Berlin Announces Expanded New YearS Eve Firework and Knife Ban Zones for 2025/26
Breaking news from Berlin: Police are girding for New Year’s Eve 2025/26 with expanded bans on fireworks and weapons in designated zones. As in past years, authorities will prohibit carrying knives and other weapons, along with firecrackers in several areas from 6:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025 until 6:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026. The exact ban zones where published in the official gazette this week, outlining where residents and visitors must not light or carry pyrotechnics.
New Ban Zones And Timelines
The perimeter around Admiralsbrücke in Kreuzberg marks a newly added zone for the upcoming party.In these areas,fireworks of categories F2,F3 and F4 are prohibited,along with any pyrotechnics not bearing approval and labeling. Category F1 devices remain permitted in allowed areas.
In parallel, several customary hotspots across the city remain restricted. these include central zones around Alexanderplatz, Steinmetzkiez in Schöneberg, parts of Sonnenallee and adjacent streets in Neukölln. In all these corridors, firecrackers and weapon carries are prohibited from 6:00 p.m. on december 31 through 6:00 a.m. on January 1.
A separate restricted area covers the central New Year’s Eve event site-Brandenburg Gate, Straße des 17. Juni and the großer Stern. The prohibition also extends to the Großer Tiergarten, portions of the Hansaviertel and the parliamentary and government districts. The police will enforce these bans with visible presence in the zones, though barriers will not be used to demarcate them this year.
Beyond the turn of the year, authorities note that weapon and knife bans continue to apply in other parts of berlin, including some transit routes and stations, even when not tied to New Year’s Eve.
What’s Banned And What’s Allowed
| Zone / Item | Time window | allowed / Prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| Admiralsbrücke area (Kreuzberg) – New Zone | Dec 31, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to Jan 1, 2026, 6:00 a.m. | prohibited: Fireworks in categories F2, F3, F4; any pyrotechnics without approval.F1 devices allowed. |
| Alexanderplatz and Steinmetzkiez; Sonnenallee corridor in Neukölln | Dec 31, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to Jan 1, 2026, 6:00 a.m. | prohibited: Firecrackers and carrying or brandishing weapons of any kind. |
| Brandenburg Gate area; Straße des 17. Juni; Großer Stern | Dec 31, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to Jan 1, 2026, 6:00 a.m. | Prohibited: Firecrackers and carrying knives or other weapons; pyrotechnics without approval. |
| Großer Tiergarten; parts of hansaviertel; parliamentary and government districts | Dec 31, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to Jan 1, 2026, 6:00 a.m. | Prohibited: Fireworks and weapons; restrictions mirror central zones. |
| Category | What It Includes | Who May Use | Typical Usage Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Small fireworks; sparklers, buzzing tops, small volcanoes, table fireworks | All ages ratings vary by local rules; in many places 12+ allowed | Year-round where allowed |
| F2 – Small Fireworks | rockets, batteries, firecrackers | Adults 18+ in moast jurisdictions | Usually allowed December 31, 6:00 p.m. to January 1, 7:00 a.m., though local rules may differ |
| F3 – Center Fireworks | Professional-grade displays | typically restricted to professionals | Not sold OTC; professional events only |
| F4 – Great Fireworks | Large-scale effects; bullet bombs in some contexts | professional use only | Not available to general public |
Authorities emphasize that F2-F4 devices and any non-approved pyrotechnics are banned in the marked zones, while F1 items remain permissible in other areas where allowed by law. the city council stresses that professional-grade displays require special authorization and are not sold over the counter.
Weapons Ban And Event safety
The weapon- and knife-ban applies to all blades and weapons, including kitchen and utility knives, with exceptions for certain professional groups. In addition, a central New Year’s eve gathering near the Brandenburg gate will see a separate ban on carrying and using fireworks, with security personnel conducting checks.
Officials note that,unlike previous years,barrier structures will not mark the prohibited zones this time. Police will supervise the zones and enforce the restrictions to safeguard celebrations citywide.
Official Statements And Public Debate
Mayor Kai Wegner, a member of the CDU, has called for consistent police action against New Year’s Eve rioters, insisting that anyone who commits crimes will face firm enforcement. He also noted that a nationwide ban on firecrackers would be more effective only if sales were banned across Germany, warning that a Berlin-only ban could drive residents to purchase fireworks in neighboring Brandenburg. Berlin continues to advocate for broader regulation at the federal and European levels.
Officials point to past incidents where risky devices,including ball bombs,caused serious injuries and property damage,reinforcing calls for tighter regulation and enforcement beyond Berlin’s borders.
Why This Matters: Evergreen Safety Insights
New Year’s safety policies in major cities reflect a balance between public celebration and risk management. Firework-related injuries, fires, and clashes with emergency services have long driven bans and stricter controls during peak celebrations. Experts advise planning ahead, checking local regulations, and prioritizing crowd safety and emergency access when attending large public events.
For readers seeking context on firework safety standards, consult official guidelines from national safety authorities and international consumer-protection agencies. German Customs Firework Regulations.
Take action: What Do You Think?
How will you ring in the new year in Berlin within these protections? Do you support expanding firework bans nationwide, or should controls stay city-by-city? Share your plans and opinions in the comments below.
Two questions to consider: What steps would improve safety without dampening celebration? Do you believe a national fireworks ban is the right path for Germany?
For more on safety and preparedness, follow updates from city authorities and accredited news outlets as December 31 approaches. Stay informed, stay safe, and join the conversation below.
