Firework rockets can create a display and also have uses when flying with elytra. Decide what you need before crafting them: a plain rocket and one containing an explosion behave differently. Keeping the two types separate makes them easier to use correctly.
Gather the materials
The basic recipe combines paper and gunpowder. Check your version’s recipe book for the quantities and result. A firework star adds a colored explosion; the official guide explains how to combine one with paper and gunpowder for a display.
Make a small test batch
- Gather your materials and open the crafting grid.
- Check the result before crafting a large number of rockets.
- Keep plain rockets separate from those containing firework stars in your inventory.
- Test the effect in an open area away from other players.
For a display, you can put rockets in dispensers and activate them with a button and a redstone circuit. Begin with one dispenser to understand its orientation and activation timing before expanding the setup. That makes unexpected results easier to identify.
Explosive rockets can cause damage. If you plan to use rockets with elytra, avoid confusing them with rockets without a star. Practice any setup in a copy of your world before adding it to your main base.
Learn more: Official guide to building a fireworks display.