From sweatpants to cosplay, here are some surprising twists of Vienna's annual ball season
Almanac Palais ViennaWhile the formal dress and classic dances of the Vienna balls have prevailed since the early 1800s, some events are taking unique approaches to the tradition.
Since the early 1800s, locals and visitors have been gathering in the ballrooms of Vienna, Austria, to waltz the night away. Originally organised to entertain distinguished nobles and politicians gathered in the capital after the Congress of Vienna, the annual ball tradition has continued into the present day with thousands of people breaking out their finest clothing and gliding across dancefloors under magnificent chandeliers.
The city's ball season starts in November and continues until Shrove Tuesday (4 March 2025), with January and February marking the peak of the season. More than 450 balls take place in Vienna each year. These are typically formal and ceremonial affairs with a strict dress code of ball gowns and tuxedos, where modern accessories like wrist watches are considered a considered a faux pas. However, in recent years, more unique events have cropped up as well, led largely by a younger generation.
"There are more modern balls – young in both their origins and audience – where the dress codes are more relaxed," says Helena Steinhart, PR manager of the Vienna Tourist Board.
Dress Code
While the dress code varies, female attendees are generally expected to wear floor-length evening gowns, while men typically don black tailcoats with a white bow tie and black shoes. For those who don't want to bring their formal attire, there are plenty of rental opportunities available in the city during the season.
If you're interested in attending a ball this year, a full list can be found online, with each dance selling tickets or spaces on the waiting list on their own sites.
One example is the annual Wiener Hip-hop Ball (15 February 2025). Launched five years ago, this ball is a fascinating blend of old and new, where participants pair traditional formal dress with trainers and dance to hip-hop music rather than the waltz.
For an even more relaxed ball experience, visitors can attend the Sweatpants Ball on 1 March. "The dress code is, quite literally, in the name," quipped Steinhart.
Vienna Tourist BoardMany newer balls have also been launched to create space for communities who might be uncomfortable at some of the more traditional events. The Rainbow Ball, for example, which took place on 25 January, specifically caters to the LGBT community and features a welcoming atmosphere for same-sex dancing couples.
Other interesting events include the annual Vegan Ball, which includes a vegan gala dinner; and the Comic Con ball, where guests are encouraged to show up in cosplay as their favourite character.
More like this:
• A designer's guide to artisanal shopping in Vienna
• What it's like to live in the world's most liveable cities for 2024
• A queer dance champion's guide to experiencing queer tango in Buenos Aires
Tickets for this year's ball season are still available, though some of the larger and more well-known balls, such as the Opera Ball (27 February 2025) are waiting list only. Resale tickets can sometimes be found online, though Steinhart cautions that this option is best for German speakers as there's no formal website to find them. Visitors can also book a tour package that includes a ball experience; or stay at one of several hotels in Vienna that offer ball-themed packages, such as the one at Almanac Palais.
--
If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week.