Introduction to New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Germany
In the early hours of Monday, December 29, residents in the state of Thuringia called police to a local supermarket and warned that thieves were trying to break in. But when the authorities arrived, they found a group of young men armed with hot tea and blankets who were desperate to be first in line when the supermarket opened. The three-day window in which fireworks can be sold to adults over 18 to celebrate New Year’s Eve begins in Germany on December 29th.
The Tradition of Fireworks in Germany
Every year across the country, people line up waiting for fireworks to go on sale, undeterred by the cold and darkness. The sought-after products have names like Giftzwerg (“Poison Dwarf”), Hysteria and Hurricane Force. The fireworks are available in colorful packages of different sizes with a fuse sticking out of them. When the fuse burns, they shoot into the air. Black powder creates loud explosions, while metal powder combines with other chemicals to create colorful effects.
Sales and Popularity of Fireworks
In Germany, there is a long tradition of people setting off their own fireworks on New Year’s Eve. For manufacturers, it is a profitable and constantly growing business. The German Pyrotechnics Industry Association calculated sales of 197 million euros for 2024 – a record compared to 180 million euros in the previous year. The association estimates that 10 to 15 percent more goods will be available for sale in 2025. Still, only 22% of people living in Germany want to welcome the New Year with a private fireworks display. This was the result of a representative survey among 2,500 people over the age of 18.
Injuries and Damage Caused by Fireworks
But while some find fireworks colorful, exciting and entertaining, the rockets and firecrackers have serious disadvantages. The Federal Environment Agency has found that setting off fireworks to ring in the New Year not only causes an enormous amount of waste – more than 2,000 tons of fine dust that pose a health risk. The biggest concern, however, is that injuries and property damage are increasing every year, especially in major cities. Fireworks can cause serious injuries such as acoustic trauma, burns and loss of body parts such as fingers or an entire hand.
Calls for a Ban on Fireworks
Many organizations want fireworks to be banned. The targeted use of pyrotechnics as a weapon, including against police officers, firefighters and paramedics, has also increased. Aggression and violence often occur on New Year’s Eve, especially in larger cities, with some parts of the city almost resembling a war zone. That is why the security authorities are calling for a general ban on all fireworks. A corresponding petition from the police union in Berlin has already been signed by almost 2.5 million people.
Public Opinion on Fireworks
Increased aggressiveness on New Year’s Eve also affects people’s sense of security. Almost one in three people – especially women – do not feel safe in public when firecrackers are nearby. Of those surveyed, 32% said they did not feel safe outside on New Year’s Eve because of the fireworks; 45% of women said they didn’t feel safe. More and more people would welcome restrictions on private fireworks displays. Almost half support a total ban, excluding only small fireworks such as sparklers or table fireworks; 22% would like to see a ban on large and small firecrackers. However, there are also people who reject any ban based on tradition and personal freedom.
Local Regulations and Future Prospects
A nationwide ban on private fireworks is not in sight in the foreseeable future, as the state and federal interior ministers have not yet been able to reach an agreement on this. Lower Saxony’s Prime Minister is instead relying on local decision-making. Many local authorities designate areas where setting off fireworks is prohibited. In recent years, more and more exclusion zones have been set up in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and other large cities, especially in the city centers. And throughout Germany, setting off fireworks near hospitals, churches, children’s homes, old people’s homes and airports is completely prohibited.
