Information for the 2024–2025 New Year's Eve
Fireworks Rules
The municipality of Voorschoten has designated a number of fireworks-free zones (see Fireworks-Free Zones). Fireworks may be sold on December 28, 30, and 31, 2024. In addition, individuals aged 12 and older are permitted to purchase and set off Category F1 fireworks (such as firecrackers and sparklers). People aged 16 and older are permitted to purchase and set off consumer fireworks in category F2 (decorative fireworks). It is prohibited to purchase, sell, or set off fireworks in category F3 (such as firecrackers, single-shot fireworks, rockets, and string firecrackers).
In the Netherlands, it is illegal to possess or set off illegal fireworks. These include, among others, “cobras,” nitrate-based fireworks, “butterflies,” “avalanche rockets,” “mortar bombs,” and “strikers.” This year, fireworks may be set off on December 31 from 6:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. on January 1 (with the exception of fireworks in category F1, which may also be set off outside these times).
Fireworks-Free Zones
In Voorschoten, the following locations (including the immediate vicinity) have been officially designated as fireworks-free zones . You may not set off fireworks in these areas on December 31 from 6:00 p.m. until January 1 at 2:00 a.m.:
- Zone 1:Adegeest Residential Care Center
- Zone 2:Town Hall, Berkhout Park, and Kruispunt Church
- Zone 3:Topaz Vlietwijk Nursing Home
- Zone 4:Foreschate Residential Care Center
- Zone 5:Bijdorp House
- Zone 6:Hotel Van der Valk, Voorschoten Petting Zoo, and the riding school next to Laantje van Van Wissen
Link to a digital map of the fireworks-free zones
Bonfires and carbide shooting
Carbide fireworks and large bonfires are prohibited. A cozy (small) bonfire in a fire pit is allowed. Keep it in your own front or back yard—not on public roads. Make sure there is enough distance between the fire and buildings, public roads, and other people’s property. Burn only wood, and do not throw trash into the bonfire. Never use liquids such as methyl alcohol or gasoline.
Dark Days Offensive
Burglars strike more often during the dark winter months and the holiday season. Of course, we want to prevent that. The municipality of Voorschoten and the police are working closely together as part of the “Dark Days” campaign. But we need your help, too! Do you see anything suspicious? Do you think the street lighting is insufficient somewhere? Call the national police number 0900 88 44 or the municipality of Voorschoten at 14071.
Who should I call?
Christmas Tree Collection
For every Christmas tree you turn in, you’ll receive €0.50 during the Christmas tree collection on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Have you collected at least 30 Christmas trees? If so, please contact the municipality at 14071 to have the trees picked up. You don’t have to wait until January 8 to do this.
Christmas Tree Collection Sites
Collection times: 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
- 21 Koninklijke Marinelaan
- Plancius Park
- Baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oyelaan
- Chopin Avenue/Diepenbrock Avenue
- Multatulilaan/Krimkade, goodbye
Rules of the Game
The following applies at all locations:
- You will receive €0.50 for each tree you turn in.
- All nails and pots must be removed from the Christmas trees.
- Only individuals may participate in this promotion.
What Does the Municipality Do?
Waste Collection Schedule
Check afvalkalender.voorschoten.nl or the waste app (Voorschoten Waste Calendar) for the collection days at your address. In week 52, the schedule has been adjusted, and the municipality will collect an extra load of general waste. We will not be collecting organic waste or paper on that day. In week 1 of 2025, we will collect both general waste and paper.
Break down cardboard boxes or bring them to the municipal waste collection site on Koninklijke Marinelaan on Wednesdays (12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.). The new waste collection calendar for 2025 is also available at afvalkalender.voorschoten.nl
Underground and above-ground containers
On New Year’s Eve, the municipality will lock all underground and above-ground recycling bins throughout the day. The general waste bins will be locked at 6:00 p.m. The following morning, all bins will be unlocked again starting at 10:00 a.m. The containers at the recycling centers will be locked starting at 1:00 p.m. The recycling centers will reopen at 1:00 p.m.
What can you do on your own?
Flammable items
Please take large items of trash and construction materials to the recycling center before the New Year. The police and special enforcement officers will enforce the rules where necessary. The recycling center at Hogeboomseweg 62 in Wassenaar is open on Mondays and from Wednesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The recycling center is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Trash can in the backyard
If you have room, place your green, gray, and/or blue bins in the backyard or indoors to prevent damage.
For your safety
During New Year's Eve, strict measures will be taken against vandalism and violence. Some locations will have extra security.
Report Fireworks Disturbances
Before New Year's Eve, you can report fireworks-related disturbances to the municipality by calling14071oremailing toezicht@voorschoten.nl. Call the police at112in life-threatening situations. If the situation is not dangerous, please report the disturbance using the reporting form at www.politie.nl.
Enforcement, Halt, and Investigation
The police and special enforcement officers are actively enforcing the rules. Young people involved in vandalism or rule violations are immediately referred to Halt. The perpetrators are held liable for any damage caused. Inspections are also being conducted to check for the storage of (illegal) fireworks, using dogs trained to detect explosive substances.
If you suspect that illegal fireworks are being stored, sold, or transported anywhere, please report it. You can report it to the police by calling 0900-8844. You can also report it anonymously by calling 0800-7000 or viawww.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.
Youth Programs During the Christmas Break
Voorschoten Youth Services is here for you. The youth workers will be available throughout the Christmas break on Instagram: jongerenwerk_voorschoten. During the Christmas break, from Monday, December 23, through January 5, there will be various activities at Clubhuis Groene Kikker, such as a game night, an indoor soccer tournament, and a movie night. Check out the Youth Services Instagram page for the full schedule of activities. Want more information? Then visit www.voorschotenvoorelkaar.nl/jongerenwerk.