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The Royal Balls are seen as the epitome of glamour. There's lots of fun involved as well, so you shouldn't hesitate to waltz yourself into the stunning winter atmosphere of the city. A winter activity - stretching from New Year's Eve to early March - the traditional opener is the Imperial Ball in Vienna. The ball season is heralded at the Kaiserball with the historic changing of the guard, performed by the Imperial Guard in the palace's entrance hall. Cocktails are served to the strains of the Hofball Orchestra and guests are greeted by the likenesses of Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Josef. Ladies receive a small gift from footmen dressed in livery. The dancing, amidst thousands of flowers and blooms, takes place through the state rooms of the palace, and - at midnight - the ringing of the Pummerin (the bell from St Stephan's Cathedral) heralds the "Imperial Couple", wishing one and all Happy New Year. This is followed by the Viennese Operetta Gala, which takes place in the Grand Festival Hall shortly after midnight and features singers and dancers from the Vienna State Opera and the Volksopera. The pre-ball dinner s is served in various halls by waiters in silk livery, while guests not attending dinner can reserve places for a splendid buffet throughout the evening. The dress code is, as you would expect for such a glittering occasion, ball gowns for the ladies and dress suits (or dark suits) with bow tie for the gentlemen.
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