New Year's Eve in Berlin: Fireworks sales are booming despite the discussion about the ban on firecrackers!

New Year's Eve in Berlin: Fireworks sales are booming despite the discussion about the ban on firecrackers!

Today, December 29, 2025, the sale of fireworks for New Year's Eve started in Berlin. From midnight, the shops opened their doors to customers who had been waiting for this start of sales for a long time. The dealer Meyer from Charlottenburg reported high demand and emphasized that his store was at full capacity. Other dealers in districts such as Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, Lichtenberg and Pankow also confirmed that sales figures increased significantly, as Tagesspiegel reports.

The sales times are fixed: the opening took place between midnight and three in the morning, followed by another opening at nine o'clock. The popular products that particularly appeal to customers are batteries, rockets and table fireworks. A large audience of shoppers of all ages enjoyed the anticipation of the New Year, with the oldest shopper being over 70 and the youngest just 18. However, sales to minors remain prohibited.

Millions for fireworks and increasing sales

In total, Germans will spend around 200 million euros on fireworks this year, an increase of 10-15% compared to 2024. Sales of 197 million euros are forecast for the coming year, while in 2023 it was 180 million euros, reports ZDF. However, retailers have also reported increased requests for illegal “Poland firecrackers”, but emphasize that they do not stock such products.

In the meantime, the debate about a potential ban on firecrackers in Berlin is growing. Discussions are gathering momentum over proposals that would only allow professional pyrotechnicians to set off fireworks in central locations. Traders like Meyer are skeptical and do not believe that such a ban will actually be implemented. In contrast, a saleswoman at Silvesterwelt in Lichtenberg sees a ban on firecrackers as damaging to her business. Meanwhile, environmentalists and various groups are calling for a general ban on firecrackers and rockets.

Health risks and safety concerns

The police union (GdP) and the #böllerciao alliance, which now includes around 60 organizations, are actively campaigning for a ban on firecrackers. Arguments for this are not only the violence against rescue workers and the hundreds of injuries every year, but also the high level of fine dust pollution on New Year's Day, which poses health risks for people with previous illnesses. According to estimates, there will be an increase in fine dust pollution during this time, which can endanger the well-being of many people. The association tagesschau reports that over 2.3 million people have signed a petition for a nationwide ban on firecrackers.

In many cities, including Karlsruhe, Freiburg and Tübingen, firecracker bans have already been issued in historic inner city areas. These measures are intended to help ensure the safety of citizens and minimize animal and human impacts during New Year's Eve celebrations.