Dance Trips to Vienna

A grand ballroom filled with elegantly dressed attendees at a formal event, with chandeliers, large floral arrangements, and a stage at the front. People are taking photos, and a large screen displays the text 'WIENER KAFFEESEIDERBALL' with a coffee cup logo.

Experience the Splendor of Vienna Ball Season with Ballroom Dance Chicago

Step into a world of elegance and tradition with our annual journey to Vienna's prestigious ball season. For lovers of dance and culture, this is an unparalleled experience. Every year, we attend two of the grandest events in the Viennese social calendar—the Kaffeesiederball and the Vienna Opera Ball—set within the historic Hofburg Palace and the Vienna State Opera House. With their opulent venues, strict dress codes, and timeless waltzes, these balls transport you to a world of glamour and sophistication.

As seasoned attendees, we handle every detail, from securing the best tickets and seating to offering full itineraries and recommended hotels as well as flight recommendations to make the most of your trip. This ensures that you can focus on soaking up the breathtaking atmosphere, from the grand openings to the midnight quadrille. Whether you’re attending for the first time or a seasoned ballroom dancer, this trip offers an experience like no other.

See pictures from our 2025 trip to the Opernball!

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Ball Prep Lessons

Ballroom Dance Chicago at the 2025 Opera Ball

Night view of a the Vienna State Opera building for the 2026 Opera Ball. It is a stone building with a large red modern frame in front, advertising the Wiener Opernball, in an urban area with streetlights and tram tracks.

Night view of a the Vienna State Opera building for the 2026 Opera Ball. It is a stone building with a large red modern frame in front, advertising the Wiener Opernball, in an urban area with streetlights and tram tracks.

Night view of an ornate historic building with arched windows, detailed stonework, and a sculpture of a lion on top, illuminated at night.

Night view of an ornate historic building with arched windows, detailed stonework, and a sculpture of a lion on top, illuminated at night.

View of an elegant corridor with red curtains and a red carpet, featuring ornate columns and ceiling. Several people are walking in the corridor.

View of an elegant corridor with red curtains and a red carpet, featuring ornate columns and ceiling. Several people are walking in the corridor.

A grand hallway with ornate arches and columns, illuminated by hanging lights. The floor and stairs are covered in red carpet, with some people standing near the entrance, and one person on the right using a phone.

A grand hallway with ornate arches and columns, illuminated by hanging lights. The floor and stairs are covered in red carpet, with some people standing near the entrance, and one person on the right using a phone.

People attend a formal event in a grand, ornate hall with high ceilings, elaborate gold and cream decorations, and sculptures. The hall features a red-carpeted staircase and a spiral staircase, with numerous floral arrangements and lighting.

People attend a formal event in a grand, ornate hall with high ceilings, elaborate gold and cream decorations, and sculptures. The hall features a red-carpeted staircase and a spiral staircase, with numerous floral arrangements and lighting.

Interior of an ornate hall or theater with high decorated ceilings, large paintings, sculptures, and floral arrangements. People in formal attire are present, some talking and others standing on a balcony.

Interior of an ornate hall or theater with high decorated ceilings, large paintings, sculptures, and floral arrangements. People in formal attire are present, some talking and others standing on a balcony.

Elegant interior of a grand ornate building with gold accents, marble statues, and colorful floral arrangements. People are dressed formally and watching a performance on a stage with a large red structure.

Elegant interior of a grand ornate building with gold accents, marble statues, and colorful floral arrangements. People are dressed formally and watching a performance on a stage with a large red structure.

View of an elegant ballroom filled with seated guests and a few standing, with the perspective from a balcony where three people in formal attire are observing the scene.

View of an elegant ballroom filled with seated guests and a few standing, with the perspective from a balcony where three people in formal attire are observing the scene.

A large ballroom filled with guests, with women in white dresses and men in black tuxedos, some dancers in traditional attire performing on a wooden floor, balconies decorated with flowers, and a large floral arrangement hanging from the ceiling.

A large ballroom filled with guests, with women in white dresses and men in black tuxedos, some dancers in traditional attire performing on a wooden floor, balconies decorated with flowers, and a large floral arrangement hanging from the ceiling.

Audience in theater watching a performance with floral decorations.

Audience in theater watching a performance with floral decorations.

View of a packed opera house with audience members watching a performance on stage and the balcony levels filled with spectators, decorated with flowers and ornate details.

View of a packed opera house with audience members watching a performance on stage and the balcony levels filled with spectators, decorated with flowers and ornate details.

Audience members dressed in formal attire, seated in a lavish theater with ornate balconies decorated with flowers, attending a performance or event.

Audience members dressed in formal attire, seated in a lavish theater with ornate balconies decorated with flowers, attending a performance or event.

View of multiple balcony tiers in a theater filled with formally dressed audience members, some standing, some seated, with floral decorations and ornate woodwork.

View of multiple balcony tiers in a theater filled with formally dressed audience members, some standing, some seated, with floral decorations and ornate woodwork.

People dressed in formal evening wear standing and watching a performance or event in an ornate theater with red and gold decor.

People dressed in formal evening wear standing and watching a performance or event in an ornate theater with red and gold decor.

View of a grand ballroom filled with people dancing at a formal event, with multiple tiers of balconies and floral decorations, seen from a balcony with some guests taking photos.

View of a grand ballroom filled with people dancing at a formal event, with multiple tiers of balconies and floral decorations, seen from a balcony with some guests taking photos.

Crowd of people in formal attire inside a grand theater with balconies, chandeliers, and floral decorations, at a formal event or ball.

Crowd of people in formal attire inside a grand theater with balconies, chandeliers, and floral decorations, at a formal event or ball.

Crowd of people dressed in formal attire at a ballroom event, with floral decorations in the foreground and elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

Crowd of people dressed in formal attire at a ballroom event, with floral decorations in the foreground and elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

A woman in a purple evening gown and a man in a tuxedo pose together on a red carpet at a formal event in a grand ballroom filled with many attendees in evening attire, with balconies and chandeliers overhead.

A woman in a purple evening gown and a man in a tuxedo pose together on a red carpet at a formal event in a grand ballroom filled with many attendees in evening attire, with balconies and chandeliers overhead.

A ballroom filled with people dancing, with multiple tiers of balconies, ornate chandeliers, and elegant decorations.

A ballroom filled with people dancing, with multiple tiers of balconies, ornate chandeliers, and elegant decorations.

People dressed in formal attire attending a grand concert or opera at a large, ornate theater with multiple balconies decorated with floral arrangements.

People dressed in formal attire attending a grand concert or opera at a large, ornate theater with multiple balconies decorated with floral arrangements.

People dancing at a formal ballroom event, with many of them dressed in evening wear, including tuxedos and gowns, in a decorated grand hall with floral arrangements and balconies.

People dancing at a formal ballroom event, with many of them dressed in evening wear, including tuxedos and gowns, in a decorated grand hall with floral arrangements and balconies.

People dressed in formal attire inside a grand ballroom with chandeliers, lined up along a dance floor.

People dressed in formal attire inside a grand ballroom with chandeliers, lined up along a dance floor.

Elegant gala or concert hall with an ornate ceiling decorated with multiple chandeliers and draped fabric, filled with people seated in lounge boxes and the audience below.

Elegant gala or concert hall with an ornate ceiling decorated with multiple chandeliers and draped fabric, filled with people seated in lounge boxes and the audience below.

A large ballroom filled with people dressed in formal attire, attending a ball or gala event, with multiple elevated balconies decorated with flowers and chandeliers overhead.

A large ballroom filled with people dressed in formal attire, attending a ball or gala event, with multiple elevated balconies decorated with flowers and chandeliers overhead.

People attending a formal ballroom event in elegant attire, with multiple balconies, chandeliers, and floral decorations.

People attending a formal ballroom event in elegant attire, with multiple balconies, chandeliers, and floral decorations.

People dressed in formal attire at a packed theater with a balcony, ornate chandeliers, floral decorations, and a red velvet curtain.

People dressed in formal attire at a packed theater with a balcony, ornate chandeliers, floral decorations, and a red velvet curtain.

Elegant banquet hall with large crystal chandeliers, decorated for a formal event, with guests seated at round tables covered with white tablecloths, and large windows along one side of the room.

Elegant banquet hall with large crystal chandeliers, decorated for a formal event, with guests seated at round tables covered with white tablecloths, and large windows along one side of the room.

People dressed in formal attire gathered at a banquet, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and windows along the walls.

People dressed in formal attire gathered at a banquet, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and windows along the walls.

Table at a formal event with a white tablecloth, a small stand with the number 20, and two empty wine glasses.

Table at a formal event with a white tablecloth, a small stand with the number 20, and two empty wine glasses.

A menu written in German with sections for desserts, sparkling wine, champagne, other beverages, and cocktails, held in a person's hand inside a restaurant with glasses of wine and water bottles visible in the background.

A menu written in German with sections for desserts, sparkling wine, champagne, other beverages, and cocktails, held in a person's hand inside a restaurant with glasses of wine and water bottles visible in the background.

An elegant banquet hall with guests seated at round tables, waitstaff serving, and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, with a stage and a red carpeted staircase in the background.

An elegant banquet hall with guests seated at round tables, waitstaff serving, and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, with a stage and a red carpeted staircase in the background.

An elegant event in a large ballroom with hanging chandeliers, a crowd of well-dressed people, and round tables with white tablecloths.

An elegant event in a large ballroom with hanging chandeliers, a crowd of well-dressed people, and round tables with white tablecloths.

Three people in formal attire sitting at a table during a banquet or formal event, with glasses, bottles, and ice bucket on the table, in a decorated, elegant setting.

Three people in formal attire sitting at a table during a banquet or formal event, with glasses, bottles, and ice bucket on the table, in a decorated, elegant setting.

A man in a tuxedo holding a plate with a hot dog, a bread roll, and napkin, in a formal event setting.

A man in a tuxedo holding a plate with a hot dog, a bread roll, and napkin, in a formal event setting.

Person holding a piece of sausage on a decorative plate with a roll of bread and a pamphlet, surrounded by glasses and bottles of water.

Person holding a piece of sausage on a decorative plate with a roll of bread and a pamphlet, surrounded by glasses and bottles of water.

A dinner plate with a bread roll, hot dog links, shredded cheese, and mustard on a dining table, surrounded by wine glasses, bottles, and a person in a floral dress in the background.

A dinner plate with a bread roll, hot dog links, shredded cheese, and mustard on a dining table, surrounded by wine glasses, bottles, and a person in a floral dress in the background.

About Dance Trips

  • For most attendees, our Vienna trip typically spans five to ten days, giving you plenty of time to explore the city’s rich culture before and after the ball you choose to attend (most people only attend one ball, but we do have attendees who come to both). Upon arrival, you'll settle into your accommodation—guided by us and handpicked by you to suit your budget and preferences—and enjoy tours through some of Vienna’s top sites, like Schönbrunn Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

    In January, the Blumenball (Flower Ball) transforms Vienna’s City Hall into a breathtaking floral wonderland, perfect for those drawn to beauty, romance, and Viennese charm. Shortly after, the Ball der Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Ball) offers an exclusive and musically rich evening in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, hosted by one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras. Closely following, the Wiener Kaffeesiederball (Coffeemakers’ Ball) takes over the Hofburg Palace with a lively blend of classical elegance and late-night dancing, capturing the spirit of Vienna’s beloved coffeehouse culture. Finally, the season culminates with the Wiener Opernball (Vienna Opera Ball) at the world-renowned State Opera—an iconic and glamorous event that brings the Viennese ball season to a dazzling close.

    While we don’t attend every one of these events each year, we can guide you through every step of the experience, from understanding the intricate dress code to navigating the formal etiquette, ensuring you are fully immersed in the Viennese ball tradition.

    Our annual trip is usually late January or February, but some of our clients choose to travel to Vienna earlier in the season to attend a ball or two independently. If our doesn’t fit your schedule, check our blog for recommendations on January balls in Vienna.

  • If you're new to the Vienna ball scene, we recommend attending the Kaffeesiederball before considering the Vienna Opera Ball. Here’s why:

    The Kaffeesiederball, held at the historic Hofburg Imperial Palace, is a formal yet approachable event, offering a grand Viennese ball experience at a fraction of the cost of the Opera Ball. With ticket prices typically a quarter of those for the Opera Ball, it’s a great entry point. The dress code is more lenient as well—men are required to wear tuxedos (not the more formal tails needed at the Opera Ball), and while both balls mandate floor-length gowns for women, the Kaffeesiederball is more forgiving if you don’t strictly adhere to every rule.

    In contrast, the Opera Ball is a highly exclusive event with stringent dress codes and extensive rules. Attendees must follow a detailed guide—literally pages of rules—which can be overwhelming for first-time ball-goers. Additionally, without the proper attire, such as tails for men, you won’t be allowed entry, whereas the Kaffeesiederball offers a more relaxed, yet still elegant, experience.

    For these reasons, we only extend invitations to new ball attendees for the Kaffeesiederball. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Viennese ball culture without the additional pressures of the Opera Ball, which we reserve for experienced guests who are comfortable navigating its complex etiquette.

  • It's important to note that this trip is not fully organized or booked by us. We only handle the purchase of ball tickets, dinner before the event, food and drink at the event, and chaperoning. However, we do offer comprehensive guidance on the whole trip. You will ultimately design your trip according to your preferences, but we provide various suggested approaches for flights, hotels, and cultural experiences, catering to different budgets.

    Here’s a general summary of costs:

    • Ball Tickets: Prices range from $700 to $1,700 per person, depending on seating and table options. The Blumenball and Kaffeesiederball offers more flexible pricing, while the Ball der Wiener Philharmoniker and Opera Balls are more expensive due to their exclusivity.

    • Airfare: Round-trip flights to Vienna from the U.S. range from $900 to $5,000, depending on booking time, airline, and comfort level.

    • Accommodations: Vienna has a wide variety of hotels. Luxury options like Hotel Sacher start at $700+ per night, while boutique hotels and Airbnbs in the city center can be found for as low as $150 per night.

    • Dining: Plan to spend around $30 to $250 per day on meals, especially if you explore Vienna’s renowned culinary scene.

    • Cultural Experiences: Expect to spend $50 to $100 per day on cultural activities. This includes museum entries (around $18 to $23 per person) and guided tours (group tours range from $16 to $32, and private tours from $105 to $210).

    • To summarize, a budget-conscious solo traveler can expect to spend around $4,000, while a luxury-oriented trip can easily exceed $15,000.

  • While it's entirely possible to attend a Viennese ball without setting foot on the dance floor (watching the grand performances and festive atmosphere is entertainment enough!), we strongly encourage you to prepare for dancing. The heart of a Viennese ball is the dance floor, and mastering the traditional waltz or other ballroom dances will enhance your experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, there's something magical about gliding across the floor at such an elegant event.

    For those in the Chicago area, we highly recommend taking lessons at Ballroom Dance Chicago where we have a ball specific branch of the studio called Waltz Academy. Our expert instructors will equip you with the skills and confidence to shine on the dance floor at any ball—whether in Chicago or Vienna.

    If you're not in the Chicago area, we recommend finding a teacher experienced in International style Viennese Waltz and English Waltz as a starting point. These styles are essential for a Viennese ball and will give you solid foundational skills.

  • Day 1 - travel day

    Pre-ball days are usually focsued on exploring the rich cultural of Vienna.

    On Day 2, you'll visit iconic landmarks like the Hofburg Imperial Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral, and stroll through the city center, taking in Vienna's blend of historical and modern architecture. The day also includes a visit to the Vienna State Opera, where you'll immerse yourself in the city's famed musical tradition, even if you don't attend a performance. You’ll also visit the Naschmarkt, a lively open-air market where you can sample fresh produce, pastries, cheeses, and explore the many stalls of international food.

    Day 3 involves diving deeper into Vienna’s art and cultural history. You'll start with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s finest art museums, showcasing pieces by masters such as Caravaggio and Vermeer. Following this, you'll stroll along the Graben and Kohlmarkt, famous streets filled with elegant shops and historic buildings.

    Day 4 is dedicated to preparations for the Kaffeesiederball. You'll rest up during the day, and in the evening, you'll head to the Hofburg Palace, transformed into a grand ball venue. The ball experience includes witnessing the grand opening ceremony with debutantes, live music in multiple halls, and the excitement of waltzing on the palace's lavish dance floors. Late-night food like Würstel (Viennese sausages) keeps the energy going as the event continues into the early morning with lively performances and dancing.

    Post-ball days allow for a more relaxed exploration of the city

    Day 5 is all about relaxation and recovery. After a long lunch and a glass of grüner, you might visit the Albertina Museum or enjoy a leisurely coffee in one of Vienna’s historic cafes, indulging in a slice of Sacher Torte.

    Day 6 includes a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, a magnificent baroque palace that was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. You’ll also explore the vibrant MuseumsQuartier, a hub for contemporary art. The trip wraps up with more time to explore Vienna’s culinary scene and perhaps revisit favorite landmarks.

    Day 7 - travel day

  • First, fill out the inquiry form to see if space is still available. We highly recommend inquiring early as our trips have incredibly limited space, with only about 12 people attending each ball, and we often receive more inquiries than we can accommodate.

    Be aware that decisions for the February ball season are typically finalized by the end of August. Each year, we negotiate for a limited number of tickets, so early registration is crucial for securing your spot in this exclusive experience.

    To attend the 2026 Season, you should be in touch with us no later than May 25th, 2025. Once we have confirmed availability, to ensure your spot, we require a $250 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit.

    Once we’ve finalized details with the ball staff and have a contract for tickets, we will request the remaining balance, which you will need to submit within one week of the request.

    Other than that, the real difficulty is choosing how to spend your time in Vienna - a city steeped in culture and tradition with endless restaurants, museums, galleries, shops, and historical sites vying for your attention.

Crowd of people dancing and socializing at a formal event in a grand theater with chandeliers and multiple balconies at the 2026 Opera Ball in Vienna.

Inquire About Dance Trips To Vienna

Tickets for the 2026 season are already allocated.
If you missed your chance, use the form below to leave your contact information. We'll be in touch in March of 2026 about the 2027 Ball Season so you can confirm your spot before tickets open to the public.

FAQ

  • There are 3 balls we are currently considering. All ticket prices include pre-ball dinner with all participants, a seated table for the night, beverages, and of course, sacherwürstel!

    Blumenball (Flower Ball)

    Friday, January 16, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 5:00 AM

    If you’re enchanted by beauty, romance, and the magic of flowers, the Blumenball—also known as the Flower Ball—is an absolute dream. Held in the elegant Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), this ball is famous for its breathtaking floral displays, with tens of thousands of blooms transforming the space into a garden fantasy. With live music, vibrant energy, and a joyful atmosphere, it’s a perfect blend of Viennese tradition and springtime celebration.

    Dress Code: Floor-length evening gown, tuxedo, or tails.

    Estimated Ticket Prices: $700–$900 per person (incl. taxes & fees).

    —-

    Ball der Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Ball)

    Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM

    If you love classical music, timeless elegance, and an atmosphere steeped in tradition, the Vienna Philharmonic Ball is for you. Held in the iconic Golden Hall of the Musikverein—home to one of the world’s most renowned orchestras—this is Vienna’s most exclusive ball, rich with history and grandeur. From the moment the Philharmonic's brass section opens the evening with Richard Strauss’s original fanfare, you’ll know you’re part of something truly unforgettable.

    Dress Code: Floor-length evening gown, tails.

    Estimated Ticket Prices: $1,100–$1,300 per person (incl. taxes & fees).

    —-

    Wiener Kaffeesiederball (Coffeemakers Ball)

    Friday, January 23, 2026 | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM

    If you’re drawn to charm, tradition, and a warm sense of community, the Kaffeesiederball might be your perfect match. Set inside the stunning Hofburg Palace, this ball transforms the space into Vienna’s most elegant coffeehouse—complete with multiple rooms of live music, dancing, and a (slightly) more relaxed, sociable vibe. With over 4,000 guests each year, it’s one of the most beloved and lively nights of the season. (This ball is a staple for us and one we are always committed to attending).

    Dress Code: Ball gown, floor length dresses, tuxedo, tails.

    Estimated Ticket Prices: $800–$1,000 per person (incl. taxes & fees).

  • All deposits must be completed by May 31, 2026.

    Final payments for all ball tickets will occur in September and/or October 2026, depending on the event.

    If you are interested, please fill out the inquiry form above. If you’re ready to commit, please submit your deposit here.

  • Costs vary depending on your choices. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $3,000, while luxury travelers may spend $10,000+.

  • The trip usually lasts about a week, allowing for ample time to explore Vienna’s cultural attractions in addition to attending the ball. But you’re welcome to make it as short or as long as your schedule allows!

  • We handle ball ticket purchases dinner before the event, and chaperoning, and provide recommendations for flights, hotels, and cultural activities. You are responsible for booking your own travel and accommodation.

  • Yes! While we handle the ball tickets, you have the freedom to customize your flights, hotels, and cultural activities based on your preferences and budget.

  • If you’ve missed the May 31st, 2025 deadline for the $250 deposit, please fill out the inquiry form above so we can reach out to you.

    We may be able to assist in helping you get tickets, but we cannot promise a ticket, much less a ticket with our group or a seated ticket elsewhere. Additionally, there will be a $200 non-refundable service fee added to your ticket price.

  • We highly recommend dance lessons to fully enjoy the ball. If you're in Chicago, Ballroom Dance Chicago offers specialized lessons in ball prep. Otherwise, seek a local teacher experienced in Viennese and English waltzes.

  • The Kaffeesiederball requires formal attire: tuxedos for men and floor-length gowns for women. The Opera Ball has stricter requirements, including white tie for men.

  • We attend two prestigious events: the Kaffeesiederball at the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the Vienna Opera Ball at the Vienna State Opera.

  • No worries! We’ll guide you through everything—from etiquette to attire—so you can fully enjoy the experience, even as a first-timer.

  • While each ball varies in size, our group is usually around 20 people per ball, creating an intimate and exclusive experience.

  • Once ball tickets have been purchased, they are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your $250 non-refundable deposit is also non-transferable.

    If you need to cancel your trip, please be aware that you are responsible for canceling all aspects of it, including flights and accommodations. We are unable to assist with cancellations.

  • Once tickets are purchased, no refunds are available and ball tickets are non-transferrable. Your $250 non-refundable deposit is also non-transferrable.

    In the event we have accepted your deposit for a specific ball and we are unable to secure tickets, your deposit will be refunded.