New Year's Eve 2026: questions and answers

Yes, from 18: you may set off category F2 fireworks on 31 December and 1 January, but not in ban zones and not near churches, hospitals, children's and old people's homes or thatched and half-timbered houses. We know of no nationwide ban for this New Year's Eve; your city can set up zones, though.

Category F1 fireworks: sparklers, cracker snaps and table fireworks. They are sold all year from the age of 12; the packaging says F1.

At a public show. Cities and organisers put on fireworks, drone or light shows and countdowns. Our list has every public show we know of, by city.

In ban zones that many cities set up for New Year's Eve, mostly in the old town and on busy squares, and near churches, hospitals and children's and old people's homes. Where exactly is in your city's decree (Allgemeinverfügung).

In many cities yes, often on a special timetable. Check the app of your local transport association or bahn.de beforehand.

On 1 January. Many clubs and swimming pools invite people to a Neujahrsschwimmen or Anbaden; each organiser sets its own time. The swims we know of are on the swim page.

A cabaret or comedy programme that looks back on the past year, often satirically. Many cabaret artists play it in theatres in November and December, some as a New Year's Eve show.

The sketch is shown on television every New Year's Eve, on several channels. The exact times are in the channels' programme.