Municipalities expect more fireworks to be set off during New Year's Eve

Municipalities across the Netherlands are expecting more people to set off more fireworks during New Year's Eve celebrations on Wednesday, due to the upcoming national ban expected to take effect in 2026. While most municipalities anticipate a similar trend to previous years, some are concerned about increased nuisance, damage, and dangerous situations, according to a survey conducted by ANP.

This coming New Year's Eve could be the last time the sales of many fireworks are permitted. Earlier this year, a majority in both houses of Parliament voted in favor of a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks, but the implementation of the ban could depend on the arrival of a new coalition government.

Of the 342 municipalities, 261 responded to ANP's recent survey questions about New Year's Eve. Municipalities expect more fireworks to be set off, but most currently see no indication that this will lead to more nuisance.

Several municipalities, including Alphen aan den Rijn, Ermelo, and Wijk bij Duurstede, do expect more incidents this year. "We expect some residents will want to seize the opportunity to go all out, which could lead to more incidents," the municipality of Wijk bij Duurstede stated.

A local fireworks ban is in effect in 20 municipalities. One municipality, Zwolle, is implementing this ban for the first time this year. Over 100 other municipalities have zones where people are prohibited from setting off fireworks

Earlier this year, a poll by Dutch municipalities association VNG revealed that three-quarters of Dutch municipalities support a national fireworks ban. Many municipalities that currently do not have a local ban, but do support a national fireworks ban, told ANP that a local ban is "unenforceable." They believe a national approach is the "only solution."