New Year’s Eve in Leiden

A great New Year’s Eve, whatever you do

Eating oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), champagne, board games; everyone in Leiden celebrates New Year’s Eve in their own way. That’s how we’ve been doing it for years. 

This year, we’re doing two things differently for the first time. First, we’re celebrating New Year’s Eve without consumer fireworks. As of 1 August, it is prohibited throughout the Netherlands to set off this type of fireworks. It will take some getting used to, but fortunately there’s another first to make up for it: a central celebration on the Lammermarkt, where all of Leiden counts down together. 

Whether you celebrate New Year’s Eve this year on the couch, around a fire basket, or on the Lammermarkt. Together, we’ll make it a wonderful party either way!

All of Leiden Counts Down on the Lammermarkt

To ring in the new year in a festive and communal way, the municipality, in collaboration with Het Bruisend Cultuur Collectief, is organising a large, free event for all Leiden residents this year: Heel Leiden Telt Af! (All of Leiden Counts Down!) 

It will be an evening full of music, performances and good cheer. What makes this evening unique is that we count down to the new year not once, but twice. Early in the evening, there’s a special show for kids (and their families), and later in the evening, the whole city counts down to midnight together. Mill De Valk forms the backdrop, with spectacular light and projection shows. 

Programme and practical information

• Where? Lammermarkt
• When? Thursday 31 December 2026
• Times? 6.00 – 8.00 pm: kids’ show, 9.00 pm – 1.00 am: central celebration
• For whom? All ages
• Costs? Free entry!

Want to know more about the programme and the artists? For all the latest information, visit heelleidenteltaf.nl. 

No exception for fireworks in Leiden

Mayors can grant exemptions to associations or foundations to set off consumer fireworks. The Mayor of Leiden has decided not to grant any exemptions.  

Carbide shooting and sky lanterns also forbidden

In Leiden, in addition to the fireworks ban, there is also a ban on carbide shooting (carbid schieten). Because carbide shooting can lead to dangerous situations and also causes a great deal of noise nuisance for local residents, it is prohibited in Leiden. This also applies to sky lanterns. They can easily start fires, and with the wind, you never know where they will end up. 

Consequenses of possessing fireworks

Possessing fireworks is a criminal offence and can have serious consequences. For example, the municipality can impose a penalty payment on individuals, or even close down a home to protect local residents and the neighbourhood. And a tenant, for instance, can be evicted from their rental home. 

Extra camera surveillance

In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, there will be extra temporary camera surveillance in the city. These temporary cameras are intended, among other things, to help reduce nuisance.

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.

A safe and happy New Year!

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