Carnival 2026 is not only a time of dancing fun in schools, clubs and restaurants. It is also the season of prestigious carnival balls, for which tickets reach extremely high prices. We checked how much you have to pay to have fun on one of them and what attractions you can count on for the price of the ticket.
Although Poland still does not match the scale and scope of the world's carnival powers, the market for exclusive balls and premium events is clearly developing. More and more historic palaces and hotels organize balls in the “all inclusive luxury” formula, combining gala dinners, concerts and stays in wellness zones. Package prices range from PLN 1,000. up to 10 thousand PLN per personand places are booked several weeks in advance. According to the organizers, the demand is driven by the growing interest of the middle classes in premium experiences and the return of classic elegance after years of pandemic simplicity.
What matters is the theme and a good menu
– This year we are organizing a grand Winter Garden ball. The greatest incentive for guests is choosing the right theme and the opportunity to dress up in something different than usual. After all, this is what carnival is associated with – says Sylwia Sawicka from Pałac Mała Wieś to Bankier.pl. – The main theme of the event is an inspiration not only for the interior design of the room, but also for the ball menu. Last year, about 200 people attended a similar event. We hope that it will be the same this time, because the interest is great.
To take part in such a ball, you can only buy a ticket, which costs depending on the date of purchase from PLN 590 to PLN 790. However, an overnight stay is a cost from 1060 to 10 thousand zloty, the most expensive option is accommodation in the prince's apartment. Discounts are available for larger groups, e.g. 8-10 people. The price includes hot meals, cold snacks, drinks, alcohol, as well as numerous attractions, including: live music, photo booth, as well as artistic and culinary shows.
– I think that in recent years people have been attracted to carnival balls not only by good fun, but above all by the exquisite menu. They pay more and more attention to them, adds Kinga Sawicka.
Exclusive balls in premium hotels
Carnival events organized in premium hotels have also enjoyed great popularity for years. One of them is the Entrepreneurs' Ball of the Polish Economic Society, which will take place on the first weekend of February in the elegant interiors of the Presidential Hotel in Warsaw.
– This is a unique carnival event – the highest rated by participants among all PTG initiatives. It combines prestige, business and relationships that pay off all year round. Over 500 company leaders took part in previous editions, including owners of key Polish brands, management board members, experts and representatives of public life – say the event organizers.
Here, too, the ticket price depends on the date of purchase and is from PLN 1,400 to PLN 2,300 net for one person and from PLN 2,500 to PLN 3,500 net for a couple. The price includes an exquisite chef's dinner, live music and the opening of the ball with a polonaise. The dress code here will be “Black Tie”.
Good fun, noble causes
Carnival balls are also organized by universities, foundations and sports clubs, which usually allocate the proceeds to charity. One of such events was the 2nd Wrocław Tennis Ball, which took place in the second half of January this year. at ATM Scena in Bielany Wrocławskie. Tickets were expensive here from PLN 600 to PLN 700 per person.
In turn, the charity Dominican Carnival Ball will take place next weekend in Warsaw. The fun will be held there under the slogan “Venecja na Służewie”. Here the cost of the invitation is PLN 300 per person. Additionally, during the event you will be able to support the work of Dominican brothers in Ukraine.
On Valentine's Day, the 6th Equal Opportunities Ball 2026 will be held at the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theater. The event will include a charity collection and auctions, the proceeds of which will be donated to the JA TEŻ Development Support Foundation – integrating and supporting people with Down syndrome. In this case, ticket prices are approximately PLN 600.
How much do the most prestigious balls in the world cost?
Although Polish carnival balls are not cheap, they are still far from the most prestigious events of this type in the world, which are not only a celebration of luxury, but also great business and a showcase of the cities that organize them. The most famous of these is the Venetian Il Ballo del Doge, held in the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia. It is considered the most expensive masquerade in the world. It is a combination of a theatrical setting, a multi-course dinner and performance art. Ticket prices even go up there 5 thousand euro per person. However, to participate, a special styling is necessary, for which renting a costume costs another several hundred euros.
The second most famous carnival ball in the world is Brazil's Copacabana Palace Ball during the Rio Carnival, which attracts the global elite by offering access to the legendary Belmond Hotel. Ticket prices vary here from 1 thousand up to 1.7 thousand downlars.
Both events are a symbol of prestige and world style. In their shadow, hundreds of other private balls and galas take place in palaces and hotels in Europe and Latin America, where entry fees also reach several thousand euros.
