The Winter Balls of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Carl Christian - January 10th, 2012

As my own hometown of Boston slips into hibernation after the first of the year – as do many northern cities in the midst of winter – Vienna’s Ball Season comes to life. Each year more than 300 balls take place in Vienna from New Year’s Eve until early March. The city of waltzes, with its three-quarter rhythm, plays host to both traditional and contemporary sounds, offering music for every taste.

Ever dream about dancing the waltz at one of Vienna’s many famous balls? Here are a few of this year’s highlights.

Enjoy making your plans to attend one of these Balls,

Carl

Imperial Ball
December 31, 2011
On New Year’s Eve the Hofburg Vienna hosted the 41th Imperial Ball (Kaiserball). The ball was held under the banner of “That’s Entertainment” with music by Frank Sinatra and Robbie Williams alongside classic Viennese waltzes.

Flower Ball
January 13, 2012
The Flower Ball at the Viennese Town Hall is held by the garden workers of Vienna and is dedicated to “150 years of Viennese city gardens”
ball@m42.magwien.gv.at.

Vienna Philharmonic Ball
January 19, 2012
One of the most high profile balls. This renowned orchestra holds its ball in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, one of the worlds most imposing concert halls, familiar to TV viewers all over the globe as the venue of the New Year’s Day Concert.
www.wienerphilharmoniker.at

Pharmacists’ Ball in the Imperial Palace
January 21, 2012
The stately atmosphere of the Imperial Palace provides the spectacular setting for many of the most traditional balls during Carnival in Vienna. www.pharmacieball.at

Engineers’ Ball in the Imperial Palace
January 26, 2012
The “Ball der Technik” is the Ball in Vienna with the oldest tradition. Among many famous students, Strauss brothers Johann und Joseph studied at the “Polytechnisches Institut” before they started their world careers as musicians and composers. For the last 30 years, this famous Ball takes place in the Imperial Palace, and is well known for its excellent music and its lively atmosphere.
www.music.at/tu-ball

Vienna Medical Doctor’s Ball
January 28, 2012
The “Wiener Ärzteball” in the stunning ballrooms of Vienna Hofburg is famous for its elaborate and splendid decorations. The last Saturday of January belongs annually to thousands of dancing doctors. The Vienna Medical Doctor’s Ball has earned an outstanding role amongst the many traditional ball events.
www.aerzteball.at

Ball of the Green Cross – Hunters’ Ball
January 30, 2012
The “Jaegerball” is a special event, where almost everybody is turned out in elegant variations of Austria’s traditional costumes.
www.verein-grueneskreuz.at

Ball of the Viennese Coffee House Owners
February 10, 2012
This ball is highly appreciated by the local population because of its typically Viennese ambiance and is virtually regarded as a smaller version of the Opera Ball. It is also the largest prestigious ball in the Vienna carnival calendar with over 5,000 guests. The opening program is comparable with the Opera Ball: the debutantes are just as festively dressed and the Vienna State Opera Ballet accompanied by the Opera Ball orchestra also performs. Every year an internationally renowned show band is invited. Altogether there are six orchestras playing, not to mention the smaller musical groups.
www.kaffeesiederball.at

Johann Strauss Ball in the Vienna Kursalon
February 11, 2012
Experience the romance of a true Viennese Ball in the magnificent setting of the Kursalon, one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the city and the original location of Strauss’ promenade concerts.
www.soundofvienna.at

Opera Ball
February 16, 2012
The Opera Ball, held at Vienna’s magnificent State Opera House, is deemed the epitome of ball culture and a top-calibre social event, attracting celebrities from around the globe. This mega event is fully given over to waltzing bliss at a venue where usually opera stars make their big-time stage appearances. The 186 couples dancing the opening polonaise – ladies dressed in white and men in black – experience their “introduction to Viennese society.” For others, it is an unforgettable evening at this imposing edifice on Vienna’s Ringstrasse Boulevard.
www.staatsoper.at

Bonbon Ball in the Konzerthaus
February 17, 2012
The Bonbon Ball is the only ball event taking place in the Konzerthaus, home of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Up to 4,000 guests can dance in the four concert halls. A jury elects a Miss and Mister Bonbon from the guests, and their weight in confectioneries is then donated to charity.
www.bonbonball.at

Lawyers’ Ball in the Imperial Palace
February 18, 2012
The Lawyers’ Ball can look back on a tradition of almost 200 years. This classically elegant ball is opened by the Austrian Minister of Justice and attracts lawyers from around the world. Many international organizations arrange meetings to coincide with the ball. The highlight at midnight, as at other prestigious balls, is the quadrille, which has been danced since the 19th century. The most popular is the Fledermaus quadrille by Johann Strauss.
www.juristenball.at

Rudolfina Masked Ball in the Imperial Palace
February 20, 2012
The Rudolfina Redoute is the oldest and most steeped in tradition. The style of the mask for ladies, covering only the eyes, should resemble the Operetta “Die Fledermaus.” After the traditional “Mask-off” dance at midnight, ladies and gentlemen dance till dawn.
www.rudolfina.at

“Elmayer Kränzchen” – Elmayer School of Dancing Ball in the Imperial Palace
February 21, 2012
Amongst the hundreds of ball festivities in Vienna this is the only Viennese ball that starts as early as 6 pm and is terminated at midnight. You can enjoy dinner, dance throughout the evening to the sound of several orchestras in various rooms of the Hofburg, and watch the spectacular opening ceremony with about 400 debutants.
www.elmayer.at