Vienna Opera Ball 2026

Date, Dress Code & How to Waltz

Where the World Waltzes — Vienna’s Most Magical Night

Every February, the Vienna State Opera undergoes a breathtaking transformation.
Velvet seats give way to a gleaming parquet floor, chandeliers sparkle above 5,000 guests, and the city’s heartbeat quickens to the rhythm of the Blue Danube Waltz.

On Thursday, 12 February 2026, the Vienna Opera Ball will once again take center stage — the most famous and glamorous ball in the world, broadcast to millions and celebrated as the crown jewel of Vienna’s winter season.

A Tradition of Elegance

Known as the Ball of Balls, the Vienna Opera Ball is a dazzling convergence of music, culture, and refinement.
Over 150 debutante couples open the evening in white gowns and black tails, accompanied by the Vienna State Ballet and the orchestra of the Staatsoper.

At midnight, the Fledermaus Quadrille unites guests in joyful chaos, and as dawn approaches, Vienna reclaims its title as the Ballroom of the World.

Please note: Waltz in Vienna provides dance experiences and cultural guidance, but does not sell Opera Ball tickets, itineraries, or packages.
For official ticket information, please refer to the Vienna State Opera’s official channels.

The Waltz: Vienna’s Living Heritage

At the heart of the Opera Ball lies the Viennese Waltz, recognized by UNESCO as part of Austria’s intangible cultural heritage.
Fast, elegant, and full of life, it’s more than a dance — it’s a conversation between partners, a moment of shared rhythm and grace.

Whether you’re attending the Opera Ball, another of Vienna’s grand soirées, or simply wish to experience the city’s cultural heartbeat, learning the Viennese Waltz is your key to confidence on the dance floor.

Learn the Waltz Before the Ball

To glide effortlessly across the parquet floor, preparation is everything.
At Waltz in Vienna – The Waltz School, you’ll learn directly from Aga Bohun, Austria’s most sought-after certified Dance Master and founder of Waltz in Vienna.

Choose your experience:

Private Waltz Lessons · Tailored to your rhythm, pace, and schedule.
Open Waltz Workshops for Couples · Immersive group sessions perfect for visitors seeking an authentic Viennese moment.

Each workshop blends tradition with elegance — guiding you through the signature Viennese turns, posture, and etiquette that define this iconic dance.

Special Opera Ball Workshop: February 12, 2026

To meet high demand, we have opened a special workshop on the morning of February 12, 2026 — the very day of the Opera Ball.
It’s a rare opportunity to polish your steps, steady your frame, and feel at ease before the most celebrated night in Vienna.

Places are limited, and like the ball itself, advance booking is essential.

Reserve your place now at www.waltzinvienna.com/waltz-school/

Dress the Part, Dance with Grace

The Opera Ball’s dress code is a ritual of timeless elegance.
As noted by the Vienna Tourist Board, it honors centuries of cultural refinement:

Ladies: Floor-length evening gown.
Gentlemen: Black tailcoat with white bow tie and patent leather shoes.
Debutantes: White gowns and long white gloves — symbols of purity and tradition.

For both, grace begins not with the outfit, but with the movement — and the Waltz is where that begins.

Step Into Vienna’s Most Beautiful Tradition

Vienna in winter is a dream set to music.
From the Philharmonic Ball to the Opera Ball, every evening is an ode to beauty, ritual, and joy.

Let this be the year you don’t just watch — you join.
When the orchestra begins the first notes of the Blue Danube, you’ll already know what to do.
And you’ll do it beautifully.

Reserve your workshop today at www.waltzinvienna.com/waltz-school/

FAQ

When is the Vienna Opera Ball 2026?
→ Thursday, 12 February 2026.
Can visitors attend?
→ Yes, if tickets are available through the Vienna State Opera’s official website.