Fireworks sales started: Huge queues and ban debate in Lower Saxony!

Fireworks sales started: Huge queues and ban debate in Lower Saxony!

The anticipation of the turn of the year is increasing these days, and not just in Cologne. Today, December 29, 2025, the sale of fireworks for New Year's Eve has already begun in Lower Saxony, and dealers are expecting an enormous rush - including from our neighbors in the Netherlands. What's special: From next year onwards, private firecrackers will be banned there, which will further fuel the crowds in this country. In Bremerhaven, some pyrotechnics fans were already waiting at the gates of the manufacturer Comet from midnight onwards to secure the best bangers. Mayor Friedrich Kethorn from Emlichheim was also optimistic and expects high numbers of visitors to the shops.

The trend towards ever stricter bans on firecrackers is sweeping through Germany. Calls for a nationwide ban are becoming louder, supported by initiatives such as the petition “Nationwide ban on firecrackers, now!”, which has already collected around 2.3 million signatures. The Hanover police union has also supported this demand and emphasizes the dangers of fireworks, especially in the overcrowded emergency rooms on New Year's Eve. Injuries occur again and again, often particularly affecting young people. German Medical Association President Klaus Reinhardt is calling for the “wild shooting” to be stopped, while organized fireworks displays in central places represent an acceptable alternative.

Increasing injury rates and safety

Every year the number of injuries during the New Year's Eve festival is alarmingly high. Explosion trauma, eye injuries and burns are common consequences of improper handling of fireworks, as the police union (GdP) emphasizes. GdP chairman Jochen Kopelke warned of the dangers and appealed to political decision-makers to take appropriate measures.
That is why many municipalities in Lower Saxony have already defined their own prohibition zones. In Hanover, firecrackers are prohibited in the city center, while in Braunschweig and Oldenburg there are stricter regulations that prohibit the use of fireworks in certain areas. This can result in penalties of up to 10,000 euros.

A nationwide discussion about the usefulness of a total ban flared up again, not least because of the serious incidents with illegal fireworks that left numerous people injured last New Year's Eve. Ball bombs, which are not approved for general use in Germany, have recently caused a stir because they are particularly dangerous. Many of these dangerous products come from abroad and are increasingly being sold online. This has prompted police and customs to increase controls at the borders with eastern EU countries.

The debate about tradition and security

The discussion about a possible ban on firecrackers is being fueled by the voices of various institutions and politicians. While animal rights activists emphasize the negative effects of fireworks on animals, opponents of a ban argue that the tradition of celebrating New Year's Eve should not be erased from people's memories. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) is of the opinion that New Year's Eve fireworks are part of our culture and that the federal states should develop various concepts to ensure safety without endangering the tradition.

Meanwhile, German Environmental Aid (DUH) is warning of a “horror night” on New Year’s Eve if the trend of increased fireworks purchases continues. In the first nine months of this year, over 42,000 tons of fireworks were imported - an increase of over 60 percent compared to the previous year. These numbers suggest that it could not only be a feast for the eyes, but also for the hospitals.

In summary, it can be said that the topic of fireworks on New Year's Eve has many facets. From the intensive discussion about safety and prohibited zones to the long-standing traditions and the joy of celebrating - the last evening of the year will inevitably come back into focus. Citizens are excited to see how the debate will develop and what decisions will be made in the coming days.