Venice Carnival 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Private Parties, Exclusive Masquerade Balls & Elite Events

(Official Dates Confirmed: Jan 31 – Feb 17, 2026)

Venice Carnival 2026 represents the pinnacle of European luxury entertainment, transforming La Serenissima into the world’s most exclusive masquerade destination. This year is unique: the season is compact and intense, running strictly from January 31 to February 17, 2026.

This comprehensive guide reveals every detail of the most coveted Venice Carnival Ball experiences, from the legendary Il Ballo del Doge (Theme: MOREAMORE) to the romantic Valentine’s Day Masquerade. All events are curated for discerning international travelers and luxury travel advisors seeking the Most Exclusive Carnival Party experiences available.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Venice Carnival 2026 – A Living Masterpiece
• When is Venice Carnival 2026? (Correct Dates)
• Olympus: The Mythological Heart of Venice Carnival 2026
• Il Ballo del Doge: The Crown Jewel (Feb 14th Edition)
• Professional Carnival Photography Services
• February 7, 2026: Opening Weekend Luxury Events
• February 12-13, 2026: Mid-Carnival & Fat Thursday
• February 14, 2026: The Valentine’s Masquerade Phenomenon
• Closing Events (Feb 15-17)
• Venetian Costume Ateliers: Where Dreams Become Reality
• The Storied History of Venice Carnival
• Luxury Travel Planning: VIP Services & Concierge Tips
• International Media Recognition
• Insider Tips for Elite Travelers
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction: Venice Carnival 2026 – A Living Masterpiece

As Claude Monet once proclaimed Venice “too beautiful to paint,” today’s luxury travelers discover the city’s carnival season as equally transcendent—a living artwork where 18th-century opulence meets contemporary sophistication. Venice Carnival 2026 promises to be the most spectacular edition yet, featuring carefully curated Venice Carnival Party experiences that cater exclusively to international high society.

From the floating city’s historic palazzi to exclusive yacht soirées on the lagoon, each event represents centuries of Venetian artistry, with prices ranging from accessible lagoon cruises (€130) to the ultra-exclusive Il Ballo del Doge (€5,000 for Supreme section tickets).

For luxury travel advisors and elite clientele, Venice Carnival represents more than entertainment—it’s an investment in cultural heritage. Each Venice Carnival Ball serves as a gateway to La Serenissima’s most jealously guarded social circles.

When is Venice Carnival 2026?

Venice Carnival 2026 runs from Saturday, January 31 through Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

These specific dates are determined by the Christian liturgical calendar. In 2026, Easter falls on April 5, making the carnival season significantly earlier than in some years.

• Jan 31 – Feb 1: Pre-opening weekend (Street shows).
• Feb 7: Grand Opening (The official kick-off).
• Feb 12: Giovedì Grasso (Fat Thursday).
• Feb 14: The Super Saturday (Valentine’s Day + Main Carnival Night).
• Feb 17: Martedì Grasso (Grand Finale & Svolo del Leon).

The January 31 to February 17 timeframe provides an intense, compressed schedule. Early booking is critical, as the most prestigious masquerade balls—particularly Il Ballo del Doge—sell out completely months in advance.

Olympus: The Mythological Heart of Venice Carnival 2026

“Olympus – Alle origini del gioco / At the Origins of the Game” serves as the official theme for Venice Carnival 2026. This theme honors Italy’s hosting of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, bridging ancient mythology with Venetian festive tradition.

For luxury travelers attending exclusive masquerade balls, this thematic framework adds profound cultural significance. Expect costumes inspired by Greek mythology, Gods, Goddesses, and the “Forces of Hercules.” Selecting a costume that nods to this theme (e.g., Apollo, Venus, or an Olympian athlete in baroque style) will mark you as a true connoisseur of the event.

Il Ballo del Doge: The Crown Jewel of Venice Carnival

The World’s Most Exclusive Masquerade Ball

Il Ballo del Doge, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, stands unrivaled as the Most Exclusive Carnival Party on the global luxury events calendar. Now celebrating its 33rd edition, this legendary masquerade ball has earned recognition from Vanity Fair as “the most sumptuous and exclusive, famous and coveted social event in the world.”

Official Photography Documentation

For over a decade, Il Ballo del Doge has been professionally documented by our exclusive carnival photography services. As the official photographer for Il Ballo del Doge for more than 10 years, our imagery has graced the pages of international publications including Vanity Fair, Vogue, Elle, L’Officiel, and Cosmopolitan.

This exclusive access provides unmatched expertise in capturing the essence of Venice’s most prestigious carnival celebration. We offer intimate portrait sessions in historic palace settings and candid moments during the evening’s spectacular performances.

The Visionary: Antonia Sautter

Behind this cultural phenomenon stands Antonia Sautter, the creative genius who transformed a simple carnival celebration into an international luxury institution. Her costumes have graced Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” and her atelier houses over 1,500 handcrafted period costumes.

The 2026 Experience: “MOREAMORE”

The 2026 theme is officially “MOREAMORE”.
Antonia Sautter’s vision for this year is clear: “Cupid meets Carnival in Venice. Ready to glam up and join in? MoreAmore will be my loveliest, lushiest, craziest, most heartfelt edition of Il Ballo del Doge party ever hosted!”

Venue: Scuola Grande della Misericordia
Date: Feb 14, 2026 (Valentine’s Day Edition)
Dress Code: Authentic period costume compulsory. IMPORTANT NOTE: The explicit directive for 2026 is “No more BLACK… All we need is MoreAmore!”. We strongly advise choosing vibrant, romantic colors (red, gold, white, pink) for your costume rental to align with the theme.

Ticket Categories & Pricing

• Section Supreme: €5,000 per person – Prime positioning, champagne service.
• Section A: €4,000 per person – Premium seating, gala dinner.
• Section B: €3,500 per person – Excellent views.
• Section C: €3,000 per person – Standard seating.
• Section D: €2,500 per person – Entry level.
• After-Dinner Entry: €800 per person – Access from 11:30 PM.

Official Il Ballo del Doge Tickets

Professional Carnival Photography Services

Venice Carnival offers unparalleled photographic opportunities, but the crowds can be overwhelming. Our professional carnival photography services provide elite travelers with museum-quality documentation.

Pre-Event Portrait Sessions

We offer exclusive pre-event portrait sessions in Venice’s most iconic locations, including:

• St. Mark’s Square at Dawn: Capture the magic in golden morning light, before the crowds arrive.
• Doge’s Palace Courtyard: Historic settings that complement period costumes.
• Bridge of Sighs & Secret Gardens: Romantic backdrops perfect for couples.

February 7, 2026: Opening Weekend Luxury Events

Carnival Official Dinner Show 2026 at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi

The official celebration organized by the City of Venice at the iconic Ca’ Vendramin Calergi (Venice Casino). This event embodies the perfect synthesis of Venetian institutional tradition with contemporary luxury hospitality.
Dates: Feb 7 – Feb 17, 2026
Price: €550 per person (includes dinner & show)
Booking: Official Dinner Show Tickets (Vivaticket) | Official Info Page

Ball of Dreams at Palazzo Zen

Launching the 2026 season, the Ball of Dreams transforms historic Palazzo Zen into a kaleidoscope of color.
Date: Saturday, Feb 7, 2026
Price Range: €690 to €850 per person
Book Ball of Dreams Tickets

February 12-13, 2026: Mid-Carnival & Fat Thursday

Ball Tiepolo at Ridotto of Palazzo Dandolo

Date: Thursday, Feb 12 (Giovedì Grasso).
Honoring Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s artistic legacy. This historically accurate ball attracts cultural enthusiasts and art collectors.
Location: Palazzo Dandolo Ridotto.
Price Range: €850 to €1,200 per person.
Ball Tiepolo Tickets & Info

Ball Minuetto at Hotel Monaco (Multiple Dates)

Offered on select evenings (Feb 8, 12, 15, 16). Experience 18th-century European court culture with dance instruction.
Location: Ridotto of Hotel Monaco.
Price Range: €750 to €900 per person.
Ball Minuetto Tickets

The Glass Slippers: Masquerade at the Cathedral of Glass

Location: Murano Island (The Cathedral of Glass – Ex Chiesa di Santa Chiara).
Date: Friday, Feb 13, 2026.
An exclusive gala dinner set inside a former medieval cathedral transformed into a glass master’s temple. Unique atmosphere on the island of Murano.
Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight.
Price: €365 per person.
Dress Code: Historical Costume or Elegant Dress with Mask.
Book The Glass Slippers Tickets

Don Giovanni in Venice

Location: Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto.
Date: Friday, Feb 13, 2026.
An immersive Opera Dinner show featuring international singers, musicians, and dancers celebrating the legend of Don Giovanni. A perfect blend of Venetian culinary tradition and high-class entertainment.
Price: €380 per person.
Dress Code: Carnival costume or elegant dress with mask.
Book Don Giovanni Tickets

February 14, 2026: Valentine’s Day Masquerade Extravaganza

In 2026, we have a rare alignment: The main Saturday of Carnival is Valentine’s Day. This makes Feb 14th the most sought-after date of the decade.

1. Il Ballo del Doge (Valentine’s Edition)

The most exclusive event. Requires booking months in advance. Theme: MOREAMORE.
Location: Scuola Grande della Misericordia.
Price Range: €2,500 to €5,000 per person.
Dress Code: Authentic period costume compulsory. IMPORTANT: “No more BLACK”.
Official Il Ballo del Doge Tickets

2. Carnival in Love Grand Ball at Ca’ Zen Palace

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this event creates fairy tale experiences specifically for couples.
Location: Ca’ Zen Palace, Venice.
Price Range: €790 to €1,100 per person.
Dress Code: Period costume or elegant evening dress.
Carnival in Love Reservations

3. The Legend of Casanova Grand Ball

Channel the spirit of Venice’s greatest lover on the day of love.
Location: Hotel Saturnia & International (Sala della Musica).
Date: Saturday, Feb 14, 2026.
Dress Code: Historical Costume compulsory.
The Legend of Casanova Info & Tickets

4. Venetian Reflections

A sophisticated gala combining luxury entertainment with philanthropic purpose.
Location: Hotel Ca’ Sagredo.
Date: Saturday, Feb 14, 2026.
Venetian Reflections Tickets

Closing Events

Private Yacht Soirée on the Lagoon

The epitome of intimate luxury. Sunset cruising through Venice’s most exclusive waterways.
Departure: Yacht Club Italiano, Giudecca Island.
Price Range: €450 to €600 per person.
Private Yacht Soirée Reservations

Venetian Costume Ateliers: Where Dreams Become Reality

The authentic Venice Carnival experience demands period-accurate costumes. Do not use cheap tourist masks for these balls.

• Atelier Antonia Sautter: The creator of Il Ballo del Doge. Bespoke luxury costumes.
• Nicolao Atelier: Historic atelier established in 1980, creating costumes for opera and cinema.
• Meeting Europe: A point of reference for costume rentals and events in Venice.
• Sogno Veneziano Atelier: High-quality handcrafted costumes and masks.
• Ca’ del Sol: Specializes in traditional masks and period costumes.
• Atelier La Bauta: Artisanal production of masks and costumes in true Venetian style.

The Storied History of Venice Carnival

Venice Carnival traces its origins to 1092. The 18th century marked its Golden Age, attracting figures like Casanova. After being suppressed by Napoleon in 1797, it was revived in 1979 and today attracts 3 million visitors annually. Events like Il Ballo del Doge recreate that 18th-century splendor for the modern elite.

Luxury Travel Planning: VIP Services & Concierge Tips

Elite Accommodation Strategy

Luxury accommodation during Venice Carnival 2026 requires strategic planning.

• Aman Venice: Unparalleled privacy in Palazzo Papadopoli.
• The Gritti Palace: The ultimate Grand Canal terrace.
• Hotel Danieli: Legendary hospitality near St. Mark’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Your Gateway to Venetian Aristocracy

Venice Carnival 2026 represents more than entertainment—it offers transformation into living history. From the legendary Il Ballo del Doge to intimate lagoon soirées, each ball provides access to experiences unavailable anywhere else on earth.

Our professional carnival photography services ensure that your investment is preserved through museum-quality imagery. From pre-event portrait sessions in St. Mark’s Square at dawn to exclusive event coverage, we capture the magic of your experience.