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Light those sparklers and get in the patriotic spirit, because the Fourth of July is here and ready to be celebrated! In New York City, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show is one of the best ways to gather with your friends and family. It’s very important to note, however, that the 2025 location for the spectacular display is different from 2024, so wherever you opted to celebrate last year may not be the hot spot to be this year. Below, we’ve rounded up the 11 best places to watch fireworks in NYC.
Where Are Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC 2025?
Last year saw the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display move over to the Hudson River for the first time in over a decade, but this summer it is returning to the East River once again. The fireworks will launch from barges on the East River beside Brooklyn Bridge Park, giving those hoping to catch the show plenty of options for viewing.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R46ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R86ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeAlthough official viewing locations have yet to be released by Macy’s, it’s safe to say that the best viewing areas would likely be along the water in the East Village down to FiDi in Manhattan, or in one of numerous parks on the edges of Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo or Vinegar Hill. Williamsburg should also offer prime viewing, especially for those hanging at Domino Park. There will also be boat cruises operated by companies like Circle Line that allow New Yorkers from any borough to enjoy the display from the water.
What Time do the Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC Start?
This year, the fireworks display will start at 9:25 p.m. EST on Friday, July 4 and will last for about 25 minutes. Coverage on NBC will begin at 8 p.m. EST.
Can I Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks from Home?
If you prefer a view from the couch, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular can be streamed live on NBC from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where Are the Best Places to Watch the Fireworks in NYC 2025?
With the display returning once more to its usual location on the East River, the list of places ideal for celebrating has some major changes from 2024. Below are 12 locations from which you can best view the light show.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe45 Easy 4th of July Crafts for Kids
1. Gantry Plaza State Park
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
Address: 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City
Located inLong Island City, Gantry Plaza State Park is most known for its large and recognizable Pepsi-Cola sign. The park has great views of Midtown Manhattan and the East River and features four different piers, a mistgardenand riverside benches and chairs making it the perfect spot to catch the fireworks display. Gather your friends,a coolerand somesnacksand head to one of the piers early to grab a spot close to the river.
2. Newtown Barge Playground
courtesy of NYC Parks
Address: 3 Commercial St., Brooklyn
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4pekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8pekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeThis small park in Greenpoint has been an official viewing point in years past, so it’s a pretty safe bet for scoring a front-row seat in 2025 as well. Its got beautiful views of the East River, framed by Midtown Manhattan’s iconic skyline. Note: Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are not permitted at official viewing points, so we highly suggest getting there early to scope out someplace to sit and packing a small bag with some snacks or water.
3. South Street Seaport Museum
courtesy of South Street Seaport Museum
Address: 41 Fulton St, New York
Another hot spot to catch the show is at South Street Seaport Museum downtown. There are multiple events with truly unparalleled views right on the water in front of the museum, with tickets starting at $75. You can also snap up food and drinks from Cobble Fish to snack on all throughout the evening, including classics like hot dogs and burgers as well as lobster rolls and Margaritas
4. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R53ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R93ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeAddress: 1 Water Street, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge Park is definitely one of the best places to get up close to the action for totally unobstructed views, but just know it’s not so simply as showing up early to stake out your spot. You’ll need a ticket to enter the park, which you can obtain for free through a lottery system. The park will be closed for the day, opening at 6:30 pm only for those lucky enough to score tickets.
5. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
@1hotel.bklynbridge/Instagram
Address: 60 Furman St., Brooklyn
Looking for an extravagant Fourth of Julycelebration? Reserve a room at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge where you can catch the fireworks show. Here you’ll find Harriet’s Rooftop, an open-airgardenand bar with view of the Manhattan skyline that’s ideal forunique cocktailsand light bites. You can also catch the fireworks from the comfort of your hotel room while relaxing in yourpajamaswith aglass of bubbly. Check out the hotel’s website for special room packages and viewing party details.
6. FDR Four Freedoms Park
@4freedomspark/Instagram
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeAddress: 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park
Is riding the famedRoosevelt Islandtram on your New York Citybucket list? If so, head to FDR Four Freedoms Park this Independence Day to explore the island and watch the fireworks show.P.S. the islandis easily accessible via subway, car and ferry so the tram isn’t your only transportation option.
7. Fornino Brooklyn Bridge Park
Address: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park
Calling allpizza lovers. Fornino in Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks if you wantwood-fired pizzaat your fingertips. With a stunning rooftop and terrace, the restaurant overlooks the East River with a menu structured as a historical investigation intopizza. There are also other menu favorites includingmeatballs, Italian herosandwichesand fun cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation in advance for your party to get in on all the action.
8. Marsha P. Johnson State Park
John Lamparski/Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5oekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9oekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeAddress: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a seven-acre waterfront park located along the East River in Brooklyn where you will find unobstructed views of the fireworks thisFourth of July. Formerly known as East River State Park, this space offersbarbeques, a play area and green space for a more secluded and calmer holiday. You can easily spend the day here while waiting for the show to start and exploring the park’s nativeplants—and that might just be your best bet for scoring a spot for your lawn chairs.
9. Westlight
courtesy of Westlight
Address: 111 N 12thSt., Brooklyn
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5vekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9vekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeTake yourFourth of Julycelebration to the next level at Westlight, located in Brooklyn atThe William Vale. Hang out on therooftop deckwhile you listen to live DJs, enjoy bottle service and a menu ofsmall bites. You’ll be able to dance the night away under the fireworks while taking in the incredible views of lower Manhattan. Be sure to reserve your table in advance and pick from various event packages.
10. WNYC Transmitter Park
courtesy of NYC Parks
Address: West St. between Kent St. and Greenpoint Ave.
A quaint waterfront destination, WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn is the ideal spot to watch the fireworks with a waterfront esplanade, pier, alarge open lawn, a separate children’s play area and plenty of seating. Pack yourbeach blankets,coolers andsunscreenand plan to spend the day taking in all that the park has to offer since this Greenpoint, Brooklyn haven is an official viewing location for the show. In other words, show up early.
11. Cruise the East River
Circle Line
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R69ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Ra9ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeAddress: Varies, depending on rental
What better place to watch fireworks in NYC than where everything is *actually* happening? Of course, diving into the river may sound refreshing given the sweltering summer temps, but we have a better idea: rent a boat. Boatsetter allows you to charter a boat (captained or not) for as little as $130/hour. Round up a crew of friends and grab the best seat in the house. If you don’t want to fork it over, there’s still good news. Companies like Circle Line are hosting Fourth of July river cruises leaving form Pier 83. Did we mention there’s an open bar, buffet and live DJ? You can also check outJuly4th.com, which has tons of cruise options withfirework views to choose from in NYC. Take your pick.
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