Qatar Balloon Festival 2025: The Ultimate Guide to the 6th Edition at Al Bidda Park
The 6th edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival is back, and this year it brings a major change. For 2025, the festival has moved to a new central location and merged with the dazzling Lantern Festival, promising a winter spectacle like no other.
From December 11 to December 20, 2025, the skies over Doha will fill with over 50 hot air balloons from around the world. Whether you want to book a sunrise flight or simply watch the magical “Nightglow” from the ground, here is everything you need to know.
Key facts
For the first time, the balloon festivities will take place at Al Bidda Park, co-located with the Qatar Lantern Festival.This central venue offers easier access and a more vibrant atmosphere than previous years.
Qatar Balloon Festival 2025 Dates, Time & Location
This year’s edition is special because it runs concurrently with the Qatar Lantern Festival.
Confirmed Venue: Al Bidda Park
Unlike previous editions held at Katara or Old Doha Port, the 2025 festival activates the vast green spaces of Al Bidda Park. This location allows for larger crowds and better viewing angles of the tethered balloons against the West Bay skyline.
Festival Dates & Daily Schedule
The core Balloon Festival runs strictly for 10 days, from Thursday, December 11 to Saturday, December 20.
The Lantern Festival Merger
Since the event shares space with the Lantern Festival (which runs until March 2026), visitors get a double experience. You can enjoy the hot air balloons in the late afternoon and then wander through the illuminated light sculptures of the Lantern Festival after dark.
What to Expect: Nightglow, Rides & Activities
The festival is divided into two distinct experiences: the peaceful morning flights and the energetic evening carnival.
Sunrise Launches (Mass Ascent)
This is the main event for photographers. Over 50 balloons launch simultaneously around sunrise (approx. 6:00 AM). The exact launch site depends on wind direction each morning, so check the festival’s social media the night before.
Tethered Flights & Balloon Rides
If you want to fly, you have two options:
This period is great for families who prefer to head home before it gets late. Light is still good for photos, and lines for food and activities are typically shorter than later in the evening.
The Nightglow Show
Every evening after sunset, the pilots ignite their burners in sync with music. The balloons act like giant glowing lanterns. It is the visual highlight of the festival and completely free to watch.
Family Zones & Food Trucks
Al Bidda Park will be packed with entertainment. Expect roaming performers, a dedicated kids’ playground, and a wide variety of food kiosks serving everything from karak to international street food.
If you want the complete experience, plan to stay until at least one full nightglow session is finished. Check the day’s program on official channels, since some evenings may feature special themed performances or guest artists.
Tickets, prices and balloon ride options
Many people searching Qatar balloon festival 2025 dates time location really want to know whether they must pay and how much balloon rides cost.
How to book
The safest approach is to follow booking links and instructions provided directly by the Qatar Balloon Festival organizers or clearly named official partners. Avoid informal resellers or social media offers that do not direct you through a recognized ticketing platform.
If you only want to enjoy the atmosphere from the ground, you do not need to prebook anything. Just show up early enough to find parking or a good vantage point.
How to Get There: Parking & Metro Access?
Al Bidda Park is one of the most accessible venues in Doha.
If you are attending with small children or older relatives, this is often the most comfortable option.
What to expect on the ground
Atmosphere and crowd
The Qatar Balloon Festival has grown from a niche aviation event into a full family festival. Expect a friendly crowd mixing residents and tourists, with a strong family presence on weekends. Even on busy nights, there is usually space to walk around and explore different viewing angles.
Family and kids activities
Recent editions have featured:
These areas are usually positioned away from the balloon launch or landing zones for safety. If you are visiting with children, agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in the crowd.
Food, drink and shopping
Food is a big part of the festival. You can expect a mix of:
Card payments and contactless methods are widely accepted, but it helps to carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Photography tips
The festival is a photographer’s dream. To capture the best images:
Respect safety barriers and instructions from marshals. Never walk into launch or landing areas for the sake of a closer shot.
Practical tips for December in Qatar
Weather and clothing
December in Doha is comfortable compared to the summer, with mild days and cooler evenings. Wear light, breathable clothing with a light jacket or shawl for after dark. Closed shoes are helpful if the venue ground is sand or gravel.
Safety and comfort
Balloon operations are tightly controlled and can be paused or cancelled if winds are unfavourable. Listen for announcements and remember that safety decisions are made by experienced pilots and officials. Carry water, sun protection for afternoon hours, and ear protection for very young children if you plan to stand close to loud stages.
Accessibility
Major venues like Katara and Old Doha Port typically offer accessible parking and step free routes into main areas. If someone in your group uses a wheelchair or has mobility challenges, aim to arrive early enough to secure accessible parking spots close to the entrance. Check with organizers in advance about viewing areas reserved for people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Qatar’s winter calendar is getting busier every year, and the Qatar Balloon Festival has become one of its most photogenic highlights.
If you keep track of the official updates and understand the current Qatar balloon festival 2025 dates time location situation, you can enjoy sunrise launches, glowing balloons, food, music and family fun with minimal stress.
Treat the balloons as a bonus gift from the Doha sky, build in flexibility for weather and venue changes, and you will almost certainly leave with memories and photos worth sharing.
