The Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Staatsoper Opernball) is the most famous and popular of the Viennese balls, which are held annually in various opera houses and concert halls Vienna in winter. This ball takes place at the Vienna State Opera. In 2017, the Vienna Opera Ball will take place on February 23.

The ball season in Vienna begins in November after St. Martin’s Day and lasts until March. However, the most points fall in February. The Vienna Ball is shown live on TV and is one of the largest cultural events in the world.

The Vienna Ball takes place at the Vienna State Opera

About 5 thousand people visit the Vienna Ball every year. All guests of the ball are greeted on the red carpet, just like at Hollywood ceremonies. The entrance ticket price is impressive: from 390 to 18,500 euros (for a box near the tier or stage). You must buy a separate entrance ticket and a separate seat (or box) at the table. To watch the opening ceremony, you must also buy a separate spectator ticket.

There is a strict dress code at the entrance. Men must wear a tailcoat with a bow tie and patent leather shoes. Girls wear white ball gowns and a small crown. The ball begins at 10 pm with the President of Austria entering his honorary box.

Vienna Ball. Everyone dances

On the eve of the ball there is a dress rehearsal. Ticket prices for it are much lower than for the ball itself: from 15 to 45 euros.

Similar balls have been held in Vienna for more than 120 years, since 1877. Now they attract many tourists from all over the world.