There may be no city more closely associated with 4th of July than NYC, due in large part to the famed Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event, which is the largest Independence Day celebration in the country. This year, the dazzling display in the sky will feature over 60,000 shells in more than 30 colors, as well as live performances from Tanner Adell, Luis Fonsi, The War And Treaty, and Lainey Wilson.
Also new for this season is a return to the west side of the city for the firework barges. “This year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display will launch an inspiring spectacle of patriotic color, light and sound from the Hudson River for the first time in more than a decade,” said executive producer Will Coss in a statement. The location change means some riverside New Jersey residents will be treated to firework designs like cross rings, strobing comets, and waterfalls (but no such luck for Brooklyn this year).
One of the highlights of the celebration last year was the use of a drone display for the first time ever. As for what Macy’s Studios and their partner Pyro Spectaculars by Souza have in store for this season? They’re most excited to launch the new silver cascading burst, a never-before-seen firework that features a center kaleidoscope and alternating red and blue colors. Coss is mum on more of the particulars, but you should expect the unexpected: “Our team has been hard at work developing new ways to surprise and delight our fans,” Coss said.
Read on for 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?
This year, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will be launched from barges on the Hudson River, roughly between 14th Street and 34th street.
What time are the 4th of July fireworks?
The two-hour live broadcast on NBC and Peacock will start at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, with fireworks set to launch around 9:25 p.m.
Where can you not see the fireworks?
For the first time since 2013, the fireworks will be launched from the Hudson River, which means the east side of Manhattan and Brooklyn will not have great views of the display.
Official viewing points
While the official viewing platform locations have not yet been announced, information on their exact whereabouts and how to access them will be posted on the Macy’s website when available. Good news: If you can snag a spot at one, entrance is totally free.
Observation decks
New York is home to many a skyscraper, but not all are created equal when it comes to fireworks viewing. The observation decks positioned on the west side of Manhattan or at the tip of the island will have the best vantage points for the show. And, of course, the well-situated are taking full advantage of their location by throwing parties. 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. And further downtown, One World Observatory is celebrating with not one, but two events: An all-inclusive dining experience at on-site restaurant ONE Dine; and ticketed access to the observatory during the display.
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 stellar food and cocktail offerings. Again, hotels on the west side will have better vantage points: If picture-perfect, ’grammable spots are important to you, make sure to ask if the fireworks view will be unobstructed wherever you’re headed. Some of our favorite hotel fetes to keep an eye out for? Gansevoort Meatpacking will be throwing a rooftop viewing party, with food and drink available for an additional cost. For something a bit more intimate, Equinox Hotel New York is running a special package for the event, which includes a river-view room, bottle of champagne, and $150 credit toward food and drink. And if ringing in America’s birthday with top-notch food and cocktails is a must, then grab a ticket to Nubeluz’s event at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, which will include bites like lobster rolls and strawberry shortcakes, as well as tons of seasonal specialty drinks.
The new cookbook by Renato Poliafito is out June 25.
Restaurants with a view
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. Overstory has impressive 360-degree views of the fireworks show from their outdoor terraces: Tickets include tons of canapés as well as cocktails, spirits, and beer. And just a few blocks away, Manhatta is hosting their Sky-High 4th of July, a summer barbecue with everything from brisket to boozy snow cones, plus live music, mini-golf, and even full-court pickleball.
River cruises
There may be no way to get closer to the fireworks action than by being on the Hudson River itself. And many of the city’s famed cruising companies will be offering special trips just for the 4th of July holiday. Much of Classic Harbor Line’s fleet will be running that night, from cruises with Yacht Manhattan and Manhattan II, along with a Fourth of July sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack. For a dinner cruise option, look into booking a spot on the four-level Hornblower Infinity, which will be host to a party by July4th.com; or one of City Cruises’ three cruises (we’re partial to the glass-enclosed Bateaux.)
About the author: New York City-based Juliet Izon regularly covers the city’s latest and greatest for Condé Nast Traveler, including our annual guide to the best places to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC.
