Continuing on with a week of final posts for Blogmas 2024 (next week we have Christmas and then we are at year end wrap-up), we are finishing up our Unique Christmas journey. The tradition that we are going to discuss today is one of my favourites, despite not having had the chance to experience it myself (yet!). Looking forward to the end of the holiday season and focusing more on New Year’s Eve, we arrive at January. Let’s get into Unique Christmas: Vienna New Year’s Eve Ball!
A Quick History of Viennese Balls
The first balls in Vienna were held in the eighteenth century. Historically, only aristocrats could take part in masked balls. However, Emperor Joseph II (brother of Marie Antoinette) decided to allow commoners to join the nobility at the Hofburg Palace for these masked balls.
The ball became far more popular in the first quarter of the nineteenth century, though. In 1814, the city played host to the Congress of Vienna. And the Viennese and guests alike flocked to the Hofburg Palace for elaborate meals, all night dancing, and gorgeous ensembles.
The Vienna New Year’s Eve Ball
The first ball of the season is typically held on 11 November, but November and December are the slower part of the ball season. Balls are held by different organisations and groups, such as one for lawyers or one for students of a particular university. However, there is a New Year’s Eve ball that anyone can buy a ticket to as long as they dress appropriately.
Most balls in Vienna have a black tie dress code, meaning that women typically wear a floor-length gown and opera gloves while men wear a black jacket and trousers. (If you do attend a ball, though, check your tickets for the specific dress code.) Interestingly, the only women who wear white are those participating in the Cotillion at the opening of the ball.
The Viennese ball will usually open sometime between 8 and 9pm with that opening ceremony. After that, everyone will be invited to the dance floor. (Yes, many of the dances at a ball will be ballroom, but there are also more modern styles like disco.) These are all night affairs where ideally the guests are not leaving before 4 or 5am. As you can see, this would line up well with “regular” New Year’s Eve celebrations!
The Viennese ball season does not end with New Year’s Eve; rather, it picks up speed for January and February!
Have you attended any traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations?
Cheers,
The Historian
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