The July 4th fireworks display in New York is the largest Independence Day celebration in the United States and one of the biggest events of the year in New York.
After more than a decade, the 2024 Macy’s New York City 4th of July Fireworks Show location will once again be on the Hudson River!
In 2024, Macy’s famous 4th of July fireworks show will be held for the 48th time! More than 60,000 cannonballs and special effects will be launched to keep audiences mesmerized.
Where will the fireworks be set off?
- Hudson River, between 14th Street and 34th Street
When will the fireworks start?
- The event starts at 8:00 p.m.
Where to watch the 4th of July fireworks in New York
looking for The Best Places to Watch the 4th of July Fireworks in New York City This year? Read on for complete details on viewing fireworks from New York City streets, parks and cruise ships.
For everyone who is planning a trip right now and wants to know the best places to watch the 4th of July fireworks in New York, the list below will help you know the best places to watch the 4th of July fireworks in New York.
As we get more information about official events, we will update these listings to ensure your July 4th trip to New York As enjoyable as possible.
Fun Facts About Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
- 50 pyrotechnicians are in charge
- Nearly 1,920 rounds per minute
- Equivalent to 48,000 rounds in 25 minutes
- There will be 17 different fireworks patterns
- 14 different effects
Common locations for July 4th events in New York
-
01
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Other activities
exist
midtown manhattanOur highlights
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show is one of the most important Independence Day celebrations in the United States and is a must-see attraction when visiting New York.
On July 4th, between 8:00 and 9:30 pm, the sky over the Hudson River in New York City is illuminated. Yes, after more than a decade, fireworks are returning to Manhattan’s West Side! The coordinated fireworks display consisted of more than 60,000 shells fired from barges floating on the river. Celebrations include music and the FDNY spraying red, clear and blue water 300 feet into the air.
Be sure to grab a spot at one of the official elevated viewing spots before 8pm. These official viewing locations will be Macy’s official website.
Our recommendations for watching fireworks over the Hudson River this year:
- Island Pier 54
- Pier 57 Rooftop
- Edge Observation Deck
- hudson river park
- New Jersey: Hoboken or Weehawken Waterfront
notes: These are not official viewing locations as they have not yet been announced. These are just our suggestions.
-
02
Coney Island Fireworks
Other activities
exist
Coney Island and Brighton Beach
After enjoying Coney Island’s most famous 4th of July events, like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, you can stick around and enjoy one of the best places in New York City to watch the 4th of July fireworks. The party begins around 9pm, with fireworks set off between 9:30pm and 9:45pm.
While Coney Island isn’t as spectacular in scale as Macy’s 4th of July fireworks, Coney Island on July 4th has its own unique charm that you’re sure to enjoy.
The Best Places to Watch the 4th of July Fireworks in New York City
NOTE: Official viewing locations for 2024 will be announced soon!
If you plan to visit official viewing areas, please note that backpacks are generally allowed, but coolers, deck chairs, blankets, and umbrellas are not.
If you can’t watch the fireworks downtown, be sure to turn on NBC at 8 p.m. to watch the live broadcast.
-
01
FDR Drive East 23rd Street, East 34th Street and East 42nd Street Fireworks Viewing
architecture
exist
midtown manhattan
We’ll start with the official recommendations for Macy’s 4th of July fireworks displays that have been shared over the past few years. In addition to the elevated platform that you can enjoy for free (just be sure to get there early), these are great places to set up and watch the East River Fireworks show.
Since they are a popular spot for New Yorkers and people visiting New York, there are bound to be crowds. Our advice? Bring only the essentials and try to get there as early as your schedule allows.
-
02
Enjoy the 4th of July fireworks at Gantry Plaza State Park
garden
exist
long island cityOur highlights
Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful resort on the East River in Long Island City. The park is very nicely laid out, with lots of wooden benches (also ergonomically designed) and sand dunes, as well as a small green space. Apartments and small restaurants and cafes line the back of the park. The pier also adds a splash of color to the park. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll while admiring the Manhattan skyline across the river. You can also see the beautiful 59th Street Bridge, which connects Manhattan to Queens.
-
03
July 4th in the Vineyard!
Other attractions
exist
DumboOur highlights
Located in Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is actually the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard. That means in addition to getting an unobstructed view of the New York skyline, you’re supporting one of the most innovative wine programs in New York City.
This place is also magical on the 4th of July—— Click here Book your tickets.
-
04
Fireworks Viewing at Brooklyn’s Domino Park
garden
exist
williamsburg
Sometimes the best place to watch the 4th of July fireworks in New York is your favorite place. One of our favorite places is the 6-acre Domino Park in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Especially if you happen to be sightseeing in that part of the city, this open park on the Brooklyn side is a great place to end the day and watch the fireworks show. With its large lawn and ideal location facing the New York City skyline, you’re sure to enjoy the spectacle.
-
05
Fireworks Viewing at Queens Waterfront in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
garden
exist
Flushing
The beauty of having a park as spacious as Flushing Meadows is that there’s plenty of room, especially for little ones who want to play.
From Independence Day celebrations to fireworks displays, everything is more enjoyable when you can hang out with friends and stay a while.
-
06
Watch the New York 4th of July Fireworks over the Water in 2023
cruise
exist
chelseaOur highlights
Rather than preparing to watch the fireworks with the crowds and lining up early, why not reserve your seat for the fireworks parade?
This is a great opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy unique views of the New York City skyline set against the backdrop of Independence Day fireworks. Additionally, you can enjoy live DJ music, food and drinks to celebrate America’s birthday.
Many 4th of July Fireworks Cruises run from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, giving you a three-and-a-half-hour tour of the city and putting you in the best position to view the fireworks after 9 pm.
My suggestion: here you can find Best 4th of July Cruises in New York City.
-
07
East River State Park Brooklyn Waterfront Fireworks Viewing
garden
exist
lower east side
With its spacious lawn and river views, East River State Park is one of our favorite places to sit and watch New York’s fireworks.
This is a great place for families, so you’ll want to bring a picnic and a blanket so you can make the most of warm New York summer nights.
-
08
Fireworks Viewing at the South Street Seaport on the Manhattan Waterfront
architecture
exist
financial district
The South Street Seaport in Manhattan is another place with unparalleled views and a convenient location where fireworks barges are often docked.
Picture this: Not only are you in one of the best places to watch the 4th of July fireworks in New York (where they take off right in front of you), but you also have historic ships and the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
As with the more popular attractions, you’ll want to get to the area early. The elevated viewing point can be reached via Broad Street, Pearl Street and Frankfort Street.
-
09
Brooklyn Bridge Park and Promenade Fireworks Viewing
garden
exist
Dumbo
Is there anything better to do than watch fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge? Brooklyn Bridge Park and Boardwalk. This waterfront park is located on the East River and offers incredible views of Manhattan.
For those who want to snap photos of the iconic New York City skyline amid fireworks, this might be the best spot. Especially the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street, where the Empire State Building and the Manhattan Bridge are at just the right angle.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn Bridge Park is not a hidden secret, so it tends to get crowded. If you plan to reserve a spot, you’ll need to arrive early.
-
10
DUMBO Brooklyn Fireworks Viewing
area
exist
Dumbo
If you want a more industrial vibe during New York’s July 4th fireworks show, try the trendy DUMBO (which stands for “Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”). Although there are many shops and restaurants, the fireworks sites tend to be less crowded.
While this is partly because the view can be obscured by buildings, it’s also less known to visitors. So if you’re looking for a more low-key way to celebrate and don’t mind not having a perfect Instagram photo, this might be a great option for you to watch the show.
-
11
Fireworks Viewing at Roosevelt Park on Roosevelt Island
Other attractions
exist
midtown manhattan
Similar to DUMBO, FDR Park on southern Roosevelt Island is sparsely populated and a great place to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
Thanks to the vast green spaces, you can actually stretch out and stay for a while. Shows like the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show are definitely worth the wait.
