The Gundel Ball 2026 – Among the Stars
A new chapter in Budapest’s ballroom culture
Get ready to step into an evening of timeless elegance as The Gundel Ball 2026 – Among the Stars lights up Gundel Palace on February 7, 2026. This iconic event revives the grand tradition of Budapest’s ballroom culture — blending the sophistication of the past with the vibrance of the modern age.
Set within one of the city’s most historic landmarks in City Park (Városliget), the Gundel Ball merges fine dining, live music, dance, and art into a single unforgettable night. The philosophy behind this event is simple yet profound: tradition does not mean distance, and elegance is not a privilege — it’s a shared experience.
An evening of connection and celebration
More than just a glamorous night out, the Gundel Ball is a celebration of community and creativity. Its theme, Among the Stars, reflects the belief that individual lights shine brightest when they come together — turning a ballroom full of guests into a living constellation.
Inside the majestic Palace, every detail invites guests to engage all their senses. The glow of chandeliers, the melodies of waltzes, the aroma of exquisite cuisine, and the warmth of conversation all combine to create an atmosphere of pure enchantment.
The grand program: where old-world grace meets modern brilliance
The evening’s program unfolds across multiple levels of Gundel Palace, each offering a unique mood and rhythm.
- The Ballroom: Experience the spectacular opening Viennese waltz performed by debutantes under the direction of choreographer Andrea Keleti — a touching blend of tradition and youthful energy.
- The Ground Floor: A lively atmosphere of music, elegance, and dining, where guests can mingle, raise a toast, and enjoy the vibrant rhythm of the evening.
- The Wine Cellar: A more liberated space with a DJ, creating a contemporary after-hours vibe that lasts until dawn.
- Starlit Courtyard: Step outside and enjoy the magic of stargazing, perfectly fitting the evening’s theme and encouraging guests to pause, breathe, and reflect.
Adding a touch of modern wonder, a holographic appearance of Károly Gundel, the legendary restaurateur, welcomes guests to this reimagined celebration of Hungarian heritage.
A feast for the senses
No Gundel event is complete without outstanding gastronomy. Crafted by corporate chef András Wolf and executive chef Róbert Vérten, the Gundel Ball’s four-course dinner showcases the finest ingredients of Hungarian cuisine — from venison and mangalica pork to freshwater pike-perch and vegetarian delicacies.
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Guests can explore culinary “stations” throughout the Palace, from elegant dinner tables and champagne lounges to a chocolate and dessert bar, or even a cozy alpine-style outdoor Hütte serving warm snacks and treats. Every bite tells a story of past and present Hungarian flavors.
The dress code: elegance made personal
The dress code for the Gundel Ball is black tie, not as a formality, but as a shared celebration of style and grace. The event’s official stylist, Zsolt Ordasi, offers personalized advice to guests wishing to reflect both the glamour of the evening and their own individuality.
A sparkling mission: One Ball, One Smile
True to the Gundel philosophy, this ball goes beyond luxury — it carries a charitable message. Through the “One Ball, One Smile” initiative, guests symbolically donate small decorative balls representing gestures of kindness. After the event, these are gifted to institutions where children can experience the joy of play, ensuring that the evening’s light continues long after the last dance.
Ticket options – Choose your experience
The Gundel Ball offers several ticket tiers, each providing a different path through the night’s universe of experiences:
- Diamond Ticket – 119,000 HUF/person: Exclusive access to the upper-floor Andrássy Ballroom and all Palace areas.
- Golden Ticket – 89,000 HUF/person: Seated dinner in the Gundel Restaurant Gallery and full venue access.
- Silver Ticket – 69,000 HUF/person: Elegant dining in the Café area with complete Palace entry.
- Walking Ticket – 49,000 HUF/person: A flexible way to experience the event from every corner of Gundel Palace.
Each ticket type reflects a way of experiencing the same celebration together — because at the Gundel Ball, there are no hierarchies, only shared magic.
Why you should attend
If you’re visiting Budapest in February and want to experience Hungarian culture in its most refined and celebratory form, The Gundel Ball 2026 is unmissable. It’s where elegance meets warmth, where history meets innovation, and where everyone truly becomes the star of the evening.
- Date: February 7, 2026
- Time: 18:00 – 02:00
- Venue: Gundel Palace, City Park (Városliget), Budapest
- Dress code: Black tie
Take your place among the stars and make your Budapest stay shine with this once-in-a-lifetime experience.