Among the stars: Gundel Ball shines again in 2026 – video

For over 130 years, Gundel has stood as a symbol of Hungarian culinary excellence and cosmopolitan elegance. Located beside Budapest’s City Park, the storied restaurant has served emperors and royalty alike, its opulent halls a witness to generations of fine dining and high society. In its heyday, Gundel wasn’t merely a place to eat, but the epicentre of refined urban life. Now, a bold new chapter begins. On 7 February 2026, the historic Gundel Palace will once again host a glittering society event: the Gundel Ball 2026, a reimagining of the classic ball that aims to fuse Hungarian tradition with contemporary flair.  

A modern take on a storied Hungarian tradition

The Gundel Ball 2026 revives a lost custom of aristocratic Budapest with fresh vigour. This year’s ball, themed ‘Among the Stars,’ will bring together high fashion, unforgettable performances, and top-tier cuisine – all in a setting designed to leave you speechless.

What makes this event remarkable isn’t just its setting, the palatial halls of Gundel, but its ambition. According to organisers from the Eventrend Group, the evening is intended as “a celebration of Hungarian hospitality, community, and heritage reinterpreted for the 21st century.”

And yes, everyone is welcome.

Gundel Ball tickets and what they include

For those planning to attend, there are four ticket tiers available, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets:

• Gundel Gyémánt (Diamond) Ticket – HUF 119,000
  Includes a four-course plated dinner in the upstairs Andrássy Ballroom, free-flowing premium wines, sommelier service, and personalised table service with Zsolnay porcelain and silver cutlery.
• Gundel Arany (Gold) Ticket – HUF 89,000
  Seated buffet dinner in the gallery section, with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks until 2:00 AM.
• Gundel Ezüst (Silver) Ticket – HUF 69,000
  Standing buffet-style dinner in the café area, with access to all entertainment and unlimited drinks until 10:00 PM.
• Gundel Sétálójegy (Strolling Ticket) – HUF 49,000
  Entry to the event, welcome champagne, and unlimited mineral water, tea and coffee.

Tickets are available at www.gundel.hu/gundel-bal, where bookings are managed through Cooltix. All prices include VAT and a 15% service charge.

For more unmissable events in Hungary, click through and stay ahead.

Elegance with a twist

The evening will feature live music across multiple stages, a “Touch the Universe” interactive exhibit, roulette and blackjack tables, pop-up bars (including chocolate, champagne, and cognac), holograms of Károly Gundel himself, and numerous themed photo spots to capture it all. 

Among the performers are Lili Fehér (jazz), Imre Rakonczai (party piano), DJ sets across levels, and the Vegas Showband carrying the crowd into the early hours.

The ball’s charitable dimension, “One Ball, One Smile” will raise funds for disadvantaged children.

Calling all debutantes

One of the night’s centrepieces will be the opening waltz, performed by a group of first-time dancers aged 16–25, trained under the expert eye of choreographer and TV personality Andrea Keleti. Gundel is currently accepting applications from young people willing to learn the Viennese waltz and join the debutante tradition.

Applicants will receive dance training, ball attire, and free entry to the event. Interested individuals or couples should apply by 20 November 2025 at meghivo@gundel.hu.

Getting it right: the dress code

The dress code is strictly black tie. The message is clear: elegance isn’t about privilege; it’s about shared respect for the occasion. A tuxedo or evening gown may be traditional, but there is room for personal interpretation within the theme.

For ladies of all ages, from first-time debutantes to seasoned ballgoers, a classic floor-length dress is always appropriate, but a well-cut cocktail dress or the timeless little black dress can be just as striking, especially when paired with thoughtful accessories. The key is sophistication, not extravagance.

For those unsure where to start, official stylist Zsolt Ordasi is available by appointment to offer personalised styling advice and help create a look that complements both the ball’s visual identity and the individual’s personality.

Timeless Gundel classics and bold new creations

Executive Chef Róbert Vérten and Corporate Chef András Wolf will oversee an ambitious culinary offering. Guests can expect everything from Gundel classics like the beloved Gundel pancake and Somlói galuska (Hungarian trifle), to imaginative new dishes such as venison pâté, duck breast with cherry jus, and pistachio cake with raspberry.

There will be plated and buffet options, as well as Alpine “hütte-style” bites, a champagne bar, and a dessert selection.

A night to remember

Gundel Ball 2026 is more than a party. It is a cultural statement. It rekindles the splendour of Budapest’s ballroom age, not with nostalgia, but with intent: to offer all generations a night of tradition and connection.

To borrow the ball’s motto: “Among the stars – everyone can shine.”

For full programme details, dress code support, and ticket information, visit www.gundel.hu.

Get in the spirit – watch the Gundel Ball 2026 promo video below!