New Year's Eve 2026–2027

As of August 1, 2026, a nationwide ban on fireworks for private individuals is in effect in the Netherlands. The ban is intended to help ensure a safer New Year’s Eve, with fewer accidents, less damage, and less nuisance to people, animals, and the environment. We fully realize that fireworks are a cherished tradition for many people. Nevertheless, policymakers have decided that New Year’s Eve will henceforth be celebrated without consumer fireworks. The decision was made to implement a single, clear national rule instead of various local fireworks bans.

What does this mean for you?

This means that residents are not allowed to set off fireworks at any time of the year, including during New Year's Eve:

• buy
• sell
• possess (with the intent to use it oneself)
• light

Small fireworks in the F1 category, such as sparklers and firecrackers, remain permitted. You can identify these fireworks by the "F1" label on the packaging.

Still have fireworks at home? Turn them in for free and anonymously

Please turn them in for free and anonymously during the nationwide drop-off days in September and October. You will not be fined or otherwise penalized. By turning in fireworks, you can prevent risks such as fire hazards and potential problems with your insurance.

In Zoetermeer, you can turn in your fireworks at:

Thursday, October 8,
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
at the SilverDome parking lot
Van der Hagenstraat 20
Zoetermeer

Does this date not work for you? You can also drop off your fireworks in Leiden on September 30. For a list of all locations and dates, visit www.leverjevuurwerkin.nl/inleveractie.

No exemptions in Zoetermeer

National law allows municipalities to grant exemptions, under certain conditions, to foundations and associations for organizing a fireworks display. Mayor Michel Bezuijen has decided that the municipality of Zoetermeer will not grant any exemptions for fireworks activities by associations or other organizations for the 2026–2027 New Year’s Eve celebration. There is insufficient capacity available to monitor and supervise any exemptions and fireworks activities. With this decision, the municipality is opting for a safe and manageable New Year’s Eve celebration.

More information

You can find all the information about the fireworks ban at www.rijksoverheid.nl/vuurwerk.

This year, the city is once again organizing two spectacular shows on the Markt. What’s new is that the shows will feature a combination of lights, lasers, and professional fireworks. This creates a unique experience for visitors and makes the program less dependent on weather conditions than a traditional fireworks show.

The first show is early in the evening. This show is geared toward children and features a special program for them. The second show is at midnight.

For young people ages 16 through 23, the municipality is once again organizing the popular Hitmachine NYE Festival at SilverDome this year.

On the night of December 31 through January 1, young people can celebrate the New Year together from 12:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. with music, entertainment, and performers. Safety measures will be in place during the event, and age and ID checks will be conducted.

Open fires during New Year’s Eve cause damage to roads, sidewalks, and green spaces every year. Do you use a fire pit or an oil drum? If so, always place it on a layer of sand. This will prevent damage to the road surface.

The "Helpende Hens " campaign offers practical tips on how to build a fire safely and prevent damage; see the instructions below. You can also download this information:
Helpende Hens - Instructions for Building a Fire Safely.pdf

How to Safely Build a Fire in a Fire Pit or Oil Drum

1. What do you need: 

1. Fire pit or oil drum
2. 2 x 20 kg sandbags
3. Clean wood
4. A bucket of water
5. Firelighters

2. Safety and Preparation

Keep the basket/drum 5 meters away from flammable objects and never place it under a tree. Also, ensure there is 3.5 meters of clearance for emergency services to pass through.

3. Sandbags

Empty the sandbags onto the ground. Place the basket/drum on the sand and make sure it is stable.

4. Lighting

Use only firelighters and clean wood to start the fire. Do not build a fire when the wind is at force 5 or higher.

5. Fires

Always stay near the fire. Make sure someone 18 or older is supervising at all times.

6. Extinguishing

Put out the fire and don't leave until it's completely out. Leave the basket or drum in place as long as it's still warm.

7. Cleaning up

Put the cooled leftovers in the general waste and clean up the area with a broom.

To ensure that New Year's Eve goes as safely as possible, we are taking various measures:

Before New Year's Eve

• The Enforcement Team and the police check to see if there are any flammable materials lying around on the street. The municipality removes the materials in consultation with the police and the fire department.
• Many Zoetermeerders are helping out, including the neighborhood watch teams from Wijk en Agent Samen (WAS).
• The municipality will lock all underground trash containers on December 31 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. on New Year's Day.
• The two municipal parking garages on Osylaan and under the CKC will be closed from 7:00 p.m. on December 31 until 9:00 a.m. on New Year's Day.
• Trash cans throughout Zoetermeer will be locked to prevent damage from fireworks.

On New Year's Eve

• The police are stepping up patrols to ensure that New Year's Eve goes as safely as possible.
• Violence against first responders will not be tolerated.
• The police are cracking down on vandalism and violence.
• The municipality is deploying additional security measures in areas with above-average levels of disorder.
• We also ask that you keep an eye out. If you see anything suspicious, please call the police immediately at 0900-8844.

What can you do?

• Have you noticed flammable materials being stored somewhere in your neighborhood? If so, please report it to the Enforcement Team by calling 14 079.
• Do you suspect that fireworks are being stored or sold somewhere? If so, please report it to the police by calling 0900-8844. You can also report it anonymously through Report Crime Anonymously: 0800-7000.
• You can bring your trash cans inside, move your patio furniture out of sight, remove your doormats, and tape your mailbox shut.
• Leave a light on.