Overview
- Legally restricted sales of category F2 fireworks run Dec 29–31 for adults, and use is generally limited to the evening of Dec 31 through the morning of Jan 1 under federal rules.
- Berlin has set multiple fireworks prohibition areas, including central hotspots such as Alexanderplatz, parts of Sonnenallee, the Admiralsbrücke and Schöneberg, with a large police and fire service deployment planned to enforce them.
- Authorities highlight the danger from illegal or high‑power devices after severe injuries and fatalities last year, with customs reporting more than seven tonnes of non‑approved pyrotechnics seized in 2024.
- Retailers report strong early demand and longer queues in several cities as the industry expects 10–15% more stock than last year following roughly €197 million in 2024 revenue.
- Surveys indicate only about 22% of people plan to set off private fireworks, as doctors, police and environmental groups call for tighter curbs, and municipalities like Wolfratshausen expand local bans with fines up to €5,000.