British Charitable Foundation crest
British Charitable Foundation · Panama

The British Ball

A formal event to kick off Panama's holiday season
December 5, 2026InterContinental Miramar Panama, Avenida Balboa
Men: Black tie optional | Ladies: Fabulously glam
Since 2001

25 years of generosity

Every ticket you purchase, every prize you win, every glass you raise goes to work across Panama: educating children, caring for the elderly, rescuing animals, backing the Special Olympics, and bringing Christmas to families who would otherwise go without. The party is the method. The charities are the point.

$150,000+
Given to Panamanian charities since 2001
5
Charities supported every year
$10,000
This year's fundraising goal
260
Available tickets
About the evening

A cherished tradition on Panama's Christmas calendar

It began in 2001 as the vision of then British Ambassador Jim Malcolm, OBE: throw the best party in Panama, and use it to bring the British community to the centre of the city's life. A quarter century later, the British Ball is the night the whole community circles on the calendar. Ambassadors and business leaders, Brits and Panamanians, old friends and first-timers, all dressed to the nines, still on the dance floor well after midnight. Behind the sparkle sits real accountability. Since 2016 the British Charitable Foundation, a registered Panamanian non-profit, has run the Ball with full transparency, and each year the proceeds are handed to our five chosen charities in person, at a public ceremony at the British Ambassador's Residence. Over $150,000 has reached Panamanian charities since 2001.

Reserve your ticket →
This year's Ball

On the Night

Some parties you attend. This one you remember. The evening opens at 7pm with a champagne reception overlooking the bay. Then dinner: three courses, wine on the table, and a full open bar behind it, from cold beer to top-drawer liquors, with plenty of choice if you're not drinking. The Toast to the King. Door prizes from our sponsors, and in recent years the signature prize the room waits for: two tickets to a special COPA Airlines destination. And then the DJ takes over. Officially we finish at 1am. Unofficially, if the dance floor is full, we have been known to keep the lights low a little longer. Underneath the glamour, a purpose. The Ball is the British Charitable Foundation's flagship fundraiser, and its proceeds are presented publicly each year to five Panamanian charities: educating children, caring for the elderly, rescuing animals, supporting the Special Olympics, and helping families at Christmas. You get a wonderful night. They get a better year.

Advance Purchase price until October 31, 2026

USD 135.00
Good to know

Frequently asked

When and where is the British Ball held?▾

Saturday, December 5, 2026 at the InterContinental Miramar Panama, on Avenida Balboa. The event starts with a champagne reception at 7pm. We suggest that you arrive on time so that you do not miss the chance to mingle with other guests over some bubbly. Seating for dinner will commence at 7:30pm.

How do I make a reservation?▾

Watch this 90 second guide: https://www.britishballpanama.com/british-ball-how-to-book.mp4

How much are tickets?▾

Advanced purchase price is $135 until October 31st, then the price goes up to $150. The Ball is capped at 260 guests and always sells out, so book early.

How do I pay?▾

Direct deposit or bank (ACH) transfer to the British Charitable Foundation account at Banco General. Full payment details appear the moment you book, and you will receive payment instructions again in your confirmation email. Unfortunately, we cannot accept payment by cheque, credit card or international wire transfer. Sending funds from overseas? Contact us and we can arrange for payment by Western Union or MoneyGram.

What is included?▾

Champagne reception, three-course dinner, and a full open bar all night, (featuring beer, wine, top-drawer liquors, and non-alcoholic options), in addition to live entertainment, raffle prizes, and the best dance floor of the season.

What is the dress code?▾

Men: Black tie optional. (Dark-coloured suits are an acceptable alternative, or dust off your kilt if you are of Scottish descent!) Ladies: We encourage you to be fabulously glam! (Long or short evening dresses or pantsuits are acceptable.)

Can I sit with my friends?▾

Yes, and we have made it easy for you to arrange your table(s). When making your reservation, if you know you will have other join you - select the "I am creating a group option". All reservations receive 2 codes; your booking code that allows you to manage your reservation (Link at the top of the home page) and your seating code - this is the code you share with the friends and colleagues that you want to have sitting at your table(s). They choose the option "I'll join and existing group" on the reservation page and enter this code - Voila - you are sitting at the same table.

Where does the money go?▾

To five Panamanian charities chosen by the British Charitable Foundation. Past recipients have included organizations dedicated to children's education, care for the elderly, animal rescue, the Special Olympics, and Christmas help for underprivileged families. The cheques are presented during a special reception held at the British Ambassador's Residence. Follow British Ball Panama on social media so you can see exactly where the proceeds of this evening go.

Is there parking?▾

The hotel offers both self-parking and valet. If the open bar features in your plans, we recommend taking an Uber.

Join us this year

An elegant evening in wonderful company, and a lasting gift to various charities across Panama.

Reserve your ticket →Contact the committee →