Zoetermeer experiences a busy New Year's Eve

Mayor Michel Bezuijen accompanied the police during the night: "It was anything but a quiet night. A night with lots of festivities, but also some serious incidents. We saw a lot of rowdy behavior and provocation, especially by young people with heavy fireworks. Undoubtedly a reaction to the announced national fireworks ban. Thanks to the efforts of the police, fire department, ambulance service, enforcement officers, youth workers, and security guards, situations did not get out of hand. I have enormous respect for these professionals: they are always there, both in the preparation and in the hectic night, while they themselves are also at risk. Fortunately, all emergency workers in Zoetermeer returned home safely after their shift, which is unfortunately not a given everywhere."

NYE Light Shows and Youth Party

This year, Zoetermeer once again welcomed in the New Year with two light shows on the Markt. There was music, a review of the year, and the big countdown. The light shows at 7:30 p.m., especially for children, and at midnight attracted a total of 4,000 visitors. In the SilverDome, 1,500 young people celebrated at the Hitmachine NYE festival 2025.

Incidents and emergency services deployment

Based on preliminary figures from the Haaglanden Safety Region, the fire department responded to 32 calls to extinguish fires. The ambulance service responded to 46 calls. The police had to intervene 35 times. At HagaZiekenhuis Zoetermeer hospital, two adult fireworks victims were treated and five people received care after drinking too much or using too many drugs. In addition to these reports, two serious incidents took place: On Du Meelaan, a car drove into bystanders, seriously injuring two people. One person was also injured on Asperenstraat. The police are investigating both incidents. "The preliminary figures show a clear increase compared to last year. This confirms the picture of a turbulent night in our municipality," says Mayor Michel Bezuijen.

Preparations

In the weeks leading up to New Year's Eve, the police, special investigating officers, community police officers, waste collection services, and youth workers took various measures to ensure that Zoetermeer could welcome in the new year safely and festively. This involved visiting high-risk locations, informing residents, and removing flammable materials. Young people were reminded to use fireworks safely.

In addition, eight fireworks-free zones were established, waste bins, containers, parking garages, and parking meters were closed off, and free sandbags were made available to prevent damage to the road surface caused by fire pits and oil drums.

Damage

Despite all the preparations and efforts of emergency services and residents, vandalism occurred in the city again this year during New Year's Eve celebrations. Mayor Michel Bezuijen: "I saw many fires last night, and it is clear that more fireworks were set off than in previous years. I therefore expect the damage to be considerable." The damage to public property is being assessed and is expected to be clear in February.