The leaves are falling, Halloween is right around the corner, and before you know it we'll all be counting down to midnight. Here at Franciscan Fireworks, New Year's Eve is one of our favorite nights of the year. It's the last big celebration of the calendar, and nothing says "goodbye 2026, hello 2027" quite like a sky full of color. Here's what you need to know to plan a safe, legal and unforgettable show.

When can you shoot fireworks on New Year's Eve in Indiana?

Good news: Indiana law gives New Year's Eve a protected window. According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, you can use consumer fireworks from 10 a.m. on December 31 until 1 a.m. on January 1. That window is written into state law (Indiana Code 22-11-14-10.5), which means a city or county ordinance can't take it away from you.

A few other rules from the state are worth remembering:

• You have to be 18 or older to buy fireworks, and kids can only use them when an adult is present.
• Fireworks can only be set off on your own property, on someone else's property with their permission, or at a designated discharge location. Streets, sidewalks and parks are off limits.
• Outside of protected holiday windows, the general state hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and local towns can tighten that further, so it's always smart to check with your city if you're planning a show on another night.

Safety first, so the party lasts

Fireworks are more popular than ever. The American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) reports that Americans used about 322.4 million pounds of fireworks in 2025, roughly double the amount from 2001. The vast majority of those celebrations go off without a hitch, but accidents do happen. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that about 13,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2025, with hands, fingers and the face hit hardest. Even sparklers accounted for an estimated 1,300 of those visits.

A few simple habits make a huge difference:

• Put a sober adult in charge. As AFSL puts it, if you wouldn't hand them the car keys, don't hand them the lighter.
• Light one item at a time, then back away quickly. Never lean over a fuse.
• Never relight a dud. CPSC recommends waiting at least 20 minutes, then soaking it in water.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby. In winter, a hose may be frozen, so fill that bucket ahead of time.
• Shoot from a hard, flat, level surface, away from houses and trees. On a snowy night, a sheet of plywood makes a great launch pad.
• Keep sparklers away from young children. They burn at around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clean up properly. Let spent items cool, soak them in water, then bag them and put them in an outdoor trash can.

Winter show tips from our team

New Year's Eve shows have a few quirks you won't run into in July. Dress warm and wear gloves you can still work a lighter in. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, since it gets dark early. Keep your product dry and indoors until it's showtime, because cold, wet fuses are no fun. And plan your finale for right around midnight, so you hit the countdown without bumping into that 1 a.m. cutoff.

Shopping for your New Year's show

Our Columbia City store at 109 Mulberry St. is open by appointment, so you can shop your New Year's lineup without the crowds. Just text us at 260-229-2696 (texting is best) to set up a time. Our Warsaw store at 2222 E. Winona Ave. is closed for the season and will reopen in April 2027.

Want to see items in action before you come in? Our YouTube channel is packed with product demos.

Giving thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving, we're feeling especially thankful. We are so grateful for every one of our customers, the families and neighbors who make every celebration brighter, and we're looking forward to announcing various ways we plan to give back to our community in 2027. Stay tuned!

Let's make 2027 the brightest year yet

However you celebrate, we want you to start the new year with all ten fingers and a big smile. Know the rules, follow the safety tips, and give your family and neighbors a show to remember. We'll see you soon!

Sources:

• Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Fireworks Permits and Use
• Indiana Code § 22-11-14-10.5 (Justia)
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fireworks Safety Education Center
• AFSL 2025 Fireworks Annual Report

Franciscan Fireworks