Kaiserball

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some wine and Wiener Schnitzel,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me dance, dance, dance with the people,
If we don't go, it's a shame.
For it's only €60 for entry,
At the old ball game.

What ball?! The Kaiserball! I don't know what about it is so cool but the thought of attending a ball just sends (good) shivers down my spine. I accidentally chanced upon it while searching some Viennese travel site, I think, and since, I cannot stop imagining me at a ball. Isn't it lovely?

 

This is the Kaiserball, also known as the Imperial Ball that occurs annually on 31st December in the Viennese Hofburg Palace. This is the former Winter Residence of the Austrian Emperors. When you attend this ball, you are received in the house of the imperial couple. Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Josef will grace you with their presence among thousands of flowers and plants that create a charming setting reminiscent to the nostalgically scenic balls of old. Expect old tradition and warm hospitality mixed with a modern twist.

In the Grand Festival Hall, there will be renowned European orchestras and bands to put the rhythm in you as you grace the floor, one of the many including the exquisite Kaisergarten or Emperor's Garden. After all the food and dancing, at the stroke of midnight, St. Stephen's Cathedral will ring in the new year through the chiming of its bell called the Pummerin. Pun intended.

Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Josef will then wish you a "Happy and Prosperous New Year" and the Deutschmeister Band will march through the halls playing the Danube Waltz. Another fascinating part of the itinerary is the Viennese Operetta Gala which ensembles prominent performers fro the Staatsoper and the Volksoper.

This year, the Kaiserball's motto is "That's Entertainment" and what's entertainment when you're at the Kaiserball in the presence of Austrian royalty and hundreds of other beautiful dancers? It's the ball itself.

Ball ticket with gala dinner

The price includes a four-course gala dinner, welcome cocktail, white and red wine, mineral water, champagne at midnight, ball ticket and table reservation. Admission 7.30 p.m.

WAITING LIST - Ball ticket with gala dinner (Grosser Festsaal) - €570,00
Live orchestra music, dancing, k. k. New Year Gala.

Ball ticket with gala dinner (Kaisergarten, Zeremoniensaal) - €510,00
Live orchestra music, dancing, short performance before midnight.

Ball ticket with gala dinner (Geheime Ratstube, Marmorsaal) - €430,00
Reserved seating in one of the smaller historic salons.

Ball ticket with table reservation
The price includes admission to the ball, table reservation, a welcome glass of sparkling wine and a light snack at the buffet. Admission 9.45 p.m.

Ball ticket with table reservation (Grosser Festsaal) - €320,00

Live orchestra music, dancing, k. k. New Year Gala.
 Ball ticket with table reservation (Seitengalerie, Vorsaal, Wintergarten) - €230,00

Seat in a centrally located hall.
Ball ticket with table reservation (Künstlerzimmer, Radetzky Apt., Rittersaal) - €190,00

Ball ticket without table reservation

The price includes entry to all ballrooms and a welcome glass of sparkling wine. Seating reservation is not included. Seat in a smaller side hall. Admission 9.45 p.m.
Ball ticket (without table reservation) - €140,00

Student ticket

Reduced price ticket without table reservation, including a welcome glass of sparkling wine.  Seat in a smaller side hall. Admission 10.00 p.m.
Student ticket (without table reservation) - €60,00

 

When I said €60, I hope you believed me. ;) If you're worried about dancing, don't worry. The Elmayer Dancing School will be offering a waltz lesson on 31 December 2010 at 2.00 p.m. in the Hofburg, hours prior to the ball itself so get your dancing shoes ready!

Now, who will take me to the ball?