From royals and dignitaries to socialites and celebrities, balls are the go-to events for all things glamorous. They even have their own season. While Ball Season can begin as early as November, it reaches its peak from January to March. That’s now.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to waltz. Or, dressing in full Venetian regalia has been on your wish-list. Or, maybe you’re just so good-looking, you’re looking for a reason to break out the tux and the Schiaparelli number that JLo wore to the Met Gala. Whatever the reason, there’s a ball for that. From New York to Rio, these international celebrations take the expression “have a ball” to a whole new level. These are the top 5 balls to hit up this 2025 season.
The Ball: The Quadrille Ball
The Location: New York, USA
The Date: February 8, 2025
New York City has always been at the heart of America’s high society. Nothing encompasses the prestige of New York’s golden age better than The Quadrille Ball. And you’re cleaning up for a good cause: The Quadrille Ball is a non-profit event, which raises funds for The German-American Scholarship Association. It derives from a long tradition of American-German charity balls that date back to the 19th century. This year’s ball will take place at the Plaza Hotel — a fitting location for New York’s cream of the crop.
The main event of the ball is the Quadrille dance, performed by a new group of young New Yorkers hoping to break into the social scene each year. Aside from the performance, the Quadrille Ball includes a cocktail reception, a 3-course dinner, and a silent auction. And, of course, dancing, which can run until 4:00 am — perfect for the city that never sleeps. The Quadrille Ball is open to the public, with ticket packages starting at $920.
The Ball: Vienna Opera Ball
The Location: Vienna, Austria
The Date: February 27, 2025
When it comes to balls, no one does it quite like the Viennese. Vienna is the Mecca of Ball Season, with countless lavish balls gracing the Austrian capital each year. But one ball stands out among the rest. The Vienna Opera Ball is a cultural institution, with roots in the aristocratic soirées of the 1800s, and it has been gracing the gilded halls of the Vienna State Opera since 1935.
The ball begins when 150 debutante couples usher in the night of opulence with a series of performances — including, of course, the Viennese Waltz. This year’s Opera Ball will feature music and ballet performances dedicated to the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II. The sheer scale of this event is a marvel in itself. Boasting over 5,000 attendees, 650 flower arrangements, and 1,000 champagne coolers, it’s no wonder that it has attracted A-list celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Sophia Loren, and Pamela Anderson over the years. But sadly, at this point, the only way to attend the Vienna Opera Ball without an invitation is through the waitlist.
The Ball: Il Ballo del Doge
The Location: Venice, Italy
The Date: March 1, 2025
For a few weeks each year, the narrow, winding streets of Venice are packed with the mysterious masks and extravagant costumes of the festival known as Carnival. Among the events and festivities throughout Carnival is ll Ballo del Doge. Il Ballo del Doge is an exclusive masquerade ball, catering to the upper echelon of society. It was created in 1994 by fashion designer and luxury event manager Antonia Sautter, and is more of an experience than a dance. It also has a strict dress code: full period costume.
Advertised as an “artistic event,” Il Ballo del Doge leans into all things whimsical and fantastical. This year’s ball will highlight over 100 international artists, including tightrope walkers, contortionists, acrobats, actors, singers and dancers. Obviously, the perfect location is necessary to bring the rich history of masquerade to life in the 21st century. This year’s edition will take place in Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a 13th century former charity building in Venice’s Cannaregio neighborhood. Known as one of the most exclusive events in Venice, Il Ballo del Doge has been attended by international celebrities, royal families, and businesspeople alike. But luckily for you, it is open to the public, with multiple ticket packages ranging from €2000-5000.
The Ball: The Rose Ball
The Location: Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The Date: March 29, 2025
With its charming resorts, elite casinos, and designer malls, Monaco is regarded as one of the wealthiest places in the world. It’s a place where celebrities, politicians, and jetsetters travel to get a taste of the high life. It’s no wonder that it’s also home to one of the most prestigious high society gatherings. The Rose Ball was created in 1954 by Princess Grace of Monaco, and is first and foremost a charity event. All proceeds from the evening are donated to The Princess Grace Foundation.
Each year’s Rose Ball has a different theme that influences the night’s celebrations. Cultural icons like Christian Louboutin and Karl Lagerfeld create dazzling live entertainment experiences. Today, the ball is organized by Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover — and their royal flair is evident throughout the entirety of the event. From the luxurious venue of Monte-Carlo Sporting, to the decadent themed dinner, The Rose Ball is the place to be if you want to be treated like royalty. That being said, non-royals can attend The Rose Ball too (for €2000+, that is).
The Ball: Baile do Copa
The Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Date: March 1, 2025
Feathers, floats, and flashy costumes — oh my! From the end of February to the beginning of March, Rio de Janeiro is electrified with the pulsating energy of Carnival. Rio de Janeiro has the largest Carnival festival in the world. It has become synonymous with the elaborate costumes, rhythmic samba, and rip-roaring parades that dominate the city each year. The crowning jewel of Carnival is the annual Baile do Copa at Rio’s iconic Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel. Since 1924, The Copacabana Palace Ball has been the hottest party in town during Carnival.
The vibrant, all-night celebration features a buffet dinner, full open bar, and of course, lots of dancing. Over the years, the ball has been attended by iconic figures such as Orson Welles, Christian Louboutin, and Brigitte Bardot. The theme of this year’s Baile do Copa is “Ocean: Endless Blue.” And they’ve ensured that the sprawling hotel will be completely transformed into an underwater wonderland. While overnight stays at The Copacabana Palace that include tickets to the Ball are sold out, standalone tickets can still be purchased by the public and begin at R$3,900 (USD $658.52).
FAQs:
Q: Is the Baile do Copa kid-friendly?
A: No, you must be 18+ to attend the Baile do Copa.
Q: Are there still tickets available for The Vienna Opera Ball?
A: Tickets for the The Vienna Opera Ball are no longer available for purchase. You can apply for the waiting list at this LINK.
Q: How much are tickets to The Quadrille Ball?
A: Tickets to The Quadrille Ball begin at $920 and can be purchased at this LINK.
