2025 Hofburg ball season – let’s waltz!

A packed line-up of glamorous ball nights promises plenty of unforgettable moments for dance fans. The Blue Danube Waltz is a classic example of Viennese ball tradition and the 200th anniversary of the birth of the “Waltz King” (Johann Strauss II) provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate a major milestone for the 60,000-plus visitors who are expected to attend the 17 traditional balls this year.

Strauss revolutionised the traditional music scene and entertainment in general, shaping numerous trends at the time. His popularity and appeal remains undiminished to this day. Though Strauss never really had the opportunity to join in all the dancing himself, his Fledermaus Quadrille is among the highlights of any ball. HOFBURG Vienna provides the stage for bringing Strauss to life in Vienna.

This calls for perfect coordination between all the specialists working away behind the scenes, largely hidden from guests. The HOFBURG Vienna team and a multitude of experts from our partner enterprises – such as MOTTO Catering, as well as decorative plant and flower arrangement specialists, technical service providers and orchestras – all play their part in a diverse and highly successful ball season.

The numbers at the incredible ball location speak for themselves: the MOTTO Catering team alone prepares for the ball season around 9,000 portions of AMA quality-certified Sacherwürstel sausages served with 12,000 Kaisersemmel bread rolls.

Delicious ball canapés are freshly made from more than 1,000 baguettes, and 2,500 petit fours and tartelettes ensure sweet-toothed guests are also catered for. But what would the state rooms be without atmospheric lighting – 5,082 LED bulbs illuminate the crystal chandeliers, while numerous other details come together to create a stunning ambience.