Where to Watch Fireworks NYC? NYC's July 4th Fireworks Show
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jul 03, 2023
NYC Fireworks
New York City is known for its spectacular fireworks displays, especially on the 4th of July. Every year, the Macy's department store hosts a massive fireworks event that draws huge crowds of locals and tourists alike. The show features thousands of fireworks launched from barges on the East River, synchronized to music, and choreographed to create stunning visual displays.
The Macy's 4th of July fireworks show has been a fixture of the New York City skyline since 1976. The event has grown over the years to become one of the largest fireworks displays in the world, with millions of people tuning in to watch on television and online.
Aside from the 4th of July, there are also other occasions throughout the year where fireworks can be enjoyed in NYC. For example, the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square features a dazzling pyrotechnic display when the clock strikes midnight.
In addition, there are also fireworks shows hosted by various organizations and venues throughout the city to celebrate special occasions such as New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, and Independence Day in other countries.
Whether for a special occasion or just for fun, watching fireworks in NYC is a truly unforgettable experience. The bright colors and patterns lighting up the sky provide a beautiful backdrop to the city's iconic landmarks and a sense of awe and wonder to those who witness it.
Where to Watch Fireworks NYC?
The 4th of July fireworks extravaganza in NYC is a time-honored tradition, where you can relish a delicious hotdog, sing along to Bruce Springsteen's poignant anthem, and marvel at the awe-inspiring government-approved pyrotechnics alongside your fellow Americans.
Macy's has upped the ante this year with cutting-edge pyrotechnics launched along the East River. Brace yourself for a mile-wide display of 1,000-foot-high fireworks, a mesmerizing spectacle featuring a grand total of 60,000 shells bursting in the sky.
Set to commence at 9:25 p.m., make sure to arrive early at the recommended locations for the best vantage point to witness the dazzling show.
No tickets are needed for this public event as the fireworks will illuminate the sky between East 26th St. and East 40th St. Macy's has graciously provided a list of addresses for optimal viewing spots, along with information about street closures.
For those who can't make it to the live event, worry not! The fireworks show will be live-streamed on NBC and Peacock from 8 p.m. on July 4. Additionally, downtown New Yorkers and those on the west side can enjoy Jersey City's brilliant display illuminating the Hudson River. Thanks to Grucci's curation, the fireworks will launch from two barges along the waterfront, commencing at 9:30 p.m.
The official viewing spots on July 4 for the best firework show views:
1st Avenue and East 42nd Street
1st Avenue and East 34th Street
1st Avenue and East 20th Street
Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City)
Newtown Barge Playground (Greenpoint)
Transmitter Park (Greenpoint)
Marsha P. Johnson State Park (Williamsburg)
How Can I Watch NYC Fireworks at home?
To watch the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks in NYC at Home, you can tune in to the televised broadcast of the event. The fireworks show is usually broadcast live on NBC, starting at 8 pm Eastern Time on the Fourth of July. Additionally, the Macy's website usually provides a live stream of the event on their website. Other local channels such as ABC7 also usually broadcast the event so you can check to see what channel to tune in to in your local area. Alternatively, you can search online for ways to stream the event live.
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks on TV by tuning into your local NBC affiliate. Check your local TV listings or program schedule to find out which channel is airing the live broadcast of the event.
If you don't have access to cable or satellite TV, you may still be able to watch the fireworks online. In recent years, NBC has also offered a live stream of the fireworks show on their website. You can check NBC's website or social media channels for more information on how to access the live stream.
In addition to NBC's coverage, there are also many other websites and social media platforms that offer live coverage of the event. For example, YouTube and other video-sharing platforms are likely to have user-generated footage of the fireworks show that you can watch after the event.
You might also consider hosting your own viewing party at home. Gather your friends and family, set up a big-screen TV, and prepare some snacks and drinks to celebrate Independence Day in style.
Which Places Are Not Recommended for Person Viewing?
Event organizers have advised avoiding certain areas along the East River due to closures or obstructed views. These locations include Hunters Point South Park in Queens, Roosevelt Island, and the East 34th Street Ferry Landing in Manhattan. In Brooklyn, it's best to steer clear of Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Grand Ferry Park, and Domino Park.
Manhattan:
FDR Drive between Montgomery Street and East 63rd Street
FDR Drive Service Roads between Montgomery Street and 63rd Street
Montgomery Street between Cherry Street and FDR Drive
Delancey Street between Lewis Street and FDR Drive
East Houston Street between Baruch Place and FDR Drive
Avenue C between 13th Street and Avenue C Entrance Ramp to FDR
Avenue C Entrance Ramps
East 6th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
East 10th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
14th Street between Avenue C and Avenue B
Avenue C between East 16th Street and East 23rd Street
East 20th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 23rd Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 26th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 30th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
30th Street Entrance Ramps
East 33rd Street between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue
East 34th Street between 2nd Avenue and FDR Drive
34th Street Entrance Ramps
East 37th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 38th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 41st Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 42nd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
42nd Street Entrance Ramps
East 48th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 49th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 53rd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
Brooklyn:
Greenpoint Avenue between McGuinness Boulevard and East River
Kent Street between Franklin Street and East River
Java Street between Franklin Street and East River
India Street between Franklin Street and East River
Huron Street between Franklin Street and West Street
Green Street between Franklin Street and West Street
Freeman Street and Franklin Street and West Street
Eagle Street between Franklin Street and West Street
Dupont Street between Franklin Street and East River
West Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Eagle Street
Franklin Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Commercial Street
Commercial Street between Franklin Street and East River
Queens:
Area bounded by 44th Drive on the North; Borden Avenue on the South; Vernon Boulevard on the East; East River on the West (All Inclusive)
Center Boulevard between Borden Avenue and 54th Avenue
2nd Street between Borden Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
Vernon Boulevard between 54th Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
54th Avenue between Center Boulevard and Vernon Boulevard
Where To Watch Fireworks NYC - FAQs
The official viewing spots on July 4 for the best firework show views:
- 1st Avenue and East 42nd Street
- 1st Avenue and East 34th Street
- 1st Avenue and East 20th Street
- Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City)
- Newtown Barge Playground (Greenpoint)
- Transmitter Park (Greenpoint)
- Marsha P. Johnson State Park (Williamsburg)
Some of the best spots to watch the fireworks in NYC include along the East River, near East 26th St. to East 40th St.
Yes, Macy's has promised new advancements in pyrotechnics, featuring a mile-wide display of 1,000-foot-high projectiles with a total of 60,000 shells fired.
The fireworks display is anticipated to begin at 9:25 p.m.
No, the fireworks show is a public event, and no tickets are required for attendance.