Jelgava Palace Christmas Ball

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) invites you to enjoy an unforgettable festive atmosphere at the Jelgava Palace Christmas Ball, which with a diverse program will take place on Saturday, December 12, at 8:00 p.m. in Jelgava Palace, one of the finest jewels of Latvian Baroque architecture.

The Jelgava Palace Christmas Ball will gather guests for the 38th time to enjoy the magic of the season, music, dancing, and the special atmosphere of the palace. The decorated halls of the palace will turn into places of different musical moods and festive experiences, where everyone will be able to find the most suitable way to enjoy the most eagerly awaited night of the year.

The festive opening of the ball will traditionally take place in the LBTU Aula, where the evening will be announced with Oginski's Polonaise and the presence of the dancers of the folk dance ensemble “Kalve”. After the ceremonial address by the university rector, the lighting of the Christmas tree and the first waltz will follow, launching a night in which tradition, music, and festive joy will meet.

Dance music and the energetic evening atmosphere will be provided by Jelgava Big Band under the direction of Raitis Ašmanis, the group “Very Cool People”, the group “Honey Blue”, as well as Ēriks Palkavnieks and the musical collective “A´pie mums Jelgavā”. Meanwhile, soloists of the Latvian National Opera Mārtiņš Šmaukstelis and Sonora Vaice, together with concertmaster Ilze Ozoliņa, will offer an outstanding vocal performance.

The festive musical variety will be complemented by the LBTU choir “Liepa” under the direction of conductor Inta Zakenfelde and “Elemental cello” with performances featuring the sound of the electric cello. The art of dance will be represented by the dancers of the “Dūša Dance School”, while in the music and dance salon guests will be welcomed by melody and sound master Jānis Irbe, inviting them to surrender to a leisurely and musical evening mood.

The Jelgava Palace Christmas Ball will also offer a variety of activities beyond the dance halls. Guests will be able to take part in creative workshops, try fortune pouring, capture festive moments in photo salons, and join the activities of the LBTU Student Theatre. In the Duke's salon, there will be an opportunity to indulge in worldly conversations with the Duke and Duchess, while pop-up cafes, bar counters, and other surprises will provide pleasant moments of rest throughout the night.

The Jelgava Palace Christmas Ball is one of LBTU's most important annual traditions, bringing together the university community, alumni, entrepreneurs, residents of Jelgava, and guests from all over Latvia in one place. It is an opportunity to meet in a festive atmosphere, enjoy a cultural program, and experience a special night in the historic Jelgava Palace.

Admission to the ball is only in evening attire: gentlemen - dark suit, ladies - long evening dress.

More information about the Jelgava Palace Christmas Ball is available on the LBTU website lbtu.lv and on the university's social media channels.