Vienna ball season: records and international guests await us!

Vienna ball season: records and international guests await us!

The start of the Vienna ball season is quickly approaching, which will be ceremoniously opened on November 11th with the first quadrille at Wiener Graben. In the midst of increasing inflation and economic challenges, the ball season is still a real highlight. How today.at reports, a record season is expected with around 600,000 ball guests and an impressive total turnover of 235 million euros. This represents an increase of over 15 percent compared to the previous season, in which 520,000 visitors were counted.

The Vienna ball season is not only a cultural event, but also an important economic driver for numerous industries. Around 1,000 companies, including fashion, floristry, confectionery and security services, benefit from the celebrations. There is great anticipation for the upcoming events and the traditions associated with the balls refine the pre-Christmas season in the Danube city.

A look at the highlights

Among the numerous events, a few balls particularly stand out: The Chimney Sweeper's Ball will take place on November 14th, followed by the Zuckerbäckerball on January 15th, 2026. The Vienna Opera Ball, one of the most prestigious, will be held on February 12th, 2026. The long-term trend is encouraging: in the 2011/12 season we were only able to count 475,000 visitors, this year it is more than 26 percent more.

The average cost per ball visitor is currently around 390 euros, with the ball tickets and table costing 130 euros. There are also expenses for food and drinks (90 euros) as well as for cloakroom, hairdresser and taxi (170 euros). This makes it clear how deep the Viennese dig into their pockets to take part in these festive occasions.

International guests and increasing popularity

The ball season is increasingly attracting international guests wienerkreisblatt.at reported. Visitor numbers are steadily increasing, with a new record of 570,000 guests in recent seasons. The event is becoming increasingly popular, both among locals and abroad, which is also reflected in the increasing number of ticket sales in neighboring countries and distant regions. Particularly striking: 3-4% of the tickets were sold to America, some also to Australia and Malaysia.

Markus Grießler, chairman of the tourism and leisure sector at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the ever-growing internationality of the guests. It is noteworthy that around a third of the guests at the Kaffeesiederball come from abroad. This influence also has a positive impact on the hotel industry, where increasing numbers of overnight stays are being recorded.

The organizers of the balls are now adapting them to a younger, social media-savvy audience, resulting in a varied program with spectacular shows. With performances by greats such as Boney M and Eros Ramazotti, guests are offered an unforgettable experience. But here too, space in the traditional ballrooms such as the Hofburg or the town hall is limited, which further boosts ticket sales - large balls are often sold out weeks in advance.

The 2025 Vienna ball season promises exciting evenings in elegant company. Whether at a classic Viennese ball or one of the new formats - here you can celebrate to the fullest. In times when the world is changing, one thing remains constant: the Viennese's love for their balls.