Ball
Looking for a way to spend your money? The most expensive loge at Vienna’s famous Opera Ball can be rented for 20,500 Euros! Throughout the ball night, guests consume a whopping 1,800 pairs of sausages, 800 bottles of champagne and 800 bowls of goulash soup.
Quadrille
The quadrille is a French dance performed by the debutantes and debutants in pairs at midnight.
Taking off your tailcoat or jacket
… is not allowed.
Vienna
Although the tradition was born in France, Austria has become the home of ballroom events.
Wristwatches
… are a no-no at classic ballroom events. Rather go for a pocket watch!
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1020 Wien , Austria
Tel : +43 (1) 588 00-800
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