Ball Season in Vienna

Wintertime in Vienna is always brimming with majestic dance events. Ball Season officially begins on November 11th. Featuring elegantly dressed couples waltzing to the music of Johann Strauss II, this festive season in Vienna is the perfect precursor to New Year's celebrations.

When Ball Season Begins

At precisely 11:11am on November 11, Ball Season officially begins! Coinciding with the start of Fasching (Carnival), the season peaks in January and February, before ending on Shrove Tuesday. Throughout this festive season and right up until the Christian observance of Lent, Vienna may host more than 400 balls!

Belles of the Ball: What To Wear

During most traditional balls, women are expected to wear – to no surprise – a ball gown. This means an elegant, floor-sweeping dress, perhaps accessorized with gloves. This isn’t a time to give your wedding gown another wear, however: white dresses are strictly reserved for debutantes.

Men may be found wearing tailcoats, with the most dapper dancers sporting tuxedoes and bowties. However, men may only wear a white tie if they are also wearing a tailcoat. Some more contemporary balls may allow for suits, but why not embrace the chance to go full Prince Charming? 

How a Ball Rolls

If you’re an “early to bed, early to rise” type you may need to work in a nap before getting dolled up for the evening. Most balls don't begin until 9 or 10pm!

Debutants traditionally lead off the night. These young first-timers open with a polonaise (a group dance) and a choreographed waltz before the emcee announces, "Alles Walzer!" With this signal (meaning “Let the waltz begin!”), the dance floor is open to all attendees until midnight, when the orchestra will likely break into Johann Strauss’ Fledermaus Quadrille. Just make sure your ride home doesn’t turn into a pumpkin: even at midnight, the ball won't be even halfway over yet!

Too Many Balls in the Air: How to choose a ball

Today, there are so many balls to choose from that it can be overwhelming. Nearly every professional guild hosts its own ball, from the Viennese Chimneysweeps to the Vienna Physicians. Some notable Viennese balls include the Confectioners' Ball, which features a competition of cake artistry; the Flower Ball, decorated with lavish floral arrangements by city gardeners; and the Rainbow Ball, supporting Vienna’s LGBTIQ community.

Balls that take place in 2025 are sure to be particularly rich in tradition as they celebrate the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II!

While it may be more difficult to seek out an opulent ball in your corner of North America this winter, you can still make your heart waltz at Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert.