Ring in 2026 safely: Fireworks rules you need to know

For many, New Year’s Eve is always connected to the counting down to new year. People gather with friends and family to reflect on the past year and look forward to what’s to come. This is usually accompanied by a big celebration and fireworks.

As we welcome 2026, the City of Mississauga is reminding residents to follow the Fireworks By-law, related rules and other safety measures when using fireworks at home so that celebrations are safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Lighting fireworks for New Year’s Eve

This year, you can light fireworks at home, on your private property, from dusk on Wednesday, December 31 until 1 a.m. January 1, as per the City’s Fireworks By-law. You cannot light fireworks on a public street.

You need a permit from the City if you want to light fireworks:

• On your private property on any day outside of the permitted days and times.
• At a public park on any day of the year.

Do not call 911 for fireworks complaints unless someone is injured or there is a fire risk due to improper use of fireworks. To submit a complaint about illegal use of fireworks, visit mississauga.ca/fireworks or call 311.

New Year’s Eve event at Celebration Square

Ring in 2026 with a night to remember. Come out to Mississauga Celebration Square for the City’s New Year’s Eve 2026 event, featuring fireworks, a live concert, delicious food trucks, skating, and more festive fun.

Fireworks safety

When planning for celebrations at home, make safety a part of your plans. Understanding how to safely use fireworks can help prevent injuries, fires or property damage. Talk to your family and friends before using fireworks to keep everyone safe.

When using fireworks, make sure to:

• Only buy from licensed vendors.
• Fully read and understand the instructions, cautions and warnings on each item.
• Set up outside in a clear, open space on your private property.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
• Aim fireworks away from others, homes, trees and flammable materials.
• Always watch over children and make sure those watching are a safe distance away from the display.
• Safely dispose of used or leftover fireworks. Completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag and throw them in the garbage.

Remember to clean up where you used fireworks. Nobody likes a mess.

Fire safety

Having friends and family over to celebrate? If you plan to cook, remember to stay safe:

• If you must leave the kitchen, make sure hot appliances are turned off.
• Keep towels and clothes away from the stovetop.
• Never cook or barbecue in your garage.
• Avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. Consider ordering food.
• Do not bring portable gas-fuelled cooking appliances into your home for use.
• Be careful when frying and cooking with oil. Hot oil can easily catch fire. Use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer that will make sure the fat does not get too hot.

Learn more about how to prevent a fire: mississauga.ca/fire

Be mindful of others when celebrating

When hosting or attending a party or gathering, be respectful of your neighbours to avoid a possible fine.

Follow all parking rules and signs

On-street parking on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is allowed beyond the five-hour limit between 8 a.m. and midnight, unless the City implements citywide winter parking restrictions.

If you or your guests need to park on the street overnight, request a Temporary Parking Permit. Remember, you are not allowed to park your vehicle in any areas with ‘no parking’ signs posted. Do not block the sidewalk or a neighbour’s driveway when parking.

See parking violations happening on your street? You can report it online.

Know your noise limits

Make sure to follow the rules of the City’s Noise Control By-law. Under the Noise Control By-law, recreational and event noise like yelling, shouting and singing during parties is prohibited on Monday to Saturday from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and from Saturday 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday.

Hear excessive, persistent and recurring noise or within these prohibited times? Report it online.

Gather responsibly

The City’s Nuisance Gathering By-law regulates social gatherings on private property to prevent negative impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood. In Mississauga, a gathering can be a nuisance from activities including making unreasonable noise, using unlawful fireworks, and causing damage to property or any other activities resulting in a public disturbance.

If a gathering is causing a nuisance in your neighbourhood, report it by calling 311.

Follow the rules for short-term rentals

If you operate a short-term rental in Mississauga, you must:

• Obtain a licence from the City.
• Ensure your property and guests follow all City by-laws, including by-laws that regulate noise, nuisance gatherings, lighting, litter and debris and parking.
• Understand and follow the condominium’s rules regarding short-term rentals, if living in a condominium.

Learn more about the use of fireworks in Mississauga and the process for reporting illegal use of fireworks: mississauga.ca/fireworks

Tags

• Enforcement and Fines
• Fire and Emergency Services
• Public Safety