Best Viewing Spots for 2024 Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks spectacular, which returns to the Hudson River for the first time in a decade, including the best viewing spots.

More than 60,000 shells and effects will be launched, from barges on the Hudson River, between 14th and 34th Streets

Prime viewing spots are on the West Side of Manhattan and along the New Jersey shoreline, including Hoboken and Jersey City.

The 48th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks spectacular once again features 25 minutes of fireworks set to a soundtrack of traditional and popular music.

NYC expects one million people – more or less – to watch in person, and millions more will be viewing the national TV broadcast on NBC.

For those of you who will be in my hometown for this annual event –

2024 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

The 25-minute spectacle features shells and effects in 30 colors and shapes synchronized to a musical score. That’s an average of around 1,400 shells a minute for the 25-minute show.

The fireworks begin at 9:25pm. Be in place by 7pm for a good view.

Best FREE Viewing Spots

There are plenty of spots to watch the fireworks, back on the Hudson River for the first time in a decade.

The West Side Highway, 11th Ave. and 12th Ave. will be closed to traffic between Christopher St. and 46th St., in favor of pedestrians, perhaps as early as 3pm.

Driving or parking anywhere on the West Side will be a nightmare, so don’t. Take NYC public transportation.

Check out the NYC traffic advisories ahead of time here,

There also are prime viewing spots on public piers which are part of the Hudson River Park.

Manhattan

There are six official entry points with unrestricted viewing, managed by the NYPD. Note that no chairs or large backpacks are permitted.

No tickets are required and it’s free to show up. But get there early to snag a good spot.

Christopher St. & Washington St. (ADA accessible)
W. 11th St & Washington St.
W. 12th St. & Washington St.
W. 29th St. & 11th Ave.
W. 40th St. & 11th Ave.
W. 41st St. & 11th Ave. (ADA accessible)

Plus these additional FREE viewing spots with views –

The High Line, 14th to 34th Streets
Little Island, 23rd St. and the Hudson River
Hudson River Park Pier 70i at 70th St.

Pier 57 – One of NYC’s largest public rooftop parks is hosting a free ticketed fireworks viewing party on the Hudson River. The rooftop park offers nearly two acres of panoramic Hudson River views, plus a food hall Market 57 right nearby in case you get hungry.

Get free, first-come first-served tickets here

Staten Island

Empire Outlets, adjacent to the Ft. George terminal of the Staten Island Ferry, is hosting its own Fourth of July fireworks show and block party, including fireworks after 9 pm, a live DJ, a cannoli eating contest, carnival games, and a whole lot more!

FREE, 3 – 9 pm Learn more about the fireworks and celebration here.
55 Richmond Terrace

Hoboken

There is no street parking from Midnight to 11pm on July 4th on Sinatra Drive, from Fourth Street to 11th St., along with significant road closures. Again, take public transportation.

Hoboken has four official points of entry to see the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks –

Pier A Park
Maxwell Place Park
Stevens Park
Elysian Park

Prohibited items include:

Grills/Open Flame
Tents/Canopies/Hammocks
Weapons
Fireworks
Drones

It is illegal to light aerial fireworks anywhere in Hoboken, at any time of the year, including sky and bottle rockets, firecrackers, reloadable shell devices, and roman candles, among others.

Buy a Ticket to See the Show

There also are ticketed viewing spots with prices of $75 to $350 per person, some including an open bar.

Sightseeing and harbor cruise boats.
Tourism sights including One World Observatory, Summit Vanderbilt and The Edge.

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ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.