Zwolle joins 19 Dutch municipalities banning fireworks as national ban nears

For the first time, Zwolle is enforcing a local fireworks ban this New Year’s Eve, joining 19 other Dutch municipalities that have restricted fireworks, while a nationwide ban is set to take effect in 2026–2027, according to a survey by ANP.

Municipalities with a full ban this year therefore include Alkmaar, Amersfoort, Amsterdam, Apeldoorn, Arnhem, Bloemendaal, Eindhoven, Haarlem, Heemstede, Heumen, Mook en Middelaar, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Schiedam, Soest, Tilburg, Utrecht, Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Zutphen, and Zwolle.

Fireworks-free zones are often designated around hospitals, nature reserves, nursing homes, schools, and animal shelters. In Helmond, the ban applies near a zoo, while Diemen restricts fireworks around schools and parking lots. Dordrecht enforces restrictions near Nationaal Park De Biesbosch, and Den Helder considers the locations of local animal shelters.

The municipality of Zwolle acknowledged that changing the tradition of fireworks is a “long-term process.” Officials said, “The experience from other municipalities with a local ban shows that consumer fireworks are not suddenly stopped,” emphasizing the gradual nature of the shift.

The Red Cross has expressed concern that the upcoming national ban, expected to take effect during the transition from 2026 to 2027 following approval by both the Tweede and Eerste Kamer, may lead to increased use of illegal fireworks. The organization warned, “This increases the risk of serious injuries.” While the number of fireworks-related injuries has remained stable or slightly decreased in recent years, incidents involving heavy fireworks are rising, accounting for about half of all victims.

Cees van Romburgh, an EHBO expert at the Red Cross, said, “Severe explosions cause burns, serious injuries to eyes, ears, and even amputated fingers and hands. They can even result in concussions.”