New Year's Eve 2026 in Germany Marked by Heavy Police Presence and Multiple Incidents Amid Fireworks Debate

Germany welcomed 2026 with large public celebrations, notably at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, where a record police force of 4,300 officers was deployed—1,000 more than the previous year—to manage safety and enforce fireworks bans. Over 300 arrests were made in Berlin throughout the night, primarily related to dangerous use of illegal fireworks. Key hotspot Neukölln saw seizures of over 220,000 illegal pyrotechnic devices, including a homemade fireworks setup with nearly 14 kilograms of explosives and two Kugelbomben bombs. The city faced intense "böller" attacks with many police officers injured by firecracker trauma.

Similar challenges unfolded in other German cities like Hamburg and Munich, where emergency personnel faced attacks from thrown fireworks, and several injuries were reported. Tragically, a 70-year-old woman died in Bochum from an illegal firecracker explosion, and a 16-year-old in Leipzig lost a finger due to firework accidents. These incidents have fueled ongoing debates on a nationwide ban on private fireworks, akin to restrictions in the Netherlands.

Police spokesperson Florian Nath described the situation in Berlin neighborhoods such as Schöneberg and Kreuzberg as intense, although areas under strict bans like Alexanderplatz remained calm. Authorities emphasized peaceful celebrations, with Interior Senator Iris Spranger urging citizens to refrain from dangerous pyrotechnics.

Across Germany, preparations included precautionary safety measures to curb public risks, while other regions like Baden-Württemberg reported isolated fires caused by fireworks. The mix of celebratory spirit and significant public safety challenges highlighted the complex balance authorities seek each New Year. Globally, celebrations proceeded with Greenland, Australia, Asia, and the United States marking the transition with diverse traditions, including a notable commemoration of the U.S. Declaration of Independence's 250th anniversary during New York's Times Square Ball Drop.

This year's New Year's Eve in Germany reflected both the communal enthusiasm of millions celebrating outdoors with fireworks and parties and the escalating operational demands on police and emergency services to maintain order and prevent injuries.