Black tie
Floor length or tuxedo
Evening gowns, tuxedos, velvet jackets, dress uniforms and national dress are all perfect.
Saturday, January 22, 2028
The evening
Black tie at Palais Aurelius, a baroque palais in the first district. Doors open at half past six; the carriages leave at two.
Champagne on the staircase
Coats to the cloakroom, a glass of Austrian sekt, a string quartet on the landing.
The ceremony
In the Hall of Mirrors. Twenty minutes, candlelit, in German and English.
Dinner in the ballroom
Four courses under the chandeliers. Speeches between courses, never during dessert.
The opening waltz
We open the floor, then the orchestra plays for everyone. A dance teacher will be on hand for beginners.
Midnight quadrille and goulash
The traditional ball quadrille, followed by the traditional ball goulash.
Carriages
Taxis and a few horse-drawn fiakers wait outside for the last guests.
Dressing for a Viennese ball
January
Bring a real coat
It will be around freezing outside. The cloakroom is staffed all night and the palais is warm.
Dancing
Shoes you can waltz in
The parquet is old and lovely. We will have slippers at the cloakroom for tired feet after midnight.
Where to stay
Hotel Kaiserhof Ring
Four minutes on foot from the palais. Room block until October 15.
Code ALINAMAX
Pension Mozartgasse
Small, family run and charming, with the best breakfast in the district.
From 140 euros
Grand Danube Suites
For a long weekend: spa, river views and a short tram ride to the ball.
From 260 euros