Leiden celebrates New Year’s Eve with consideration for one another

Fireworks only allowed on New Year’s Eve between 18:00 and 02:00

You may only set off fireworks outside the designated firework-free zones on New Year’s Eve, between 18:00 (6 p.m.) and 02:00 (2 a.m.).

Firework-free zones

Unsafe, illegal or improper use of fireworks can cause serious safety risks. That’s why several areas in Leiden have been designated as firework-free zones. In these areas, it is not allowed to light fireworks during the national fireworks times. Category 1 fireworks (such as sparklers and small poppers) are still permitted.

Fireworks are not allowed in the following areas:

• The city center (the area within the city’s canals)
• The district around Leiden central railway station. This is the area between the railway, Morssingel, Rijnsburgersingel and Haarlemmertrekvaart
• All parks in Leiden
• The public areas around the Oostvlietpolder
• Animal area De Coebel/the park west of the Jacques Urlusplantsoen
• The area around animal shelter Stevenshage
• The Boerhaavedistrict
• Vreewijk
• Tuinstadwijk
• And new this year: Boshuizen, Fortuinwijk-Noord, Fortuinwijk-Zuid, Gasthuiswijk, Haagweg-Noord, Haagweg-Zuid, Oostvliet.

Fireworks that are allowed  

During New Year’s Eve 2025–2026, you may use:

• Category F1 fireworks (such as sparklers and small poppers)
• Category F2 fireworks (such as cakes, compound boxes, ground spinners and fountains)

Fireworks that are prohibited

It is forbidden to possess or set off firecrackers, rockets, or any fireworks from categories F3 and F4. You can find the category on the fireworks packaging. Examples of prohibited fireworks include:

• Firecrackers (such as “rotjes”)
• Firecracker strings (like Chinese mats)
• Single-shot tubes
• Loose rockets
• Roman candles and baby rockets

If you suspect someone possesses heavy illegal fireworks, please call the police at 0900-8844, or report anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem: 0800-7000. More information about illegal fireworks can be found on the police website (in Dutch).

Carbide shooting and sky lanterns also forbidden

In Leiden, carbide shooting (carbidschieten) is also prohibited. It can cause dangerous situations and significant noise disturbance for the neighbourhood. Sky lanterns (wensballonnen) are also not allowed. They can easily cause fires, and the wind makes it impossible to control where they land.

Extra camera surveillance

In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, there will be extra temporary camera surveillance in the city. These cameras help reduce nuisance and improve safety during the celebrations.

Report fireworks nuisance

Are you experiencing a nuisance caused by fireworks? You can report it. Where you should report it depends on the situation.

Situation 1: It’s happening right now and you know where it’s coming from

Call the police immediately: 0900-8844.

If you see people setting off fireworks or know the exact location, the police can take direct action.

Situation 2, the nuisance has already ended, or you don’t know where it came from

Report it to the municipality. Your report helps us identify places where fireworks nuisance occurs more often. The municipality cannot act on individual reports immediately, but all reports are registered. Our enforcement officers (boa’s) keep extra watch in areas where more complaints come from. This helps prevent future nuisance.

You can submit your report htrough the Zo Gemeld-App, or by using the button below.

Help clean up

Please help by cleaning up leftover fireworks as soon as possible. This prevents children from picking up fireworks that may still go off.

A safe and happy New Year!

We wish you a happy, healthy, and safe New Year’s Eve and all the best for 2026!