Celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas with Fireworks? Michigan Law Allows It

While Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may not be considered "fireworks holidays" by everyone, both are included on the list of national holidays for which the use of these colorful explosives is expressly permitted by state law.

Under Michigan's controversial new fireworks law, citizens can ignite, discharge and use consumer fireworks the day before, day of and day after a national holiday. The state recognizes 10 national holidays in all.

Responding to its own residents' concerns about noise and safety, Macomb Township amended its fireworks ordinance in June to ban fireworks use on all but the 30 days specifically allowed by state law.

The penalty for violating this ordinance is a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

The 10 national holidays recognized by the law include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• President's Day or Washington's Birthday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Although many residents across Michigan have asked legislators to repeal the Fireworks Safety Act of 2011, which was designed to increase revenue to the state and encourage citizens to buy consumer fireworks in Michigan rather than in neighboring states, the law has not been repealed to date. 

The new law removed the previous state ban on bottle rockets, aerial cakes, Roman candles and firecrackers.