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7 Equally Fun and Amazing Alternatives to Fireworks
Pyrotechnic displays on New Year’s Eve are as iconic as festive wreaths on Christmas. These visual and auditory spectacles take your breath away—but probably not in the way you think. In fact, you might want to put your order of trompillo and kwitis on hold and consider alternatives to fireworks instead.
While Philippine laws regulate fireworks to protect people and property, they often overlook environmental damage. A 2019 study found that pyrotechnic displays in Metro Manila increased particulate matter in the air, exceeding World Health Organization standards.
Fireworks release harmful pollutants like PM 2.5, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide. These worsen air quality, contaminate water, and pose health risks. Plus, the loud noises are stressful for your pets. This New Year’s Eve, consider celebrating with these equally awesome (and safe!) options instead.
1. Bubble Fireworks
Water and soap can make just as festive a display as explosive fireworks.
Image Credit: Lazada
Search “Bubble Fireworks” on your favorite online marketplace and you’ll find bubble cannons that mimic the look of your favorite Fountain paputok. Each machine is roughly the size of a loaf of bread and comes in several variations—chargeable, battery-powered, with lights, or with music.
Just load it up with a special bubble packet and enjoy the show. Select a version with at least 20 holes to get a more authentic firework feel. The 48-hole option exhibits a more massive, explosive look.
You can check out available bubble fireworks from Lazada (on sale for ₱492) and Shopee (on sale for ₱309).
2. Confetti Cannons and Poppers
Confetti comes in different shapes, colors, and variations. You can get them with glitter, ribbons, and paper. Try to find a biodegradable option.
The Chinese believe that the loud bangs and vibrant colors of fireworks help ward off evil spirits, making firecrackers a must-have for birthdays, New Year’s celebrations, and other milestones. By that logic, confetti cannons and poppers fit the bill—they burst, pop, and scatter colorful specks just like fireworks.
Plus, confetti is much safer for kids. Let them join the New Year’s fun rather than limit them to the sidelines.
Confetti cannons and poppers are available in different varieties at Lazada (₱8.00/piece) and Shopee (₱45 to ₱69).
3. Fiber Optic Wands and Glow Sticks
Glow sticks and fiber optic lights are a fast and kid-friendly stand-in for fireworks. They’re also great for indoor parties!
Do you love sparklers? They may be photogenic, but they’re also incredibly dangerous. Trade these fire hazards for the much safer glow stick or fiber optic wand.
A fiber optic wand is a handheld device resembling a broom with soft, plastic fibers instead of bristles. An LED light at the base illuminates these fibers, creating a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights like a miniature firework.
As for glow sticks, nothing’s stopping you from transforming your celebration into a fab rave! You can even turn it into a fun activity with your friends and family. Twist these luminescent tubes into any shape. You can even attach them to your clothes!
Find glow sticks at Lazada (₱51) or fiber optic wands from Shopee (₱200).
4. Drone Shows
A drone show might be a little too much for a backyard party. However, if you’re mounting a major event or doing something a little extra, these little drones can be a showstopper.
Are you staging a big event that demands a spectacular light show? Skip the fireworks and have a drone show instead—even theme parks like Disneyland are doing it! This fleet of light-equipped drones is synchronized to perform stunning visual choreography complete with music. It can display messages, characters, animations, and patterns.
To explore this alternative, consider these providers:
5. Laser Lights
Like drones, laser lights might be too much of an effort for home use. You can usually find these amazing shows during concerts or large events.
Image Credit: Ayala Triangle Facebook
If you visit Ayala Triangle Gardens every Christmas, you know how impressive a laser light show can be. These days, even sports events turn to this type of display. Case in point: the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. These exhibits feature laser lights to project shapes and animations, often to a theme or narrative.
Laser lights are quiet—unless your show comes with music—making them suitable for a noise-sensitive audience. Besides not releasing smoke, chemicals, and particulate matter into the environment, laser equipment is also reusable, making it more sustainable.
Interested? Look into these providers:
6. Disco Lights
Transform your home into a dance and disco party with affordable items you can easily buy online.
Not everyone can afford a supplier to mount a light show, especially if you’re just celebrating at home. You can DIY your own spectacle using disco lights. Buy mirrored balls in varying shapes and sizes and colorful LED bulbs then install them all around your house. If you stay indoors to avoid the noise and smoke from fireworks, you’ll be just as entertained with this more environmentally sound option.
Disco balls are available on Lazada (on sale for ₱99) and Shopee (on sale for ₱2,000). You can also buy bulbs (₱80) that give off that instant disco effect.
7. Projectors
And you thought projectors were only for college presentations! Video mapping is a quick trick to transform a plain wall, turning it into something festive.
In September 2024, the Empire State Building was lit up with a large silhouette of Darth Vader on its wall. A few months ago, a concert at the Mall of Asia used intricate 3D projection mapping to ramp up its visuals. The CCP also did something similar for its 50th anniversary. Video mapping and projector shows have become increasingly popular not only for advertising and promotion but also for display and decoration. They’re usually safer for urban, crowded, or sensitive environments where fireworks may be impractical or restricted.
You don’t have to be a graphic or a computer whiz to use projectors. Take this idea and downsize it for your home. Skip the highfalutin 3D stuff and project the year’s milestones and photos on your wall instead. Couple them with some strobe lights (or maybe even those disco lights!), and you have a show!
You can easily get a projector for home use on Lazada (on sale for ₱2,699) and Shopee (on sale for ₱6,299). You could even find projectors that already display a pattern, such as a galaxy or the ocean.
Shopping for festivities has never been simpler. Use your GFiber Postpaid for a seamless online experience with a fixed monthly plan, or opt for GFiber Prepaid if you prefer a flexible, pay-as-you-go option. Both provide uninterrupted internet service when buying those celebration essentials, from Christmas gifts to alternatives to fireworks for New Year’s Eve. On the move? Stay connected with a mobile postpaid plan or prepaid promo to browse for the best deals. Then, consider using GCash for secure and convenient online payments.
You can also use your Globe Rewards to save on purchases. This lets you easily top up your ShopeePay or Lazada Wallet with your Rewards Points through the GlobeOne app. You’re already saving the environment; you might as well save money, too!
