Venice Carnival balls: 5 must-see private evenings
The Venice Carnival is much more than just a festival: it’s a journey through time, a total immersion in the splendour of the Serenissima. Every year, from 31 January to 17 February 2026, the City of the Doges is transformed into a life-size theatre where mystery, elegance and decadence reign supreme. But the real heart of this thousand-year-old celebration beats in its balls and private parties, veritable jewels of a preserved tradition. Refined Venetian masks, sumptuous period costumes, illuminated historic palaces: these exclusive events embody the very essence of Carnival. Whether you’re dreaming of waltzing in a palace on the Grand Canal or partaking in a feast like in Casanova’s time, visiting Venice during Carnival promises an unforgettable experience.
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- Venice Carnival: dates, masks and tradition
1. Il Ballo del Doge: the most exclusive ball in Venice
Described by ABC as “one of the ten experiences you must have at least once in your life” and by CNN as “a dream that transports you to an era of magic and magnificence”, Il Ballo del Doge (The Doge’s Ball) is without doubt the most prestigious event of the Venice Carnival. Organised for over 30 years by the legendary Antonia Sautter, this exceptional evening will be held on Saturday 14 February 2026 at the majestic Scuola Grande della Misericordia in the Cannaregio district.
Every year, this internationally renowned masked ball welcomes the world’s elite to a breathtaking setting. The guests, all dressed in sumptuous period costumes created by Venetian couture workshops, move about in a magnificently restored 16th-century palace. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, followed by a gourmet dinner served in several richly decorated noble rooms. Between courses, dazzling artistic performances enliven the evening: baroque dancers, opera singers, classical musicians and acrobats transport guests into the festive atmosphere of 18th-century Venice.
The Il Ballo del Doge experience is not limited to the evening itself. In the weeks leading up to the event, Baroque dance classes are held every Sunday to enable participants to master the traditional steps. This meticulous preparation guarantees total immersion in the golden age of the Republic of Venice. With tickets starting at €3,500 and going up to €5,000 for supreme seats, this ball remains the most exclusive and sought-after event of the Venetian Carnival.
2. The Tiepolo Ball at Palazzo Pisani Moretta
The Tiepolo Ball is a spectacular celebration of the Venetian Golden Age held in the sumptuous Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a 15th-century Gothic building with breathtaking views over the Grand Canal. This historic palace, recently acquired by Belgian designer Dries Van Noten, remains one of Venice’s most prestigious event venues, having played host to film shoots such as Casino Royale and The Tourist.
The atmosphere at the Tiepolo Ball is absolutely magical: hundreds of candles light up the noble rooms with their sumptuous frescoes, creating an atmosphere worthy of a master painting. The period costumes, designed by the Atelier Tiepolo, take guests on a veritable journey through Venetian history. Costumes and masks must be worn, adding to the mystery and elegance of the evening. Guests stroll through the noble floors of the palace, admiring the Venetian Gothic architecture while enjoying a refined feast accompanied by baroque music.
What sets the Bal Tiepolo apart is its historical authenticity. Every detail, from the floral decoration to the musical arrangements, is designed to faithfully recreate the atmosphere of the aristocratic balls of the 18th century. Musicians in period costume perform works by Vivaldi and other Venetian composers, while professional dancers lead guests in traditional dances. This exceptional evening offers the unique experience of a Venetian nobleman in the Serenissima, for one enchanting night. As you explore Venice with the Navaway itinerary, you’ll pass by several similar palaces lining the Grand Canal.
3. Venetian Reflections: artistic elegance
Venetian Reflections is a key event of the Venice Carnival, brilliantly combining artistic celebration, philanthropy and Venetian splendour. Created by renowned costume designer Stefano Nicolao, the ball takes place at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta, offering guests a spectacular view of the Grand Canal. The evening of Sunday 2 March 2025 promises an immersive experience of Venetian art and culture.
As soon as they arrive, guests enter the richly decorated Venetian art rooms on the noble floors. A refined aperitif precedes a gourmet dinner served around themed tables, each evoking an aspect of Venice’s cultural history. Throughout the evening, a variety of performers enliven the palace: fire-eaters, aerial acrobats, fascinating mimes, ballet dancers and opera singers follow one another to create an unforgettable multi-sensory spectacle. The evening ends with a modern DJ set that keeps the guests dancing until the wee hours of the morning, skilfully blending tradition and the contemporary.
As well as the festive aspect, Venetian Reflections is distinguished by its charitable dimension. An auction of unique pieces made by Murano’s master glassmakers is organised in aid of a local charity. Murano’s glassworks, renowned the world over for the excellence of their craftsmanship, find a new philanthropic vocation here. The evening also ends with a prize for the couple wearing the best historical mask, encouraging creativity and respect for tradition. This unique combination of culture, art, festivity and generosity makes Venetian Reflections one of the most popular balls of the Venetian Carnival.
4. The official Gala Dinner: a popular and grandiose celebration
The Official Venice Carnival Gala Dinner is the most spectacular and accessible of all the festivities. Held at the Arsenale di Venezia, this historic site where the Republic’s military and merchant fleets were once built, is transformed for the occasion into a gigantic party hall that can accommodate several thousand guests. Despite the difficulty of obtaining places due to its popularity, this evening promises an unforgettable experience combining gastronomy, entertainment and an electrifying atmosphere.
On arrival, all participants receive a Venetian Carnival mask, a symbol of the anonymity and freedom that characterise this celebration. The interior of the Arsenale then reveals a sumptuous buffet offering refined and generous Venetian cuisine. Throughout the evening, guests are treated to a breathtaking succession of performances: concerts of classical and contemporary music, aerial acrobats, dancers and actors in period costumes. The festive and popular atmosphere of this event contrasts with the exclusivity of the other balls, creating a unique atmosphere where Venetians and visitors from all over the world mingle.
The evening reaches its climax when the Casino doors open, revealing an electrifying dance floor hosted by renowned international DJs. This fusion of tradition and modernity, of historic splendour and contemporary energy, perfectly defines the spirit of the Official Gala Dinner. It’s the ideal opportunity for those who want to experience Venice Carnival in all its splendour without necessarily investing in the more intimate and expensive private balls. This democratic celebration of Carnival perfectly embodies Venetian joie de vivre and hospitality.
5. The Grand Bal Carnaval In Love at Palazzo Zen
The Carnival In Love Grand Ball, held at Palazzo Zen ai Frari (also known as Palazzo Ca’ Zen), is an invitation to travel back in time to 18th-century Venetian nobility. This magnificent baroque palace, dating back to the 14th century and situated on one of the charming Venetian canals, is the ideal setting for a colourful masked evening. The 2026 edition, scheduled for Saturday 14 February, promises a unique theatrical experience in which each guest becomes an actor in his or her own story.
What makes this ball so special is its immersive, multi-themed concept. The Palazzo Zen is transformed into three distinct lounges: the jungle lounge for an exotic tropical atmosphere, the gothic lounge for a mysterious and romantic atmosphere, and the Arabian Nights lounge for an enchanting oriental journey. Each participant chooses their theme and character, which they will play throughout the evening. This theatrical dimension transforms the ball into a true collective performance, where extravagant costumes and playful interactions create a unique festive and creative atmosphere.
The dinner and show is the heart of this exceptional evening. Served in the sumptuously frescoed main room of the Noble Floor, the gourmet meal is punctuated by a variety of artistic performances: opera singers, professional dancers, jugglers and acrobats perform between courses. Organiser Giulia Russolo and her team are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, from the floral decorations to the impeccable service and the quality of the cuisine. After dinner, the party continues in a more relaxed atmosphere where music and dancing invite you to celebrate until the early hours. The Grand Bal Carnaval In Love is the perfect option for those looking for an original, creative and memorable masked evening during Carnival in Venice.
In conclusion, Venice Carnival balls and private evenings offer much more than just a party: they represent a true immersion in the history, art and magic of the Serenissima. Whether you opt for the supreme exclusivity of Il Ballo del Doge, the historic elegance of the Tiepolo Ball, the artistic dimension of Venetian Reflections, the popular atmosphere of the Official Gala Dinner or the theatrical originality of the Grand Bal Carnaval In Love, each event promises an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget to take advantage of your stay to visit Venice and discover its architectural treasures with the Navaway audioguided itinerary, which will guide you through 26 emblematic locations in the City of the Doges. So, which of these masked balls will make your heart skip a beat at the Venice Carnival 2026?
FAQ
When is the Venice Carnival 2026?
The Venice Carnival 2026 will take place from 31 January to 17 February 2026. The main balls and private parties are concentrated on the weekends, in particular 7, 8, 14 and 15 February, culminating on Saturday 14 February.
Do I have to wear a suit to attend a ball?
Yes, period costumes and masks are compulsory for most private balls at Carnival in Venice, including the Tiepolo Ball and Il Ballo del Doge. Some events, such as the Grand Bal Carnaval In Love, also accept elegant attire. Authentic costumes can be hired from specialist Venetian workshops such as Atelier Tiepolo or Nicolao Atelier.
What are the ticket prices for the Venice Carnival balls?
Prices vary considerably depending on the exclusivity of the event. Il Ballo del Doge, the most prestigious, offers tickets from €3,500 to €5,000. The Bal Tiepolo and Venetian Reflections are generally between €600 and €1,500. Tickets for the Grand Bal Carnaval In Love start at €690. The Official Gala Dinner remains the most affordable option, with tickets priced at around €200-300.
How do I book tickets for the Venice Carnival balls?
Tickets for the balls sell out very quickly, sometimes several months in advance. It is advisable to book as soon as the ticket office opens, usually in September-October for the following February’s Carnival. You can book directly on the official websites of the organisers: ilballodeldoge.com for Il Ballo del Doge, veniceevents.com for several events, or vivovenetia.fr for French-language balls.
What are the other must-see events at the Venice Carnival?
As well as private balls, Venice Carnival offers a host of free public events: the Festival of the Maries on Saturday 7 February, the Flight of the Angel on Sunday 8 February from the Campanile in Piazza San Marco, the Venetian Carnival by boat, and numerous street shows, concerts and costume parades. Piazza San Marco is the main venue for these popular festivities, which are open to all.
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