New Year Ball at the Yusupov Palace
At 8 pm wind orchestra starts playing outside of Yusupov Palace.
All 170 guests are invited to come up the grandeur marble parade staircase while the string orchestra is playing in the upper vestibule. Few minutes are given to acquire themselves with the exquisite rooms of the palazzo. Meanwhile the cocktails are served in the Prezzioza Sitting Room and Nikolayevsky Hall. The fanfares are heard and the Hostess of the Ball invites guests to the home theater for a "porcelain" ballet performance. After the show the guests proceed to the Large Banquet Hall for a elegant candlelight dinning with the live music: from classic to folklore.
Around midnight a brass band will enter the Banquet Hall and with the sounds of the royal polonaise the arrival of Peter the Great is announced. The Emperor will greet the guests. The Royal New Year toast is saluted just as clock strikes midnight. Chimes of the Peter and Paul Cathedral's clock are heard followed by traditional Russian church bells. Guests are invited to proceed to the White (Dance) Hall. Everyone is welcome to dance till dawn when The Royal Fireworks will end the ball.
