When the Vienna Hofburg is transformed once again into the sweetest ballroom of the city on 15 January 2026, the moment has arrived: for the 123rd time, the ZuckerBäckerball invites its guests to a night of brilliance, dance and culinary delight. Celebrated for the 14th time within these historic halls once graced by emperors, the ball has long since become a jewel of Vienna’s ball season.
Never before has demand been so great: within just three days, every single ticket was sold. Year after year, more than 3,000 guests are enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the Hofburg, which once again becomes a splendid meeting place for Vienna’s bakers and confectioners.
With the utmost attention to detail, the organisers of “Verein Förderung der Lebensmittel”, the Association for the Promotion of the Food Trade ensures yet another unforgettable evening. Amidst dance, music, sweeping rhythms and glittering highlights, countless sweet delicacies await – a ball night filled with indulgence, charm and radiant moments.
A Festive Beginning and Grand Opening
From 8.00 p.m., the doors of the Hofburg open to welcome the ball guests. At 9.00 p.m., the ceremonial opening takes place in the Grand Hall and will also be broadcast live in the Ceremonial Hall and on our Facebook page.
For the ninth time, the opening is performed by the Vienna State Ballet Association: principal dancers Olga Esina and Victor Caixeta dance to the waltz “Wiener Blut” by Johann Strauss II, choreographed by Lukas Gaudernak. This is followed by a performance by our star guest, Moritz Mausser, who presents two Falco songs from the musical “Rock Me Amadeus”. The opening programme concludes with a performance by the opening committee of the Vienna dance schools, dancing the “Indigo March”.
Dance, Rhythm and Musical Variety
After the official opening, the traditional call of “Alles Walzer” invites guests onto the dance floor. Several musical ensembles accompany the evening well into the early morning hours. In the Grand Hall, the Vienna Ball Orchestra Wolfgang Steubl alternates with the Wolfgang Steubl Big Band. In the Ceremonial Hall, Helena May & Band create a lively atmosphere, while in the Caribbean Lounge in the Forum, Carla Natascha’s Tropical Band performs, including live Latin dance shows at 11.30 p.m. and 1.00 a.m. Hot beats are provided by the Radio Wien Disco with DJ Mel Merio in the Garden Hall.
A Rain of Balloons for Connoisseurs
The ZuckerBäckerball is not only a celebration of dance and music, but also a feast for true connoisseurs. No fewer than three balloon rains invite guests to partake in floating moments of joy, as prize-filled balloons descend from the ceiling. At 11.15 p.m., the HEINDL Praline Rain of Delights takes place in the Grand Hall, while at the same time the Sweet Niemetz Candy Sky unfolds in the Ceremonial Hall. Two further balloon rains follow in the Grand Hall: the Julius Meinl Lucky Balloons at 1.30 a.m., and the AUER x GLÜCK – Inseparable Lucky Balloons at 2.30 a.m.
Supporting Programme and Culinary Stations
Throughout the Hofburg, guests are invited to discover further highlights. Two show bakeries hosted by Vienna’s bakers and confectioners offer opportunities to watch, taste and marvel. The cake exhibition of the ZuckerBäcker Awards presents imaginative creations under the theme “The Realm of the Magicians”. In Gardehalle I, sweet temptations are offered in support of Österreichische Kinderdörfer, Children’s Villages Austria.
In the Hofburg Gallery and the Treasury Hall, guests may enjoy a generous ball buffet as well as the traditional wine tavern of Vienna’s butchers. In the Side Gallery, visitors will find the tombola tickets and the Niemetz wheel of fortune.
At 11.50 p.m., the traditional Midnight Quadrille takes place in the Grand Hall, followed by the presentation of the ZuckerBäcker Awards and the ceremonial handover of the celebrity cake to Moritz Mausser.
Cake Guarantee, Tombola and Important Information
Until 4.00 a.m., guests may redeem their cake guarantee in the entrance and side areas. Every ticket in the grand tombola is a winning one, with part of the proceeds donated to Österreichische Kinderdörfer, Children’s Villages Austria.
Please note that leaving the Hofburg invalidates the admission ticket, and that smoking is permitted only outdoors at the main entrance on Heldenplatz.
The ball concludes at 5.00 a.m. with a final farewell dance shared by all.
Here you can find an overview of the complete programme.