On New Year’s Eve, the Netherlands becomes a sort of mix between a pyromaniacal wonderland and a battlefield of playful explosions. Here’s some information on the rules in the Netherlands, where to find the best fireworks, how to stay safe and other tips!
Firework shows are great to attend on New Year’s Eve for various reasons. First of all, it’s a gathering place where you and your friends can meet. Secondly, the fireworks are lit by licensed handlers who are allowed to use bigger and more fireworks than average households, ensuring the show will be much more spectacular, and safer, than whatever people can light themselves.
One of the best ones to attend is Nationale Vuurwerk display in Rotterdam, although many cities stage their own shows.
Some municipalities and cities have already introduced fireworks bans, but elsewhere in the Netherlands, the national ban on purchasing fireworks is lifted for just three days leading up to New Year’s Eve. In 2024, you are allowed to purchase fireworks from licensed sellers on December 28, 30 and 31. Since December 29 falls on a Sunday in 2024, it will not be possible to purchase fireworks on this day.
Generally, lighting fireworks is only allowed on New Year's Eve, between the hours of 6pm on December 31 and 2am on January 1. If you light them outside of these hours you risk confiscation and a fine of between 100 and 400 euros.
In certain areas, such as near hospitals, animal shelters, animal parks and certain residential areas, fireworks are not allowed due to the added nuisance and risk. While a fireworks show will mainly focus on visual displays, many people who buy their own fireworks tend to opt for the kinds in which their loud explosions are the main attraction.
As rules regarding fireworks are ever-changing, it is important to purchase them at a licensed selling point. That way, you can be sure that your fireworks are legal and, more importantly, that they meet safety standards.
Every year, New Year’s Eve sees victims of firework accidents and emergency patients flooding into Dutch hospitals, due to unsafe handling. Young people between the ages of 10 and 19 are at particular risk, and most often injuries occur to heads, eyes and hands.
Here are some of the fireworks that are used in the Netherlands, with their Dutch names:
Sparklers are little sticks that emit small, bright sparks when lit, like a little twinkling star. These are some of the safest kinds of fireworks, as the sparks are very small.
Bengal matches are a kind of thick match that emits a coloured flame.
When lit, whistlers spin and dance over the ground, making a whistling, spitting sound. Other floor spinners have names such as grondbloemen (ground flowers).
Cakes fire multiple shots into the air, creating a visual effect. There are different kinds of various shapes and sizes.
Fountains explode into a fountain-like spray of colourful fire, creating a rain of sparks.
Rockets are the most traditional of fireworks. After shooting straight up into the air, they explode and often emit a huge bloom of fiery, coloured sparks.
Rotjes and other firecrackers come in all shapes and sizes in the Netherlands. When lit, they emit very loud bangs.
Screaming kitchen maids shoot over the ground and give off a shrill, scream-like sound, comparable to a tea kettle.
Worried about what to expect on December 31? This video might give you a bit of an idea:
Video: YouTube / Survival Guide to the Dutch
Making sure everybody is safe and obeys the rules during New Year’s is all but impossible for Dutch law enforcement to do on their own. They will be doing as much as possible, but it is up to individuals to enjoy themselves responsibly, for their own sake, but also the people around them. Stay safe and enjoy your New Year's celebrations!
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