New York’s July 4th fireworks display 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 location for Macy’s 2024 July 4 fireworks display in New York will once again be located on the Hudson River!
In 2024, Macy’s famous July 4th fireworks show will return for the 48th time! More than 60,000 fireworks and special effects will be launched to mesmerize the audience.
Where will the fireworks be set off?
- Hudson River between 14th and 34th Streets
When do the fireworks start?
- The event starts at 8:00 pm
Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in New York City
Look for The Best Places to Watch July 4th Fireworks in New York City What will the fireworks show be like this year? Read on for more details on the streets, parks, and boat tours in New York City for viewing the fireworks.
For everyone who is planning a trip and wondering about the best places to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC, the list below will give you the best places to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC.
As we get more information about official events, we will update these lists to ensure you July 4th trip to New York Be as pleasant as possible.
Fun Facts About Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Show
- 50 pyrotechnicians are responsible for
- Nearly 1,920 shells fired per minute
- 25 minutes is equivalent to 48,000 artillery shells
- There will be 17 different firework patterns
- 14 different effects
Popular 4th of July Events in New York City
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Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
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Midtown ManhattanOur highlights
The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display is one of the most important Independence Day celebrations in the United States and is a must-see when visiting New York.
On July 4th, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., the sky over New York’s Hudson River lights up. Yes, after more than 10 years, fireworks are returning to Manhattan’s West Side! The coordinated fireworks show features more than 60,000 fireworks launched from barges floating on the river. The celebration includes music and 300-foot-high red, clear, and blue water sprays from the FDNY.
Be sure to grab a spot at the official elevated viewing points before 8pm. These official viewing points will be Macy’s official website.
We recommend watching the fireworks over the Hudson River this year:
- Pier 54
- The rooftop of Pier 57
- Edge Observation Deck
- Hudson River Park
- New Jersey: Hoboken or Weehawken Waterfront
notes: These are not official viewing points as they have not been announced yet. These are just our suggestions.
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Coney Island Fireworks
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Coney Island and Brighton Beach
After taking in some of Coney Island’s most famous 4th of July events, like the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Contest, you can stick around for one of the best spots to see 4th of July fireworks in New York City. The party starts around 9pm, with the fireworks starting between 9:30pm and 9:45pm.
Although not as grand in size and scale as the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display, Coney Island has its own unique 4th of July charm that you are sure to enjoy.
The Best Places to Watch July 4th Fireworks in New York City
NOTE: Official viewing locations for 2024 will be announced soon!
If you plan on heading to an official viewing area, be aware that backpacks are generally allowed, but coolers, lounge chairs, blankets, and umbrellas are not.
If you can’t be in town to watch the fireworks, be sure to tune into NBC at 8pm to watch the live broadcast.
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Fireworks viewing areas at Roosevelt Boulevard, East 23rd Street, East 34th Street, and East 42nd Street
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Midtown Manhattan
First, let’s take a look at the official recommendations that Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Show has shared over the past few years. In addition to the elevated platforms that can be enjoyed for free (just be sure to arrive early), these are great areas to set up and enjoy the East River fireworks show.
Since these places are popular spots for New Yorkers and NYC visitors, they are bound to be crowded. Our advice? Bring only the essentials and try to get there as early as time allows.
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Watch the July 4th fireworks at Gantry Plaza State Park
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Long Island CityOur highlights
Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful recreational spot on the East River in Long Island City. The park is very nicely laid out with lots of wooden benches (also ergonomically designed), dunes filled with sand, and a small patch of green space. Apartments, small restaurants, and cafes are lined up behind the park. The pier also adds a nice touch to the park. It’s a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the view while looking at the Manhattan skyline across the river. The park also features the beautiful 59th Street Bridge that connects Manhattan to Queens.
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4th of July in the Vineyard!
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DumboOur highlights
Located in Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is actually the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard. This means that in addition to having sweeping views of the New York City skyline, you’ll also be supporting one of the city’s most innovative wine projects.
This place is just as great on July 4th— Click here Book your tickets.
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Fireworks viewing at Domino Park in Brooklyn
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Williamsburg
Sometimes the best place to watch the July 4th fireworks in NYC is your favorite place. One of our favorites is the six-acre Domino Park in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Especially if you happen to be sightseeing in this part of the city, this open park on the Brooklyn side is a great place to end the day and enjoy the fireworks. With a large lawn and a great location facing the New York City skyline, you’re sure to enjoy the event.
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Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Queens Waterfront Fireworks Viewing
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The beauty of a sprawling park like Flushing Meadows Park is that it has plenty of space, especially for those with young children to play with.
From Independence Day celebrations to fireworks displays, everything is more enjoyable when you hang out with friends and spend some time together.
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Watch the 2023 New York 4th of July Fireworks Over Water
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ChelseaOur highlights
Instead of watching the fireworks with the crowds and waiting in line ahead of time, why not reserve a spot for the fireworks parade?
This is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your family, and enjoy a unique view of the New York City skyline as the Independence Day fireworks go off. In addition, you can enjoy live DJ music, food and drinks to celebrate America’s birthday.
Many July 4th fireworks cruises board between 5:30pm and 6:30pm, giving you three and a half hours to tour the city and putting you in prime position to view the fireworks after 9pm.
my suggestion is: Here you can find Best 4th of July Cruises in New York.
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Fireworks viewing at East River State Park Brooklyn Waterfront
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Lower East Side
With its spacious lawns and river views, East River State Park is one of our favorite places to sit and watch the NYC fireworks.
This is a great place for a family outing, so bring a picnic and blanket and make the most of warm New York summer nights.
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Fireworks viewing at South Street Seaport and Manhattan waterfront
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Financial District
Another location with unparalleled views is Manhattan’s South Street Seaport, which is conveniently located where the fireworks barges are usually docked.
Picture this: Not only are you in one of the best spots in New York City for 4th of July fireworks, watching the fireworks go off in front of you, but you’re also watching historic ships and the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
As with the more popular attractions, you will need to arrive in the area early. The elevated viewing point can be reached via Broad Street, Pearl Street and Frankfort Street.
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Fireworks viewing from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Promenade
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Dumbo
Is there any better option than watching the fireworks from the Brooklyn Bridge? Brooklyn Bridge Park and Promenade. This waterfront park is located on the East River and offers stunning views of Manhattan.
For those who want to take photos of the iconic New York City skyline against the backdrop of the fireworks, this is probably the best spot. In particular, the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street will give you a good angle of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan Bridge.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn Bridge Park is not exactly a secret, so it tends to get crowded. If you plan on grabbing a spot, you better get there early.
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DUMBO Brooklyn Fireworks Viewing
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Dumbo
If you want a more industrial vibe for New York’s Fourth of July fireworks, try trendy DUMBO (short for Manhattan Bridge Skyway). Although there are plenty of shops and restaurants here, the fireworks show tends to be less crowded.
While that’s partly because the view may be obscured by buildings, it’s also less well known to tourists, so if you’re looking for a more low-key way to celebrate and don’t mind not having the perfect Instagram photo, this might be a great option for watching the show.
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Fireworks viewing at Roosevelt Park on Roosevelt Island
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Midtown Manhattan
Similar to DUMBO, Roosevelt Park, located south of Roosevelt Island, is a pleasant, uncrowded option for viewing fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Since there is a lot of green space, you can stretch out and stay a while. Spectacular shows like the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show are definitely worth the wait.
