There isn't a bigger, more breathtaking Independence Day fireworks show in the nation than Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show.
In 2025, this incredible pyrotechnics show will be launched from 5 barges on the East River, stationed from the Brooklyn Bridge and stretching through the Lower East River in the Seaport District.
Official viewing locations have not yet been announced for 2025, so be sure to check back with us frequently for updates!
- Do I Need a Ticket?
- Official Viewing Locations
- 4th of July Cruises
- Other Fireworks in the NYC area
- Things to do in July in NYC
TIP: If you are looking for amazing views on any other day or night, read our post on the best Manhattan skyline views, including locations on land, on the water, and from the sky.
Do I Need A Ticket?
No. Tickets are not required for the official locations listed below. If anyone tries to sell you tickets, they are counterfeit.
You may have heard about tickets that the City of New York gives away. These lottery tickets are for special locations at Pier 84 and Pier 45 that are not accessible to the general public.
These special tickets were first-come, first-served online and were gone within minutes of becoming available online.
But if you want to try, follow the website www.nycjuly4.com.
Don't panic! You'll still have amazing views from the official viewing locations!
WHEN DO THE FIREWORKS START?
The fireworks take place on Tuesday, July 4th, just before 9:30 PM.
A star-studded televised special will air from 8 PM to 10 PM. In 2024, the show featured performances by top artists, like Amber Mark, Brandy Clark, Lainey Wilson, and more. Stay tuned for the 2025 lineup closer to the 4th.
You can watch the special from the comforts of home on NBC or stream it on Peacock.
Read below to find out what to expect from this year's extravaganza.
OFFICIAL VIEWING LOCATIONS
In 2025, the fireworks will be launched from barges on the East River from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Seaport district in Lower Manhattan.
Macy's has not released the official viewing locations yet, so be sure to check back with us often!
The last time the barges were positioned from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Seaport (2019), the viewing locations and entry points were along elevated portions of the FDR Drive in Lower Manhattan.
- Pearl and Dover Streets
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. and St. James Places
- Pearl Street and St. James Place
- Montgomery and Cherry Streets
- Pike Slip and Cherry Street
- Market and Cherry Streets
We expect that in 2025, access points will be the same or similar.
Also in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO was a prime viewing location.
Note that there’s limited capacity at most spots, so plan ahead!
As crowds build, some of these locations will be closed and spectators will be redirected to additional open access points.
Access points, viewing locations and transportation are subject to change.
Be sure to check the Macy's Fireworks website for more details.
New for 2025, the South Street Seaport Museum will be hosting a special paid event offering unbelievable views of the fireworks.
VIEWING LOCATIONS THAT ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
In the past, we were able to list unofficial viewing locations in Queens and Brooklyn.
Please check back with us to see the official list of recommended locations.
Here are locations that Macy's did not recommend.
- Battery Park and Battery Park City
- The E. 34th Street Ferry Landing in Midtown Manhattan
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade in Brooklyn Heights
- Roosevelt Island in Queens
- Domino Park in Williamsburg
- Bushwick Inlet Park in Bushwick
TIP: If you are looking for amazing views on any other day or night, read our post on the best Manhattan skyline views, including locations on land, from the water, and from the sky.
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CRUISES
Getting out onto the East River provides an unobstructed view of the fireworks and an evening of entertainment.
Cruises typically have live DJs, dancing, and a premium open bar.
The Circle Line provides a specialty cruise that night as does Liberty Cruises.
Hornblower Cruises often has cruises for the Fourth of July. American Princess Cruises is another possibility.
To learn more about the various cruise and boat companies in NYC and read reviews, see our post, Which New York Boat Tour or Cruise is Best?
Although the better-known companies sell out more quickly, you can still get similarly priced tickets from the competition found on Get Your Guide.
OTHER FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
Fireworks in Coney Island
The Coney Island July 4th Fireworks Spectacular will begin at 9:45 PM at Steeplechase Park.
They are viewable from the Coney Island Boardwalk and the beach.
For directions and to learn about other goings-on, see our post on what to do in Coney Island.
Earlier in the day, Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs will hold its annual Hot Dog Eating Contest.
In 2020, a new world record was set: famed Joey Chestnut consumed 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes! In 2024 he was banned from competing because he signed a deal with Impossible Foods, a company that makes plant-based franks.
While this is a free event, tickets are required. Get all the information here.
Fireworks in New Jersey
Jersey City puts on a great fireworks display,y which can be viewed from the Jersey City waterfront and Liberty State Park.
Here is the official information and a map of viewing locations.
Just after sunset on Tuesday, July 4, fireworks will be launched from two barges on the Hudson River.
You can't beat the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline!
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE SHOW
As in the past, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration will feature a jaw-dropping fireworks display designed by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza.
The display will feature thousands of shells and different effects from barges along the Hudson River.
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