While fireworks might not be a traditional part of Christmas celebrations in Michigan, many residents wonder about their legality during the holiday season.
According to Michigan state regulations, setting off fireworks on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve is generally prohibited. Local municipalities have the authority to establish their own rules regarding fireworks usage, with most major cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing not making exceptions for the Christmas period.
However, those interested in winter fireworks displays do have one opportunity: state law permits fireworks on private property from 11 p.m. on December 31st until 1 a.m. on January 1st to celebrate the New Year.
Permitted Fireworks Dates in Michigan
Michigan law specifies several dates when fireworks are allowed statewide, regardless of local ordinances:
- December 31st from 11 a.m. through January 1st at 1 a.m.
- The weekend before Memorial Day until 11:45 p.m. each day
- June 29th through July 4th until 11:45 p.m. daily
- July 5th, if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
- The weekend before Labor Day until 11:45 p.m. each day
Residents should verify local restrictions, as violations can result in fines up to $1,000.
Legal Fireworks Types and Restrictions
Michigan allows consumer-grade fireworks on personal property during approved times. These include commercially available items such as sparklers, smoke devices, Roman candles, and aerial displays that launch into the air.
Important restrictions include:
- Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property, including schools, sidewalks, or churches
- Using fireworks on another person's property without permission is prohibited
- Aerial fireworks are not permitted in state parks, trails, or harbors
- Smaller fireworks like sparklers and fountains are allowed in state parks according to Department of Natural Resources guidelines
- Selling fireworks to minors is illegal
Violations of these rules may lead to fines up to $500.
Safety Recommendations
The Department of Natural Resources provides these safety guidelines:
Recommended practices:
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Use fireworks only on flat, paved or gravel surfaces
- Wet down the area before and after use
- Dispose of used fireworks in water
- Keep water available to extinguish embers
What to avoid:
- Do not attempt to relight fireworks that fail to ignite
- Wait 15 minutes before handling malfunctioning fireworks, then place them in water
- Avoid launching fireworks near dry vegetation that could catch fire
