Dubai’s winter season officially shifted into celebration mode as the Dubai Shopping Festival returned on December 5. Every year, the festival marks a highlight for the city, drawing families, tourists and late-night explorers to experience Dubai at its most vibrant. This edition brings more than a month of fireworks, outdoor entertainment and family activities — all spread across some of Dubai’s most-loved destinations.
The DSF 2025 fireworks kicked off with a dazzling opening show at Dubai Festival City Mall, setting the tone for the weeks ahead. With cooler evenings and a festive mood settling across the city, the fireworks have quickly become one of the season’s key attractions.
Festival Bay Hosts the First Fireworks of the Season
The opening night at Dubai Festival City Mall carried the excitement that residents look forward to each winter. Festival Bay, known for its wide waterfront and open-air dining spots, offered a perfect setting as the first fireworks burst across the sky. The colours reflected beautifully on the water, creating a scene that felt almost cinematic.
Families arrived early to secure a good viewing spot, while photographers lined the promenade with tripods ready. The 8:30 pm display has now become a nightly fixture throughout the festival, making it easy for people to plan an evening visit — whether it’s after dinner, a shopping trip or a casual walk by the bay.
The shows, presented by the Al Zarooni Group, bring fresh designs each year. This time, the fireworks carried a warmer palette, blending reds, golds and deep blues, giving the night a dramatic glow that matched the festive mood.
Fireworks Across the City: A Winter Tradition in Dubai
Although Dubai Festival City Mall hosts the daily shows, DSF has always been a citywide celebration — and that continues this year. Fireworks pop up across different locations throughout the festival, making it easier for people from various communities to enjoy the displays without crossing the entire city.
Hatta’s Mountain Backdrop Creates a Different Kind of DSF Moment
For those looking to escape the city for a quieter evening, Hatta once again joins DSF with its own series of fireworks. The mountain setting creates a completely different experience. The contrast of colourful bursts against rugged peaks brings a natural drama that feels far from Dubai’s urban shine — yet still within the spirit of the festival.
Hatta’s fireworks take place on select weekends:
- December 5–6
- December 12–13
- December 19–20
- December 26–27
The shows start at 8 pm, giving visitors enough time to spend the day exploring the dam, cycling trails or the heritage village before settling in for the fireworks. The cooler weather adds to the charm, making it a popular winter evening escape.
New Year’s Eve: A Multi-Destination Fireworks Line-Up
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are recognized worldwide, and DSF adds its own glow to the night. This year, the fireworks begin in Hatta before moving across several waterfront destinations, including Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters and The Beach JBR.
- Souk Al Seef gives a traditional charm with its Old Dubai architecture.
- Bluewaters offers a modern skyline, especially with Ain Dubai in the backdrop.
- The Beach JBR remains a go-to spot for families and tourists who prefer open-air dining and relaxed beachfront viewing.
Each location builds its own atmosphere, but the energy is shared across the city — making New Year’s Eve one of Dubai’s most unified celebrations.
A Festival That Defines Dubai’s Winter Season
The Dubai Shopping Festival continues to play a major role in shaping the city’s winter rhythm. While retail offers, market pop-ups and raffles attract crowds, the fireworks remain the festival’s most accessible highlight. They’re free, visually spectacular and reach communities across different parts of Dubai.
With temperatures staying cool, evenings become naturally busier. Outdoor dining spots fill up, waterfronts stay active and public spaces echo with a mix of music, chatter and camera clicks — a familiar winter soundscape in Dubai.
Families strolling with children, friends meeting by the water, and tourists capturing skyline images — these scenes repeat themselves throughout DSF. It’s the kind of shared experience that keeps the festival close to the heart of the city.
Expectations from this season
This year’s DSF brings a wide mix of entertainment, but the fireworks schedule remains the main attraction. Visitors can expect:
- Daily fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall
- Weekend shows in Hatta
- A multi-location New Year’s Eve fireworks sequence
- Outdoor entertainment, food kiosks and family activities
- A festive winter atmosphere across key destinations
The buzz of the waterfront or the calm of the mountains, DSF offers a night for every mood.
With its nightly fireworks and a packed winter calendar, DSF 2025 adds colour and energy to Dubai’s cool-weather season. The festival continues to be a favourite for residents and visitors, offering countless moments to enjoy the city outdoors.
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