DSF: Deals, shopping, fireworks

Dubai's biggest shopping festival is back with more than just great bargains.

Many of us know that the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is all about nabbing the biggest deals on fab regional and international brands sprawled across 4,000-plus retail outlets in the city (which we think is an incredible feat on its own!). But now that its 26th edition is in full swing, you'll discover that DSF is more than a massive citywide shopping spree!

Mark your calendars and brace yourselves for a whole new edition of DSF. Visitors and residents will be treated to a wholesome sensory experience, so expect mind-boggling arts, exciting performances, special retreats, pure indulgence, and of course, family-friendly excursions designed to keep the little ones entertained!

Every corner of the city will come alive, injecting a fresh new vibe every day. So, what are you waiting for? Rekindle quality time with near and dear ones, and experience DSF like never before.

Here are some unique experiences to check off your bucket list at Dubai Shopping Festival this season.

1. Hum along to great tunes

Catch a glimpse of regional talents alongside international artists such as Anne-Marie, Clean Bandit and Yasmin Green at a concert taking place as part of the DSF opening ceremony in Burj Park, Downtown Dubai on December 18. Your New Years' Eve is also sorted with renowned stars Wael Kfoury and Mouhamad Khairy performing at the Festival Arena on December 31, while Nassif Zeytoun will charm the audience at Dubai World Trade Centre.

2. Bringing tales to life

'Tis festive time and the city is bustling with cosy shows that celebrate the wintry season. Revisit the tale of Jack & The Beanstalk at InterContinental Festival City with the young ones, running until December 27; watch author Raymond Brigg's classic The Snowman live at The Theatre in Mall of the Emirates on December 18, 22 to 24, and 26, or a catch the screening of The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera, recorded live from The Royal Opera House in London on December 23. The Christmas Show at Fairmont The Palm is also bringing the spirit of the season to life with non-stop cheery musicals until December 28.

3. Bask in the great outdoors

Long gone is the sweltering summer heat and we're super excited to enjoy the chilly weather in the city. Grab a cosy sweater or jacket, and indulge in fun outdoor activities set along the city promenade. The Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai is celebrating the best of retail, entertainment and F&B intertwined with Chinese, Korean and Japanese culture. K-Pop fans better keep an eye out!

The Last Exit in Al Khawaneej has transformed into a mini wonderland with a hearty dose of family games, entertainment and even cosplay shows that are sure to take you down a rabbit hole of exciting activities. Don't forget to Wish upon a Lantern and send it down the lake.

4. Retreats to soothe your soul

A number of top-star hotels across the city are offering fabulous deals on stays and dining options. We'd recommend booking a suite at the luxurious Armani Hotel Dubai during DSF to receive 20 per off on stays, Dh200 shopping credit per day across any Emaar Malls and free tickets to the Dubai Aquarium, Underwater Zoo and VR Park! The One and Only Royal Mirage, on the other hand, is offering complimentary one-day access to Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm, Dh500 daily credit on F&B and breakfast with late check-out when booking a three-night stay.

5. Dynamic dining hotspots

Are you a foodie looking for a fantastic fare? Then look no further. Enjoy buy one, get one free treats from renowned hospitality venues across Dubai during DSF. Swissotel Al Murooj Dubai, for instance, is offering a delectable buffet deal on seafood and Italian themed nights. If you're in the festive mood, then head over to Hakkasan at The Atlantis to tuck into their special menu for only Dh310.

6. Revival of artistic creativity

Art has the ability to trigger profound thoughts and look at life from a different perspective. View Library Circles: Maryam Al Dabbagh at Jameel Art Centre to rekindle a sense of belonging; the 'From Monet to Kandinsky Revolutionary Art' at the Theatre of Digital Art in Souk Madinat Jumeirah to embark on a journey towards the revolutionary masterpiece; or attend New York-based artist Sara Rahbar's showcase at Carbon 12 in AlSerkal Avenue, where she interprets contemporary society issues, starting with the build-up of frustration.

7. Experience mall activations

From The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, to Nakheel Mall and Dubai Festival City, shopping malls across the city are bustling with activities. Gather the little ones to view incredible live performances, take part in fun workshops and click away memories in their exclusive high-tech winter wonderlands. American Rag Cie at The Dubai Mall is hosting a cool showdown in a battle of DJs, paired with augmented reality.

8. Set the night alight

Every weekend, the skies over The Beach, Al Seef, La Mer, Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Creek will light up with breathtaking Fireworks - a DSF tradition you wouldn't want to miss. While you're looking up, catch the DSF Daily Drone Show at The Beach and Bluewaters Island for an extraordinary lighting display by state-of-the-art tech.

9. Dance with lady luck

The rewards at DSF don't just stop at your favourite store's sales counter. For spends as little as Dh25, you can enter the Nissan Grand Raffle or Infiniti Mega Raffle from now until January 30 for a weekly chance to drive home a new vehicle, or cash as prize. If you're aiming high, try your luck with the DSF Supercar Raffle! Simply buy a W-Motors certificate between now and January 30 from its City Walk showroom for a chance to win the real thing. You can also buy Dh500 worth of gold and diamond jewellery for a chance to win 3kg of gold as the mega prize, courtesy of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.

10. Get snappy with a unique Snapchat filter

Capture great moments and experiences, and spice up your social media feeds with the exclusive DSF Snapchat filter. To unlock the filter, simply scan the code off DSF shopping bags using the app and click away!

Check out www.mydsf.ae for dates and latest updates.