It was once an exclusive event for the eyes of high society only, but now the Vienna Opera Ball can be enjoyed by everyone – thanks to Gen Z debutantes sharing footage on social media.

The glittering 68th annual ball, which took place last Thursday, saw women, aged between 18 and 25, make their debut in Vienna, Austria’s capital on the arm of their escorts.

First established in 1814 to entertain the aristocracy after the Napoleonic Wars, it’s more recently become a social media sensation with influencers recording every detail of the event – where tickets cost up to €26,000.

It’s a grand affair, spread across nine floors, with more than 20 bars and buffets, including a champagne salon and bar dedicated to Campari, five dance floors playing over 16 different music genres, and a performance by the Vienna State Opera.

Each of the debutantes had their makeup done by a Lancôme artist, while Wella completed the hairstyling, including emergency touch-ups until 3am, and Swarovski provided the diamonds.

Debutante Anna Dowling took to TikTok to share a sneak peek at her time preparing for the glamorous occasion, which saw her getting her hair professionally styled alongside her mother before she slipped into a flowing white gown.

Attendees have shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of last Thursday’s prestigious Vienna Opera Ball, including German influencer Leonie Hanne, pictured, on TikTok

Meanwhile, German influencer and blogger Leonie Hanne, who boasts over one million TikTok followers, had her diamond jewels laid out on a tray for her as she got ready for the prestigious event.

Leonie, who dubbed the ball a ‘real life Bridgerton’, also shared a clip of her twirling around in her blush pink dress and white gloves while inside the venue.

It wasn’t just the women dripping in precious stones, and Nils Kuesel, from Berlin, shared a clip of his glittering diamond watch and ring from Swarovski. 

Elsewhere, content creator Anna Strigl, who wore a colourful Alexandra Gogolok-Nagl gown, shared a clip of her enjoying a €9 ice cream during the event. 

She wrote, when translated to English: ‘The Vienna Opera Ball is truly impressive, and to a certain extent, I understand the prices, given the huge crowds.’

Other videos from inside the venue showed attendees weaving in and out of each other on the dance floor as they performed the waltz.

And the party didn’t stop there; the debutantes danced until the early hours, including Laetitia Hofer, who recorded herself dancing outside with friends while all wearing a Swarovski tiara.

Swarovski has designed the tiara for the Vienna Opera Ball since 1956, and this year’s was created by the brand’s Global Creative Director, Giovanna Engelbert.

Austrian influencer Anna Strigl, pictured with her date for the ball, said the event was ‘truly impressive’

Debutante Laetitia Hofer, pictured right, shared a clip of herself and friends dancing outside the venue

Debutantes and their dates complete the ‘Everyone waltz’ that sees guests take to the floor to complete the dance ahead of the clock striking midnight

The statement piece was adorned with over 350 crystals, and was inspired by the company’s swan emblem.

Tickets for last Thursday’s event range up to €26,000 for the tiered box, which includes an exclusive area and a food and beverage service.

To apply as a debutante, each couple must go through an audition process, as well as having ‘very good left-hand waltz skills,’ the website reads.

The latter comes in handy for the ‘Everyone waltz’ that sees all guests take to the floor to complete the magical dance ahead of the clock striking midnight.

The Opera Ball is known for its A-list guests, with controversial billionaire Richard Lugner reportedly paying thousands to take celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Geri Halliwell.

The Austrian construction tycoon died at the age of 91 in August 2024 after suffering several health issues.

Preparations for the formal event start weeks before the evening, with young couples dedicating themselves to rehearsals and spending hours completing finishing touches on their outfits.

To attend the grand occasion, general admission costs €410, but guests can also pay tens of thousands for a box.

German influencer Leonie Hanne, pictured, sported a flowing pink gown to the prestigious event last Thursday

Every event has a dress code of evening dress, meaning white ties and tails for men, floor-length gowns for women and white opera gloves for the female debutantes. 

The ball begins at around 8:15pm when guests appear on the imperial balcony and the national anthem is played, followed by the European anthem.

The annual event draws more than 5,000 attendees, including members of the Austrian government along with a handful of A-list celebrities.

Famous faces who attended this year, included Jude Law and Sadie Frost’s daughter, Iris Law, actor Ed Westwick, and Prince William’s cousins Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer.

The Spencer twins, who are the daughters of Charles Spencer, ninth Earl Spencer and Victoria Aitken, donned glamorous gowns and statement jewellery pieces when they arrived at the 68th annual society event.

Lady Eliza exuded sophistication in a shimmering gold dress and elegant white fashion gloves.

Meanwhile, Lady Amelia put on an elegant display in a sparkling silver gown fit with black fashion gloves.

Both sisters, 33, wore their hair in sleek updos complete with a middle parting and were all smiles as they represented British aristocracy at the high-profile event.