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Elmayer-Kränzchen Ball 2026
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 March 2027 | ||||||
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Welcome at one of Vienna’s most beautiful balls
You are welcome at the Elmayer-Kränzchen, our traditional ball at the Imperial Castle the Hofburg. Amongst the hundreds of ball festivities in Vienna this is the only Viennese ball that starts as early as 6 pm and is terminated at midnight. You can enjoy dinner, dance throughout the evening to the tunes of several orchestras in various rooms of the Hofburg, watch the spectacular opening ceremony with about 700 debutants and the dance show at 9 pm and join us dancing the Quadrille together at 11 pm.
Ball opening ceremonies
Elmayer is in charge of most of the splendid ball opening ceremonies of great Viennese ball festivities. One of Elmayer’s most important objectives is to contribute that this valuable cultural heritage is alive and remains superior in it’s refined atmosphere.
The Elmayer-Kränzchen
This exclusive ball at the Imperial Castle traditionally takes place on the last day of the ball season (Faschingdienstag, Mardi gras) and is enjoyed by about 3000 guests every year. The opening ceremony starts at 6:00pm. At midnight the ball season and the Elmayer-Kränzchen will come to a close.
Start: 6:00 PM
Each year, ball guests of all generations enjoy the traditional Elmayer Ball in Vienna's Hofburg, which has concluded Vienna’s carnival season at midnight for decades. The Elmayer Ball is the only traditional Viennese ball that begins as early as 6:00 PM. After six hours of ball enjoyment, guests can return home early enough to enjoy a regular Ash Wednesday at school or work, or sightseeing for those visiting from other areas.
More than 300 Debutante Couples
At precisely 6:00 PM, Austria’s largest opening committee, led by Mr. Peter Leitner, officially opens the Elmayer Ball. The majority of the debutante couples only started youth dance classes at the Elmayer Dance School this past fall – they are true debutantes. Along with our formations and other experienced opening pairs, they perform an opening dance based on choreography from the Elmayer Dance School.
Tradition and Ball Culture
Vienna cherishes and preserves long-standing traditions. The unique Viennese ball culture, with its festive atmosphere, which we especially celebrate at our ball, offers guests of all generations unforgettable and distinctive ball experiences.
Charitable Commitment
Since 1920, the Elmayer Ball has primarily supported charitable projects. Significant amounts are presented to beneficiaries as part of the opening ceremony.
The Amusing Public Quadrille at 11:00 PM
All six figures of the Fledermaus Quadrille are danced in the festival hall. Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer personally announces it, and together with the Guard Music Salon Orchestra, he ensures this event is so entertaining that guests simply can’t get enough.
Dancing for a Good Cause
To support a non-profit organization, enthusiastic ladies can enjoy a dance of their choice with a dancer from our waltz or Latin formation for a €5 donation. This “gentlemen's island” is open from 8:00 PM in the anteroom.
Highlights of 2025
Opening by the largest committee of true debutantes, led by Mr. Peter Leitner.
Vocal performance by Miriam Kutrowatz, a member of the Vienna State Opera Studio, during the opening.
Performance by the Elmayer Dance School's Viennese Waltz formation.
Dance show featuring the Latin formation (multiple Austrian champions and World Championship finalists TSC Schwarz-Gold).
Dance show featuring Tamiko Suzuki and Johannes Gajdosik.
Dance lessons in the Marble Hall.
Gentlemen's island of formation dancers from 7:00 PM for a good cause.
Public quadrille with Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.
A variety of high-quality dance music provided by the Salon Orchestra and the Guard Music Big Band of the Austrian Armed Forces, Austria Swingtett, Tasty Tune, and Dance Lounge by Event Laden.
Program and cast
Ball Wardrobe
Ladies in long ball gowns.
Gentlemen in tailcoats, tuxedos, black suits with bow ties and white shirts, or in uniforms.
Entrance: 17:00
Opening: 18:00
Ball End: 24:00
Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace is a palace located in Vienna, Austria, that has housed some of the most powerful people in European and Austrian history, including the Habsburg dynasty, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It currently serves as the official residence of the President of Austria. It was the Habsburgs' principal winter residence, as the Schönbrunn Palace was their preferred summer residence.
The Hofburg area has been the documented seat of government since 1279 for various empires and republics.[1] The Hofburg has been expanded over the centuries to include various residences (with the Amalienburg), the Imperial Chapel (Hofkapelle or Burgkapelle), the Naturhistorisches Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Austrian National Library (Hofbibliothek), the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer), the Burgtheater, the Spanish Riding School(Hofreitschule), the Imperial Horse Stables (Stallburg and Hofstallungen), and the Hofburg Congress Center.
The Hofburg faces the Heldenplatz ordered under the reign of Emperor Francis Joseph, as part of what was to become a Kaiserforum that was never completed.
Festsaal
The impressive imperial ambience is created for events of spectacular style. The room meets the highest standards, features a large permanent stage and integrated interpreter booths. The latest sound and lighting technology ensure unimpaired visual and acoustic clarity.
Theatre style: 1.260 Pax
Classroom style: 560 Pax
Banquet style: 660 Pax
Length 42,8 m/ft
Width 23,1 m/ft
Height 14,9 m/ft
Area 989,0 m²/sqft
How to get here
By Public Transportation
Take the U3 or the U2 subway to station Volkstheater and walk down Bellariastrasse towards the inner city. Once you cross the Ringstrasse (Burgring), you are at the Heldenplatz. Or take the local trams #1, #2, #46, #49, #D or the bus #2A to station Dr. Karl Renner Ring which is right next to Heldenplatz.
By Car
As is the case with all concerts that take place in the first district (Innere Stadt), we do not recommend going there by car. The first district is a labyrinth of narrow one-way streets and blind ends and parking is at best difficult, more often impossible. The area is also a pay zone (Kurzparkzone) from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 22:00 with a maximum parking time of two hours (2.40 € for 2 hours).
There is only one parking garage within walking distance:
Garage Robert Stolz-Platz at Robert Stolz-Platz (€ 3.40 per hour)
By Taxi
Taxis are a reliable and common means to get to your concert. Taxis are usually found at train stations and at taxi stands all over the city. To order one call • 31 300, • 60 160, • 40 100 or • 81 400. Taxis usually do not accept credit cards. Most taxis are non-smoking taxis, order a smoker taxi if you want to smoke during the ride.
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