It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide
The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
Santa Sightings and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

Best 4th of July Fireworks & Drone Shows in New Jersey 2024

Willdwood's 4th of July celebration includes a parade, live music, and spectacular fireworks. Photo courtesy of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority
Willdwood's 4th of July celebration includes a parade, live music, and spectacular fireworks. Photo courtesy of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority
6/9/24 - By Michelle Vames

New Jersey's 4th of July fireworks shows are bigger and brighter than ever. We've got the scoop on where to catch 4th of July fireworks shows in the Garden State plus other Independence Day activities, from small-town celebrations to waterfront extravaganzas. Many of these festivals round out the fun with food trucks, live music, and children's activities, and most are FREE to attend. 

Plus, if you're in northern NJ, you can glimpse the famous Macy's 4th of July Fireworks this year, which return to the Hudson River for the first time in a decade!

Firework spectaculars take place on or around 4th of July weekend. For even more holiday weekend fun, be sure to check out our Activity Calendar and Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best 4th of July Fireworks in North Jersey

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

Mount Arlington–FREE
Friday, June 28, 2024
The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club sponsors this annual fireworks spectacular, which sends sparklers flying high above the lake from floating docks. READ MORE

Verona Fireworks

Verona–FREE
Friday, June 28, 2024
Get a jump-start on the holiday weekend in Verona, which celebrates with sparklers a few days early. Enjoy DJ music prior to the fireworks display. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Scotch Plains–FREE
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Celebrate an early Independence Day at the Scotch Hills Golf Course when fireworks set the sky on fire. Pre-show entertainment is planned. Fireworks begin at 9pm. READ MORE

Cedar Grove Fireworks

Cedar Grove–FREE
Monday, July 1, 2024
Head to the turf field at Panther Park with your picnic blanket and spread out to enjoy the fireworks. Prior to the show, entertainment includes a DJ, balloon artist, crafts, obstacle course and refreshments.  READ MORE

Lyndhurst Fireworks

Lyndhurst–FREE
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Head over to this patriotic party on Riverside Avenue, with food trucks, vendors and a fireworks display at dusk. READ MORE

State Fair Meadowlands

East Rutherford
Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4, 2024
The jam-packed State Fair Meadowlands returns for 17 days with more than 100 rides and attractions, plus plenty of food, entertainment and fireworks. Circus Lena debuts with vintage charm, featuring death-defying acts under the big tent, while Cycle Circus wows audiences with FMX freestyle stunts and pyrotechnics.  READ MORE

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular

Leonia–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Bergen County presents a brand new Independence Day Celebration, featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony, plus an afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and stunning fireworks at Overpeck Creek. READ MORE

Springfield's July 4th Celebration

Springfield–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Springfield's July 4th Celebration features free activities that include a DJ, inflatables, a trackless train, a petting zoo, pony rides, fireworks at dusk, and a live concert. READ MORE

Union Fireworks

Union–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
This festive evening begins with a concert featuring the Silver Arrow Band, followed by the fireworks spectacular. Bring a chair or blanket.  READ MORE

Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration

Ridgewood–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Join the 114th annual Ridgewood 4th of July celebration. The day starts with a flag raising at 9am followed by a parade stepping off at 10am. The evening festivities include food trucks and fireworks. READ MORE

Livingston 4th of July Celebration

Livingston–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Livingston's 87th annual 4th of July celebration is an all-day affair, featuring rides, games, food trucks, pony rides, a photo booth, and live entertainment.  READ MORE

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

New York, NY–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
The 48th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks are set to sparkle over the Hudson River, moving to Manhattan's west side for the first time since 2013. The dazzling display features thousands of shells bursting forth and visible from West 14th Street to West 34th Street and along the New Jersey waterfront. READ MORE

Best 4th of July Fireworks in Central Jersey

Hamilton Township Independence Day Concert & Fireworks

Hamilton–FREE
Monday, July 1, 2024
Music, food and fun kick off the celebration at Hamilton Township's Veterans Park. Stick around to see the fireworks fly beginning at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Highland Park Fireworks

Highland Park–FREE
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Food trucks, music, and fun are the pre-show to this fireworks display, which begins at 9:15pm.  READ MORE

Perth Amboy Fireworks

Perth Amboy–FREE
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
View one of the state's biggest fireworks displays over the Raritan Bay.   READ MORE

Milltown 4th of July

Milltown–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Milltown celebrates the 4th of July with a full roster of events, including a fishing derby, parade, duck race, food, music and fireworks.  READ MORE

Bridgewater Independence Day Fireworks

Bridgewater–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Bring family and friends to North Branch Park for an evening of live music, food trucks and a Revolutionary War encampment, topped off with fireworks.  READ MORE

Best 4th of July Fireworks on the Jersey Shore

Atlantic City Fireworks

Atlantic City–FREE
Friday, June 28, 2024
Kick off the summer with a fireworks display at North Beach AC. Multiple viewing locations are available, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel, Showboat Hotel, and Steel Pier.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Point Pleasant Beach–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Jenkinson's action-packed boardwalk celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display. READ MORE

Wildwood 4th of July Fireworks

Wildwood–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
The beach town hosts its annual Independence Day celebration with a fireworks spectacular visible from almost anywhere on the Wildwoods Boardwalk.  READ MORE

Oceanfest in Long Branch

Long Branch–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
All are invited to the 32nd annual Oceanfest, an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together the most memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. READ MORE

Ocean City 4th of July Celebration

Ocean City–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day down the shore in Ocean City with a kite flying competition, live entertainment, and a boardwalk fireworks display. READ MORE

Best 4th of July Fireworks in South Jersey

Mount Holly Fireworks

Mount Holly–FREE
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day with a festive fireworks display at Ironworks Park. Round out the fun with live music, giveaways, rides, and food trucks.  READ MORE

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival

Camden–FREE
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day at the Freedom Festival, presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the City of Camden. Families can expect patriotic fun, live music, and an amazing fireworks show over the Delaware River. READ MORE

Cherry Hill Independence Day Celebration

Cherry Hill–FREE
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Cherry Hill Township celebrates Independence Day with a free night of music and fireworks. Food is available for purchase. READ MORE

More Fun 4th of July Events in New Jersey

Marvel Independence Night at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights–FREE
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Kick off America’s birthday week with the Superheroes- red, white, blue and Marvel too. Enjoy free meet & greets with Spiderman and Captain America on the Pier Stage. READ MORE

Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel–FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day with an old-school flair. Longstreet Farms takes the party back to the 1890s. Enjoy old-fashioned patriotism and celebrate with games, music, and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Verona Community Center
Multiple Viewing Areas in North Beach AC