Am I allowed to set off fireworks in Denmark?
Yes, but only in a short, fixed window. Fireworks may only be sold from 15 to 31 December, and you may only set off New Year fireworks from 31 December to 1 January. This is where most people go wrong: the period was changed by the Safety Authority, so you can no longer fire from 27 December as you once could. To fire outside the window you need police permission. The age limit is 18 to buy and use New Year fireworks such as rockets and batteries, while smaller items like sparklers are from 15, and harmless products like party poppers may be used all year. Illegal and non-approved fireworks are banned, and you must never aim fireworks at people or animals.
📋 The rules
- Sale only from 15 to 31 December
- Firing only 31 December to 1 January
- Age limit 18 for New Year fireworks
- Smaller items like sparklers from 15
- Never aimed at people or animals
🔓 Exceptions
- Smaller products may be bought from 15
- Professional and organised shows can fire outside the window with permission
- Harmless products like party poppers may be used all year
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Setting off fireworks outside the permitted period, buying or using them under the age limit, or using illegal, non-approved types can bring a fine, and the fireworks can be confiscated. It is not only the person lighting the fuse who carries it: if you buy New Year fireworks for someone under the age limit of 18, you have broken the rules yourself. And if a rocket hits a person, an animal or a building, the fine quickly becomes the smallest part — liability for the damage lands on top, and it lands on whoever fired it.
📎 Official sources
- Safety Authority · Buying and using fireworks →
- Safety Authority · Changed period →
- Politi.dk · Fireworks →
❓ Frequently asked
When can I set off fireworks?
Only from 31 December to 1 January. The period was changed by the Safety Authority, so the earlier window, which let you start firing on 27 December, no longer applies. Firing outside that period is illegal.
When are fireworks sold?
Fireworks may only be sold from 15 to 31 December. The sales window is longer than the firing window, so you can buy your fireworks several days before you are allowed to set them off. Firing may start only on 31 December.
How old must I be?
18 for New Year fireworks such as rockets and batteries. Smaller items like sparklers may be bought from 15, and harmless products such as party poppers may be used all year round. The age limit covers buying and using.
Can I fire outside New Year?
Only with police permission. Professional and organised shows can be allowed to fire outside the window, but for private people firing outside the period is illegal and brings a fine. Apply for permission in advance.
What is the penalty for illegal fireworks?
A fine and confiscation if you fire outside the period, are under the age limit or use illegal types. If people, animals or buildings are damaged, liability for the damage comes on top of the fine.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I set off fireworks denmark”
- “fireworks period 31 december”
- “fireworks sale 15 december”
- “fireworks age limit 18”
- “fireworks permission police”
- “illegal fireworks fine”