Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in NYC 2025 Tonight

Just one year after switching to the West side, the official Macy’s 4th of July fireworks in NYC are returning to the East River. (This news arrives to the delight of Brooklynites everywhere! Sorry New Jersey—hope it was nice while it lasted.)

The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display is the largest in the United States. The iconic annual extravaganza is right up there in New York holiday lore with the New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. According to Macy’s, this year’s 11 new fireworks effects include “crackling crown jellyfish, atomic rings, yellow and green sunbursts, strobing lemon cascades,” and “comet fans.” There will also be 30 new colors and 80,000 shells. Before blast off, there will be a star-studded cast of performers who will play at Pier 17, including the Jonas Brothers, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, Lenny Kravitz, Eric Church, and Trisha Yearwood. The performances will air live on NBC.

Read on for more information and the best places to catch the brilliant display, from 360-degree rooftop terraces, to river cruises in the center of the action.

Where are the 4th of July fireworks in NYC?

The fireworks are blasting off from the Brooklyn Bridge in addition to four barges on the lower East River in Seaport, marking their return to the East side after just one year.

What time are the 4th of July fireworks in NYC?

The 4th of July fireworks display in NYC will begin at 9:25 p.m., according to NYC311.

Where to watch & official viewing points

Macy’s has finally announced this year’s four official public spectator viewpoints, which will be managed by the NYPD. All are located on elevated portions of the FDR in Lower Manhattan, and the following are their access points: Montgomery Street at Madison Street, Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps, Broad Street at Water Street. The ADA viewing will be located at Murry Bergtraum Softball Field; access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street. You’ll want to nab a spot very, very early if you go this route. Off-limits items at these public viewpoints include alcohol, backpacks, blankets, cigarettes, drones, duffle bags, e-cigarettes, large bags, large coolers, large packages, lawn chairs, motorized scooters, umbrellas, and (naturally) weapons.

Alternatively, if you opt to do your own thing, prime viewing neighborhoods include the Seaport District, Dumbo, and Brooklyn Heights. (The Promenade will likely be crowded, but hey, it’s worth a shot.) Anywhere with clear views of the Bridge and the sky over the lower East River should be good.

If you can’t make it in person or crowds aren’t your thing, the broadcast starts at 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock. Looking for a slightly less touristy alternative? There will also be a 9 p.m. show at Coney Island Beach, capping off the notorious Nathan’s hot dog eating contest.

Where can you not see the fireworks?

Because the fireworks are returning to the East River, the West Side and Jersey will not have ideal views (the views there were optimal last year, when the display occurred over the Hudson River). Continue to check for word from Macy’s, as well, on where not to go. Due to poor or no visibility, Macy’s does not recommend the following NYC locations: Areas of the FDR in Midtown, the Battery, Battery Park City, East River Park, Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park, Roosevelt Island, Governors Island, and Gantry Plaza State Park.

Can you set off your own fireworks in New York City?

No you cannot. Despite the hundreds of rogue fireworks you might hear popping off of rooftops in your own NYC neighborhood, to absolutely no one’s surprise it is illegal to use, buy, sell, or transport consumer fireworks in New York City.

Where is the biggest 4th of July fireworks display?

New York City, of course!

Observation decks

New York is home to many a famous skyscraper—so why not soar to the top of one to score aerial views of the fireworks from above everyone else? The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, is hosting a bash with an open bar, unlimited appetizers, and a live DJ. Head further downtown, and 1,268 feet up from the tip top of the tallest tower in the United States, One World Observatory is celebrating with ticketed access to the observatory during the show. From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., there will be 360-degree views, a commemorative souvenir photo, and more.

Hotel parties

While rooftop soirees at hotels might not be quite as sky-high as observation decks, they more than make up for their lack of height with the addition of drinks, live music, seating, and snacks. Home to perhaps the best address in New York City for this year’s show, and taking advantage of their prime real estate, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is going all out with a huge, pricey party at Harriet’s Rooftop. There will be an open bar from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., a buffet, and high-energy DJ set, making it the top pick for if you want to splurge. There’s also a fête at Virgin Hotels, way up on the 39th floor, and at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, a self-described “garden party” inclusive of frozen cocktails and vinyl records.

Swimming pools

Is there a more luxurious way possible to watch the sky than from a swimming pool? We think not. Shout out to the unique experience at QC New York Spa on Governor’s Island—the spa says that their outdoor pools have a direct view of the show. Five-hour passes start at $98 and include full access to all spa amenities.) Nightlife venue Somewhere Nowhere will be throwing a sunset rooftop pool bash with a stellar DJ lineup and an open vodka bar from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Restaurants

Manhattan also boasts quite a few restaurants with a view, a few of which are taking advantage of their tall perches to throw some fabulous celebrations. At the ultimate skyline view restaurant Manhatta, all the way up on the 60th floor, revelers can celebrate with an upscale picnic barbecue inspired spread, complete with pulled pork, hot dogs, s’mores, boozy snow cones, and an open bar with house cocktails, beer, wine, N/A beverages—and even full-court pickleball and other lawn games. Tin Building is offering a splurge-worthy experience that includes an exclusive fireworks viewing area on the South Plaza patio. But the main event is the food: On the menu, there’s dim sum from House of the Red Pearl, steak frites and Gruyère cheeseburgers from T. Brasserie, lobster rolls, specialty pizza from The Frenchman’s Dough, and other Jean-Georges’ favorites, including Tin Building’s signature cookies. Tickets also get you access to the open bar.

River cruises

There may be no way to get closer to the fireworks action than by being on the river itself. And many of the city’s famed cruising companies will be offering special trips just for the 4th of July holiday. In addition to much of its fleet, Classic Harbor Line is offering a 4th of July sail aboard the Mariner III. The four-plus-hour cruise is inclusive of a prix fixe hors d’oeuvres menu (with fancy treats like Maryland crab cakes and coconut chicken); a full open bar; and dreamy views of iconic city landmarks like the Statue of Liberty backdropping the fireworks. For a dinner cruise option, look into booking a spot on the four-level Hornblower Infinity or one of City Cruises’ three cruises. (We’re partial to the glass-enclosed Bateaux.)