Tsar`s Ball Program

Departure transfer at 19:45 from Grand Hotel Europe and Astoria Hotel with police escort.
The most outstanding feature of the ball is that it closely follows past events, both in its atmosphere and its scenario, which present-day historians have painstakingly revived.
Times naturally change and some innovations have been made to the ceremony.

Arriving Arriving
Comfortable coaches have replaced gilt carriages, though guests are still welcomed by a brass band and uniformed hussars carrying torches. The guests walk up to the main entrance on a thick carpet and the palace is again aglow with lights.
Welcome Cocktail
After entering the Palace the guests are invited for the Welcome Cocktail at Stasov Room.
Welcome Cocktail
Royal welcome Royal welcome
Inside the Palace Tsar and Queen provide a lavish welcome traditionally reserved for the royalty. The procession follows through the suite of beautiful baroque rooms.
Entering The Palace
Upon mounting the marble stairway, the guests pass through silken rooms and polished halls to admire the elegant palace interiors. Magnificent rooms stretch in a sumptuous line to form one uninterrupted suite of apartments.
Entering The Palace
Music and Ballet Music and Ballet
The interior is animated by enchanting flute music and ballet dancers performing duets to the sounds of a harpsichord.
Amber Room
The splendid effect of this passageway prepares the guests for one of the main treasures of the palace- the mysterious amber room. Although it has not been fully restored, its exquisite refinement leaves no one indifferent.
Amber Room
Choir Singing Choir Singing
At the end of the enfilade, cocktails are served. The Throne Room opens at nine o` clock sharp. Guests meanwhile enjoy drinks and snacks, while a children`s choir performs Schubert`s Ave Maria.
The Throne Room
The double doors of the Throne Room are opened wide and the guests halt spellbound at the fairytale scene in front of them.
The Throne  Room
Opera Opera
The courtly entourage provides a royal welcome, while opera singers mount the stage and propose the first toast.
Imperial Dinner
French chefs always managed Imperial cuisine in Russia. And once again, the prestigious French catering company Potel & Chabot is in charge. Dinner starts with the finest of Russian delicacies - black caviar, a delight to satisfy the most discerning gourmets.
Flower Decoration Flower Decoration
In keeping with another Russian tradition, there was always a profusion of flowers, rare plants and potted palms at every ball, even in the coldest of winters. This tradition has also been preserved and scented flowers bloom on every table.
The Magic of Russian Ballet
The impression of Russia would not be complete without the magic of Russian ballet. Excerpts from operas and ballets are performed by soloists of the famous theatres and opera houses of St. Petersburg.
One of the finest orchestras plays throughout the dinner.
The Magic of Russian Ballet
Folklore Dancing Folklore Dancing
The extravaganza continues with Russian folklore and Cossack shows. Fiery dancers and ethnic songs enhance the impression of a magical night
The World of Russian Culture
The New Year`s Ball is your unique chance to enter the rich world of Russian culture, your chance to plunge into an authentic atmosphere of grandeur and luxury. This magical journey into the elegant world of the Russian Tsars guarantees a night to remember.
The World of Russian Culture
Chiming Midnight
Chiming Midnight
Midnight is coming and is signaled by a concert of bells.
Fairytale of Snow and Mirrors
An uninterrupted flow of time continues in this fairytale world of snow, candles and mirrors.
Fairytale of Snow and Mirrors
Fireworks Fireworks
The sky outside brightens up with bursts of light. Flashes of light flare up in the sky and break into flaming constellations. From the time of the first Russian Emperors , fireworks were the favorite entertainment of the Russian nobility. Back then, however, in the eighteenth century, they could only dream of such magic displays.
Ball Dancing
Dances are the most exciting part of any ball. Couples move graciously to the strains of Strauss`s waltzes in golden interiors shimmering in candle light. All this makes one feel as if one has stepped into a fairytale.
Ball Dancing
Imperial Jazz Imperial Jazz
But this is a modern fairytale, and jazz accompanies the romantic ballroom music. A famous St Petersburg jazz orchestra performs background music throughout the night.
Everyone is carried away in a whirlwind of music.

This New This New Year's it's the CZAR'S BALL amid the splendor of Empress Catherine's IMPERIAL PALACE
Don't miss this extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Book tickets in advance. For more information, please call us +1 866 869 8634 (USA), +44 800 279 7129 (UK and Europe) or e-mail us at tsarball@balletandopera.com


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