Happy New Year!

The world welcomed 2025 with pomp and flair.

Let’s look at drone displays that took the limelight with choreographed visuals. Synchronized lights, animations, and heartwarming messages that brought tears to many eyes.

New Year 2025 Drone Shows

1. Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Ras Al Khaimah kicked off the 2025 by smashing two Guinness World Records during their “Our Story in the Sky” event, that was a blend of drones, lasers, and fireworks.

The Emirate now holds records for the largest aerial display of a tree and the largest aerial image of a seashell. This show spanned five kilometers of pristine waterfront, divided into three captivating acts, paying homage to Ras Al Khaimah’s heritage:

1. Shifting Sands showcased the Emirate’s evolving ecosystem.
2. Mysteries of the Sea honored its maritime legacy and pearl diving history.
3. Guiding Starlight celebrated celestial navigation, ending with a breathtaking pyrotechnic crescendo.

Over 100,000 residents and visitors were spellbound by this fusion of art and innovation. Families, campers, and even RV enthusiasts flocked to the free-entry festival, which provided dedicated spaces for everyone—from young adventurers to tranquil nature lovers.

According to Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the celebration symbolizes the Emirate’s spirit of innovation and pride in its cultural roots.

2. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Still in the UAE, some 3,300 drones were used – including 1,000 pyro drones during Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival, forming intricate patterns and wowing the crowds. The drones came together to create an image of the UAE’s Founding Father in an attempt to break the record for the largest drone-formed photo.

A massive falcon with fiery wings, the year “2024,” and a tribute to the UAE’s theme, “Uniting Civilizations,” mesmerized the one million-strong crowd. The show combined world-class LED drones, super-high-output FALCON searchlights, and the world’s strongest lasers—a 600W powerhouse—making it the most ambitious Sheikh Zayed Festival display yet. The drones even pulled off a Guinness World Record by forming the largest aerial logo flown by multirotor drones.

Across the emirates, over 60 locations lit up the night. Abu Dhabi led the charge with a mind-blowing 53-minute nonstop fireworks display, the longest of the night. Dubai had its own iconic moments at the Burj Khalifa, while Ras Al Khaimah’s laser-enhanced drone-fireworks combo stole the show.

At Dubai’s Global Village, guests witnessed seven drone shows and seven firework displays—each synced with a different global timezone. In Dubai Mall alone, cleaners worked tirelessly to clear the aftermath, while restaurants accommodated throngs of guests willing to pay top dollar for front-row seats to the pyrotechnics. Some diners even shelled out Dh3,000 per seat for a prime view.

In all, 6,000 drones took to the skies across the UAE for New Year 2025 celebrations.

3. Shanghai, China.

Thousands of drones were used in the Shanghai drone show at Baoshan International Cruise Port, with visuals that included a glowing dragon soaring through the shy and a portal opening up above it.

4. Athens, Greece.

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Syntagma Square was unlike any other. For the first time in Athens’ history, the city went for a drone show, courtesy of DRNS.gr.

The night began with a live performance by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra, setting the stage for the main event—“The Roof of Time.” Written by Foivos Delivorias and directed by Angelos Triantafyllou, it was a theatrical journey through time, taking the audience from 1945 to 2025, with everything from period costumes to a special stage designed like a “time machine.” Piloted by Greek singer and songwriter Delivorias.

Performers Natasa Bofiliou, Martha Frintzila, and Thanasis Alevras joined him, showing off different eras. Add to that dancers, soloists, and emerging artists, and you’ve got a night to remember.

The event was completely free—and accessible to everyone. And it was livestreamed on the city’s Facebook and YouTube pages, complete with Greek sign language translation. The night ended with a lively DJ set, transitioning revelers into 2025.

5. Manama, Bahrain

6. Jakarta, Indonesia

The New Year’s drone display in Jakarta featured 800 drones

7. South Bend, New York, USA.

South Bend rang in 2025 early with a drone show over the St. Joseph River at Howard Park. Dozens of multicolored drones from Chicago Drone Light Shows danced in the sky for a 10-minute display. They created images to celebrate 2024 with style – 5 hours before the year came to a close. 

Families braved the light drizzle, packing the park to witness the display, while kids excitedly called out the images forming above. The quieter, drones are becoming a favorite alternative to noisy fireworks for many families.

A recent accident in Orlando, Florida, where a falling drone critically injured a 7-year-old boy, led to FAA investigations and the cancellation of other shows. South Bend ensured its drones took flight safely across the river, far from crowds.

A recent accident in Orlando, Florida, where a falling drone critically injured a 7-year-old boy, led to FAA investigations and the cancellation of other shows. South Bend ensured its drones took flight safely across the river, far from crowds.

Related Reading: FAA Grounds Sky Elements After Orlando Drone Show Accident

South Bend’s celebration ended on a high note, with the drones flashing a cheeky farewell: “CYA IN 2025.”