Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks spectacular, including the best viewing spots to see it in person.
More than 80,000 shells and effects will be launched from four barges on the East River, with prime views in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The extravaganza returns to the East River this year after being on the Hudson River in 2024, and the East River in 2023.
The 49th 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 –
2025 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The spectacle features shells and effects in 30 colors and shapes synchronized to a musical score. The fireworks show is 25 minutes long, plus pre-fireworks entertainment.
There are 11 new pyrotechnic effects this year, including what Macy’s describes as “crackling crown jellyfish, “atomic rings”, “yellow and green sunbursts”, “strobing lemon cascades” and comet fans”.
The barges are positioned between the Brooklyn Bridge and the southern tip of Manhattan, along the East River, with prime viewing from Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The live show is being hosted by Ariana de Bose, with performances stars including the Jonas Brothers, Lenny Kravitz, Keke Palmer, Eric Church and Ava Max.
See Also
How to Take Better Photos of Fireworks
Where to Eat in Times Square/Theater District
NYC Guide: Calendar of Things to Do in July
Best FREE Things to Do in NYC
Best Views for 2025 Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
This year, there are four barges, not five, all south of the Brooklyn Bridge, to the southern tip of Manhattan.
The last time the fireworks were on the East River, in 2023, there were five barges, north of the Brooklyn Bridge, as far north of 42nd Street, so there was a much wider area for viewing, including from the FDR highway, and viewing areas included both Brooklyn and Queens.
That’s not the case this year. Viewing areas are much more limited, so expect dense crowds. And be in place by 7pm for best spots.
Manhattan –
Macy’s Fireworks will be visible from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River with the show launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and four surrounding barges.
Prime public viewing will be available along elevated portions of the FDR drive.
You must use these access points, which are managed by NYPD, including security checks:
- Montgomery Street at Madison Street
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps
- Broad Street at Water Street
- ADA viewing will be available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street
All spectators should note that alcohol, backpacks, blankets, cigarettes, drones, duffle bags, e-cigarettes, large bags, large coolers, large packages, lawn chairs, motorized scooters, umbrellas, and weapons will not be permitted into the public viewing locations for security reasons. Spectators viewing from New York City are subject to search by NYPD, and all viewing locations are subject to change at any time by NYPD.
The further north of the barges you choose, the more limited your view will be.
- Take public transportation. Do not drive. With multiple street closings, driving will be a gridlock nightmare.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge Park is the only official public viewing area in Brooklyn.
- Piers will be closed all day starting at 6am, and the Park closes to visitors at 3:30pm.
- 6.30 pm: Park re-opens to ticket holders only (free tickets via city-wide lottery see below)
- Do not bring lawn chairs, blankets, tents, umbrellas, large bags, large backpacks, etc
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade will be closed to the public at 2pm
- Take public transportation. Do not drive. With multiple street closings, driving will be a gridlock nightmare.
What Not to Bring
The further north of the barges you choose, the more limited your view will be.
- Take public transportation. Do not drive. With multiple street closings, driving will be a gridlock nightmare.
No Views – Do Not Go Here
- Anywhere along the Hudson River in Manhattan or New Jersey
- Liberty State Park, New Jersey
- Areas of the FDR north of the Brooklyn Bridge, including Midtown
- The Battery
- Battery Park City
- East River Park
- Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park
- Roosevelt Island
- Governors Island
- Gantry Plaza State Park
Check the Macy’s website for more suggestions.
Whatever location you choose, get there early for the best viewing location – certainly by 6pm.
Expect heightened security by the NYPD, including random searches of large backbacks.
Or, stay home and watch it on NBC, from 8pm to 10pm ET.
VIP Tickets by Lottery
Public viewing from Pier 16 or 17 and from Brooklyn Bridge Park are only with a ticket – 100,000 FREE tickets are available by lottery on July 1, and the Seaport also is offering paid tickets to view from restaurants on the piers.
Free tickets will be issued via lottery for prime areas NYC Mayor’s Office of Citywide Events. The City plans to distribute 100,000 free lottery tickets for Brooklyn Bridge Park on July 1. Check here.
Macy’s does not sell tickets to any VIP viewing locations.
Other Fourth of July Fireworks
Coney Island hosts its annual celebration, with fireworks launching from the beach near Steeplechase Park, starting at 9:30pm.
- Best place to watch is from the boardwalk, between Luna Park and Maimonedes Stadium.
Jersey City hosts its annual Independence Day celebration, also with fireworks starting at 9:30pm. It’s an all-day party that starts at noon with musical performances and food trucks
- Best place to watch is Lower Manhattan, including Hudson River Park.
Jones Beach also hosts its annual fireworks at 9:30
Scam Alert –
Beware of rooftop locations offering limited views of the fireworks for $$$$$$$$$$$.
As a native and lifetime New Yorker, I’m warning you about fireworks viewing scams.
There are limited views from rooftops or even tourist destinations such as Summit One near Grand Central Terminal, despite their fancy advertising promises.
Tickets for Top of the Rock are $45 until 5pm and jump to $179 for adults and $69 for children after 5pm. Snacks and beverages included.
One World Observatory, at the southern tip of Manhattan, actually states on its website that “viewing of the fireworks is not guaranteed” in small print, alongside the notice that July 4th tickets are non-refundable. On a website page that markets an “all inclusive experience” with a photo that shows fireworks.
You’ll be paying $$$$$$$ for an unlimited bar to make you forget that there is only a limited sight line to the fireworks. Examples:
- Tickets to The Edge are $250+. The Edge is at the edge of the Hudson River, on the other side of Manhattan from the East River.
- Tickets to the Empire State Building are $500+. The iconic ESB is on Fifth Ave., in the middle of the island.
If you are going to spend big bucks, the best bet is the new-this-year offer from the South Street Seaport, for a bird’s eye view from Pier 16. Tickets are $75 to $200.
Behind the Big Sparks –
Fireworks fans can get a sneak preview at the magic behind the spectacle in a series of Macy’s Live episodes at macys.com/macyslive.
Leading up to the big day, the Macy’s Fireworks team will showcase the inner workings of the pyrotechnic celebration.
Check the dedicated Macy’s Fireworks website page for additional information.
More NYC Fourth of July Fireworks
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Date: July 4
Location: Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Staten Island
Date: July 4
Location: Empire Outlets Waterfront
Time: 9:30 p.m.
- The fireworks will be visible from the stadium where the Staten Island Ferry Hawks are playing that evening.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ 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.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President Emeritus of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA), a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and a current member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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