NO Fireworks Allowed Massachusetts State! What Massachusetts Law Actually Says This Christmas 2025
Fireworks are ILLEGAL in Massachusetts this Christmas 2025. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, Section 39 prohibits all consumer fireworks—including sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles, and party poppers—for private citizens. Only licensed professionals with permits can possess or use fireworks. Massachusetts has maintained this strict ban since 1943, and the law applies even if you purchase fireworks legally in another state and transport them into Massachusetts.
🚨 WHAT MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW NOW
The Simple Answer: NO All consumer fireworks are illegal for private citizens in Massachusetts during Christmas 2025 and year-round.
What’s Illegal:
- Sparklers (yes, even sparklers!)
- Firecrackers
- Cherry bombs
- Roman candles
- Bottle rockets
- Party poppers
- Snappers
- Fountains
- Sky rockets
- ALL other consumer fireworks
The Penalties:
- Possession: $10-$100 fine + fireworks seized
- Selling: $100-$1,000 fine AND/OR up to 1 year in jail + arrest + fireworks forfeited
The Exception: Only persons with a professional display license and permit from the State Fire Marshal can legally possess and use fireworks.
Why Massachusetts Bans ALL Fireworks
Massachusetts’ per capita fireworks injury rate is about one-fifth the national average specifically because of the total consumer ban.
The Safety Record:
- Between 2020 and 2024, Massachusetts medical facilities treated more than 200 people for burns and other injuries associated with fireworks
- National statistics: 10,200 people injured and 11 died in fireworks accidents in 2022
- Nearly three-fourths (73 percent) of 2022 injuries occurred in the weeks before and after the July 4 holiday
Why Sparklers Are Dangerous: Sparklers burn at temperatures of over 1,800° Fahrenheit—hotter than the melting point of aluminum. They burn at nearly 2,000 degrees, which is hotter than the temperature at which gold melts.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, Section 39 Explained
The Massachusetts fireworks law is comprehensive and strict.
What the Law Prohibits: No person shall sell, or keep or offer for sale, or have in his possession, or under his control, or use, or explode, or cause to explode, any combustible or explosive composition or substance, or any combination of such compositions or substances, or any other article, which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation.
Specific Items Listed as Illegal: Blank cartridges or toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of toy balloon which requires fire underneath to propel the same, firecrackers, cherry bombs, silver salutes, M–80’s, torpedoes, sky-rockets, Roman candles, sparklers, rockets, wheels, colored fires, fountains, mines, serpents, or other fireworks of like construction or any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.
What IS Legal: Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices in which paper caps or plastic caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound are used, if they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion, or toy pistol paper caps or plastic caps which contain less than twenty hundredths grains of explosive mixture.
Translation: Only tiny toy caps are legal—nothing else.
The Penalties: What Happens If You’re Caught
For Possession or Use: Whoever shall have in his possession or under his control, or whoever shall use or explode or cause to explode any fireworks in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.
- $10 minimum fine
- $100 maximum fine
- If convicted, the fireworks are forfeited and destroyed
- Note that you cannot be arrested for simply possessing fireworks
For Selling Fireworks: Whoever shall sell or keep for sale or offer for sale any fireworks in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both.
- $100-$1,000 fine
- Up to 1 year in jail
- OR both
- Any officer qualified to serve criminal process may arrest without a warrant
- Fireworks forfeited to the Commonwealth
Civil Liability: If your fireworks cause an injury to another individual or start a fire, the damaged party may have the right to bring forth a civil action for damages against you.
Home Insurance Won’t Cover Fireworks Damage
MA home insurance won’t cover you for damage caused by illegal acts. And because fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, any incident involving private use would not be covered by insurance.
What This Means:
- Property damage from illegal fireworks: NOT COVERED
- Injuries to guests from fireworks: NOT COVERED
- Fire damage from fireworks: NOT COVERED
- You’re personally liable for all damages and medical expenses
How Massachusetts Compares to Other States
The exception is Massachusetts, where a law in effect since 1943 forbids any private citizen from possessing or using consumer fireworks, including sparklers and party poppers.
Neighboring States:
- New Hampshire: Fireworks legal for residents 21+ (popular destination for Massachusetts residents seeking fireworks—but still illegal to bring them back)
- Vermont: Some fireworks legal
- Rhode Island: Some fireworks legal
- Connecticut: Some fireworks legal
- New York: Some fireworks legal
The Catch: The law applies even if you buy them legally in another state. Massachusetts residents who cross state lines to purchase fireworks and bring them back are still breaking Massachusetts law.
Can You Get a Professional License?
Yes, but it’s not easy or quick.
Requirements for Professional Display License: Pay the required fee and submit the paperwork by mail. The application requires:
- A photo of you
- A copy of your driver’s license
- A notarized request form
- Evidence of active employment on a crew for professional firework displays
- Two letters of reference from other licensed professionals
- A certificate showing you have completed a safety course
- Pass a firework licensing exam
If approved, your license will be valid for two years.
Reality Check: This license is for professional pyrotechnics companies and their employees—not for homeowners who want to set off fireworks at backyard Christmas parties.
Enforcement: Who Can Seize Your Fireworks?
Any officer qualified to serve criminal process can seize fireworks.
The Process:
- Any officer qualified to serve criminal process shall seize all of the fireworks mentioned herein without a warrant
- The fireworks seized shall, upon conviction of such violation, be forfeited to the commonwealth
- Can people get their fireworks back? No. If convicted, the fireworks are forfeited and destroyed
Reporting Confiscated Fireworks: To notify the State Police Bomb Squad of confiscated fireworks, fire and police departments (only) should call 978-567-3310 during business hours.
For large quantities, commercial grade, or deteriorated materials, authorities contact the State Police Bomb Squad immediately.
What About Christmas and New Year’s?
The fireworks ban applies year-round in Massachusetts—there are NO exceptions for holidays.
Christmas 2025: Illegal New Year’s Eve 2025: Illegal New Year’s Day 2026: Illegal July 4th: Still illegal
Unlike many states that allow fireworks around specific holidays, Massachusetts maintains its total ban 365 days a year.
What IS Legal: Professional Fireworks Displays
This section shall not apply to the sale of any fireworks to be shipped directly out of the commonwealth, or to the sale of any such article for the use of, and its use by, persons having obtained a permit for a supervised display of such fireworks from the marshal or some officer designated by him therefor.
Where to See Legal Fireworks: Many Massachusetts municipalities host professional fireworks displays during holidays. These are conducted by licensed professionals with proper permits.
Check your local city or town website for authorized displays during:
- Christmas season
- New Year’s Eve
- July 4th
- Other special events
Municipal Variations: It’s All Illegal Everywhere
Unlike some states where fireworks laws vary by city or county, Massachusetts has a statewide ban.
Boston: All fireworks illegal Worcester: All fireworks illegal Springfield: All fireworks illegal Cambridge: All fireworks illegal Lowell: All fireworks illegal
No Massachusetts municipality can override state law to make fireworks legal. The ban is universal across the Commonwealth.
What to Do If You Have Fireworks
If you currently possess illegal fireworks in Massachusetts, here’s what to do:
Option 1: Contact Local Police Call your local police department’s non-emergency number and ask how to safely surrender illegal fireworks. For citizen complaints about the illegal sale or use of fireworks please call your local police department at 9-1-1.
Option 2: Do NOT Attempt Disposal Never try to:
- Throw fireworks in the trash
- Burn them
- Soak them in water and dispose (some can still be dangerous)
- Transport them yourself
Option 3: Call the Bomb Squad for Large Quantities During business hours, contact the State Police Bomb Squad at 978-567-3310.
Safe Alternatives for Christmas 2025
Legal Ways to Celebrate:
- LED light displays
- Glow sticks and LED balloons
- Bubble machines
- Confetti cannons (non-explosive)
- Light-up toys
- Professional fireworks displays
- Laser light shows
The Internet is exploding with firework alternatives. A two-minute Google search will yield ideas like: bubble machines, glow sticks, light-up hula hoops, silly string, LED balloons… and more.
Why The Law Hasn’t Changed
Despite pressure from some residents and lost tax revenue as people buy fireworks in neighboring states, Massachusetts has maintained its strict ban.
The Reasons:
- Safety Record: Massachusetts’ injury rate is significantly lower than the national average
- Public Health Priority: Preventing burns, eye injuries, and fire deaths
- Property Protection: Reducing fire risk to homes and forests
- Child Safety: Protecting children from severe burn injuries
The gradual deregulation of fireworks occurred partly to tap lost tax revenue from residents crossing state lines to buy fireworks in states with more-lenient laws, but also because of lax enforcement. Massachusetts has chosen not to follow this trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are sparklers legal in Massachusetts for Christmas?
A: Sparklers are illegal in Massachusetts. This is one of the most common misconceptions. Many people assume sparklers are harmless, but they’re explicitly prohibited.
Q: Can I use fireworks on my private property?
A: No. The ban applies everywhere in Massachusetts, including private property. Location doesn’t matter—fireworks are illegal statewide.
Q: What if I buy fireworks in New Hampshire and only use them there?
A: That’s legal. You can purchase and use fireworks in states where they’re legal. However, transporting them back into Massachusetts is illegal.
Q: Can I get arrested just for having fireworks?
A: You cannot be arrested for simply possessing fireworks. However, you will be fined $10-$100, and the fireworks will be seized and destroyed.
Q: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover fireworks damage?
A: No. MA home insurance won’t cover you for damage caused by illegal acts. Any damage or injuries from illegal fireworks are your personal liability.
Q: What about those small “snaps” or “poppers” that kids throw on the ground?
A: The possession and use of all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in Massachusetts. This includes sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers and cherry bombs, and more.
Q: Do Massachusetts police actually enforce the fireworks law?
A: Yes. Police departments across Massachusetts actively enforce fireworks violations, especially around July 4th and New Year’s. Enforcement may increase during Christmas 2025 if complaints rise.
Q: How long has this law been in effect?
A: Massachusetts has maintained this strict ban since 1943—over 80 years.
Q: Will the law ever change?
A: There’s no indication Massachusetts will legalize consumer fireworks anytime soon. The state’s low injury rate and strong public safety record support maintaining the ban.
Q: What happens if my neighbor is lighting fireworks?
A: For citizen complaints about the illegal sale or use of fireworks please call your local police department at 9-1-1.
Q: Can I order fireworks online and have them shipped to Massachusetts?
A: No. This section shall not apply to the sale of any fireworks to be shipped directly out of the commonwealth, meaning sellers can ship OUT of Massachusetts, but shipping INTO Massachusetts for consumer use is illegal.
Q: Are there any legal fireworks at all?
A: Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices in which paper caps or plastic caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound are used—basically, only tiny toy caps for cap guns.
The Bottom Line
Fireworks are completely illegal for private citizens in Massachusetts this Christmas 2025. All consumer fireworks are illegal in the State of Massachusetts. No consumer may possess or use any type of firework unless he or she has a professional fireworks license.
Key Takeaways:
- ALL consumer fireworks banned since 1943
- Includes sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles, party poppers, and everything else
- Possession: $10-$100 fine + seizure
- Selling: $100-$1,000 fine and/or up to 1 year jail + arrest
- Buying out-of-state and bringing back: Still illegal
- Home insurance won’t cover fireworks damage or injuries
- No exceptions for holidays including Christmas and New Year’s
- Massachusetts injury rate is 1/5 the national average because of the ban
- Only licensed professionals can possess/use fireworks
For a safe and legal Christmas celebration, attend professional fireworks displays or use non-explosive alternatives like LED lights, glow sticks, and light displays.
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Source: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, Section 39; Mass.gov Department of Fire Services
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions, consult with a qualified Massachusetts attorney.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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