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Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in NYC in 2025: Get All the Details on the East River Display
Macy's 4th of July fireworks show is set to blast off from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges nearby in 2025. An annual unforgettable highlight of the summer, on Friday, July 4, 2025, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks explode in the 49th edition of this incredible Independence Day celebration. More than 60,000 shells are set to light up the night sky.
Spectators should be able to see Macy's 4th of July fireworks from many neighborhoods along the waterfront in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. New this year: a city-sponsored lottery doles out FREE tickets to public viewing areas. Looking for more FREE summer fireworks displays in NYC? Check out our roundup of where to see fireworks all summer long here, and bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all our top seasonal picks.
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While the Macy's 4th of July fireworks are totally FREE to watch, there are some important things to know before you go. We've got the scoop on how to find the best places to watch the Macy's 4th of July fireworks in NYC, when to go, and what to bring.
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks 2025: All the Details
The 49th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks display takes place over the East River and from the Brooklyn Bridge, with four barges near the South Street Seaport. The show begins around 9:25pm and lasts approximately 25 minutes. In the event of rain, the start time could be delayed.
Past shows have included myriad pyrotechnic effects from Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Among the highlights of the multi-colored spectacle are fireworks in more than 30 different colors and shapes. The signature Macy's Golden Mile is a glittering fan-favorite. The stunning display sends sparklers skyward up to 1,000 feet above the water's surface. More surprises are promised—and we can't wait to see what Macy's cooks up for the holiday.
If your little one isn't a fan of fireworks in general, try to find a viewing spot that's not in the middle of the action, with an easy exit plan in case you need it.
Of course, you need to claim your viewing spot long before sundown. Be prepared to stand or sit on the ground: The New York Police Department won't allow you into viewing areas with backpacks, lawn chairs, or other large items, and it often searches bags.
If you're not up for fighting for a great spot, you can always watch the Macy's 4th of July fireworks live on NBC or stream it on Peacock from your couch.
Where to Watch Macy's 4th of July Fireworks 2025
This year, sparklers will be set off from the Brooklyn Bridge and four additional barges in the East River nearby.
The public can see the fireworks from any location with an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River, though official public viewing areas and details on a city-sponsored lottery for FREE tickets have yet to be announced. We'll be sure to update this post when more details are made available!
Because this information sometimes changes at the last minute, check the Macy's website before heading out the door or call the store's dedicated Macy's 4th of July fireworks hotline at 212-494-4495. Many streets will also be closed to traffic, so whatever you do, don't drive!
Macy's promises to share information on ADA viewing options on its website soon.
Paid Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Options
If you feel like splurging, consider hopping on a boat. We rounded up some of the most family-friendly 4th of July fireworks cruises sailing out of Manhattan, the Bronx, and New Jersey. There are also several venues around the city that host viewing parties, but many are just for those ages 21-plus, so it's only an option if you're turning the holiday into a date night.
More Fun Things To Do on the Fourth of July in NYC
You can also take the kids to some pre-bedtime fun on the holiday, including the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island! Check our NYC Family Activity Calendar for more happenings in NYC on Friday, July 4, 2025.
A version of this post was published in 2018; it is updated annually.
