Explore a spectacular Wonderland of Festive Fun this DSF

Tis the season to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) introduces an enchanting line-up of festivities that will delight visitors of all ages during the most wonderful time of the year.

This winter, from now until 14 January 2024, Dubai transforms into a festive wonderland, offering unforgettable experiences filled with towering trees decorated to the nines, wonder-filled visits from Santa Claus, delicious food and drink, awe-inspiring drone shows and glittering light installations. Prepare to be captivated by the charm and wonder of DSF as it brings to life the true essence of the festive season across Dubai. Here’s what’s in store…

Visit a Winter Wonderland

Good times are guaranteed at the annual Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace Dubai, running now until 31 January 2024. Delicious food trucks, enthralling live acts, a massive tree and plenty of entertainment for all ages are only some of the reasons why visitors and residents love this outdoor Christmas extravaganza. As always, you can expect to feast on delicious dishes from a number of eateries while enjoying festive performances by talented local singers. Little ones will love the holiday decor all around, along with daily visits from Santa.

No winter season in Dubai is complete without a visit to the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market. Running from 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, this magical bazaar will feature a 36-foot-tall tree, seasonal food stalls, and immersive family activities, including a North Pole Train, four-lane bungee and Venetian carousel. There will also be live yuletide tunes and the chance to take an Abra ride with Santa and decorate a gingerbread house.

Returning from 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, the enchanting Winter City at Expo City Dubai awaits with endless fun and excitement for visitors of all ages. The Al Wasl Dome will dazzle with a captivating festive-themed light show, while families can immerse themselves in a world of holiday cheer through delightful markets, a children's gift grotto, a towering 16-metre tree, enchanting faux snowfall, lively games, and captivating live entertainment. Running daily from 3pm to 11pm, this experience will also give visitors an opportunity to become a real-life eco-hero with an exciting quest to save the North Pole. Families, both young and young at heart, will explore Santa's grotto and toy factory, Frosty's farmhouse and Mrs Claus' bakery, eagerly following clues, conquering challenges, and mingling with iconic Christmas characters, all while wholeheartedly embracing the powerful messages of sustainability. Prepare to celebrate the wonder of winter in all its glory at this magical event.

Explore a winter wonderland at Nakheel Mall where you’ll find a host of special holiday activities for visitors of all ages. From now until 30 January 2024, discover an incredible festive garden complete with picturesque winter decorations, a mesmerising water fountain installation, an impressive tree, flower displays and many more enchanting winter highlights. Free to attend, the Festive Garden provides the perfect backdrop for amazing photos and great moments spent together this season.

Lastly, experience the ultimate festive chill-out at The Bay by Social, Dubai Festival City Mall's newest waterfront hotspot. From now until 30 April 2024, from 4pm to 10pm, explore an eclectic mix of trendy food trucks serving delicious treats, a unique market, and family-friendly activities including interactive art installations and cultural events. You can also test your luck at The Carnival with exciting game stalls and special prizes to be won, or burn off some steam at the giant trampolines, inflatable park with giant slides and obstacle courses. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience filled with cherished memories.

Step into a magical world of mesmerising radiance

Taking place from now until 14 January 2024 is the awe-inspiring Dubai Lights DSF Drone show. Presented by Emarat Petroleum, prepare to be captivated by an incredible display in which a breathtaking story will unfold in the night sky above Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, every evening at 8pm and 10pm.

Offering another spectacular experience, Dubai Lights will run until 14 January 2024, transforming the city into a vibrant canvas of creativity and artistry with unique installations at various locations.This year, Dubai Lights introduces the world-renowned inflatable duo, The Anooki, who will light up Al Seef, Hatta, Etisalat MOTB, and d3. There will also be Dubai Neon at Al Seef, where neon lights will transform the marketplace and Dubai Souk into a dazzling world of positivity and inspiration with uplifting messages and enlightening quotes, while 40 Dubai Creek Abras create an awe-inspiring display of colour, captivating visitors of all ages with its beauty. Meanwhile, Modesh and his friend Dana will be the star attraction at City Centre Mirdif, with the Modesh Inflatable standing over 10 metres tall creating a spectacular visual display for people passing by. What’s more, Amazon Wonder at Palm West Beach will feature life-size installations of Amazonian parrots plus stunning artworks of flowers and leaves from the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Sponsor Jumbo and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Etisalat by e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach, Nakheel Mall and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village. 

Experience exceptional entertainment and adventures for all, every day, in a city like no other, with the 29^th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. Running from 8 December 2023 to 14 January 2024, get set to see the city at its best during the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy Dubai’s perfect winter weather. Adventures are waiting to be discovered in every corner – from enchanting experiences to out of this world entertainment –  each and every day, for 38 days. And of course, Dubai Shopping Festival promises the very best in retail experiences – with sales, discounts, pop-up markets featuring homegrown exclusives, high street favourites, the ultimate in luxury and a variety of retail offerings, with something for everyone. 

To explore all that Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer, check out Visit Dubai and @CelebrateDubai, @DSFMarkets and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.