New Year's Eve 2025: Fireworks bans in Ansbach, Rothenburg and more!
Fireworks ban in Ansbach and the surrounding area on New Year's Eve 2025: Safety measures and regulations for historic old towns explained.

New Year's Eve 2025: Fireworks bans in Ansbach, Rothenburg and more!
Preparations for New Year's Eve 2025 are in full swing, and the discussion about celebrating with fireworks is reaching a climax. Gerald Schnitzler from the Bavarian Palace Administration urgently reminds us that there is a strict ban on fireworks in the vicinity of historical buildings. This applies, among other things, to the beautiful parks in the Hofgarten, which are closed from 6 p.m. in winter. The city of Ansbach also asks its citizens to be considerate and behave responsibly when dealing with pyrotechnic items in order to avoid unpleasant incidents.
Where is this trend leading? In Rothenburg, for example, fireworks have not been allowed to be set off in the old town for 16 years. This ban protects the historic half-timbered houses and ensures a tranquil New Year's Eve celebration. Instead of impressive fireworks, Rothenburg will have a “New Year’s Eve sparkle” by illuminating the town hall and market square. In Heilsbronn there is also a ban on fireworks between the city gates, and in Neustadt/Aisch a ban has been imposed in large parts of the old town since the turn of the year 2022/23.
Firecracker ban zones in Germany
The ban on fireworks does not only apply in Bavaria. Loud rnd.de Many large cities have increasingly started to set up special firecracker ban zones, especially in inner cities and old towns. Strict regulations also apply in Feuchtwangen and Dinkelsbühl, where firecrackers in the old town are strictly prohibited. In both cities, violations can result in fines of up to 50,000 euros, which shows how seriously the authorities take compliance with these rules.
The list of cities taking such measures is long. In many federal states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, similar bans are known in cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf. So if you want a carefree New Year's Eve celebration, please note the local regulations. In view of the prohibition zones, celebrating with fireworks without worries is becoming increasingly difficult.
Legal background information
If you still want to try your hand at fireworks, you should note that setting off category F2 fireworks is only permitted on December 31st and January 1st. This is also where complex regulations come into play, which even stipulate that approved fireworks must bear a CE mark and a registration number. Information about this is available, among other things flz.de on. If damage occurs due to improper handling, various insurance policies can help: Private liability insurance covers damage to third parties, while residential building and household contents insurance covers damage to property.
A renewed look at the current political discussion also shows that the trend towards more firecracker ban zones is likely to continue. The abolition of New Year's Eve fireworks in certain areas could even result in a nationwide regulation in the coming years with the aim of ensuring more safety in the affected areas, as the petition points out reisecharts.de is indicated.
What remains is the hope for a festive New Year, which remains a reason for joy despite the new regulations. So let's celebrate prudently, let's rely on lights and music, and let's bring the light into the new year without the risk of harming anyone or ourselves.