With July 4th fast approaching, it’s time to lock in your plans for one of NYC’s most iconic summer traditions: the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.
This year’s show promises to be just as spectacular, with more than 80,000 shells set to be launched along the East River, lighting up the sky in a dazzling 25-minute display.
From official elevated viewing zones to hidden gems with fewer crowds, plus rooftop bars and restaurants offering unbeatable skyline views—here’s where to watch the 2025 Macy’s Fireworks in NYC.
The official Macy’s viewing zones
The famous Macy’s July 4th Fireworks are set to return to the East River this year, just one year after making a switch to the West side!
There will be plenty of viewing zones organized by Macy’s themselves, which are completely FREE to attend but require tickets.
Macy’s hasn’t announced yet where the exact viewing zones will be for 2025, or any of the free ticket information on how to reserve, but they are usually between 23rd St and 42nd St on the East Manhattan waterfront.
We will update the exact locations when they are announced by Macy’s!
Rooftop bars, restaurants, and hotels around New York City
Fancy a bite, some drinks, and a hell of a view? Well, these rooftop bars and restaurants are stepping up to the plate! Check out these options and book them quick before it’s too late!
Harriet’s Rooftop – The jaw-dropping hotel rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is hosting a fireworks viewing party with cocktails, a buffet, open bar, and live DJ sets. The Brooklyn Bridge view from here legitimately can’t be beat. Tickets here
Magic Hour Rooftop – This rooftop in Midtown is hosting a huge fireworks party, headlined with a DJ set from DJ, music producer, and reality TV personality James Kennedy. Tickets here
Nubeluz – The José Andrés-founded “jewel in the sky” is hosting a special event with 270-degree floor-to-ceiling views of the fireworks. This is more of a premium experience, with table reservations priced at $100 per person (not applied toward food or drink), allowing you to dine during the fireworks interval from 7:30–10 pm. Reservations here
ART Williamsburg – The hotel rooftop at Arlo Williamsburg is hosting an electrifying dance music party on Friday night, the Azure Fourth of July party with world-class DJs. Tickets here
NYC’s observation decks
There’s truly no better fireworks view than from in the sky! NYC’s observation decks are getting in on the July 4th action, opening their viewing decks to New Yorkers that are keen to see the spectacle!
Top of the Rock – Rockefeller Center’s sky-high observation deck will feature a $179 ticketed event ($69 for children), which includes festive food and drinks, live DJ entertainment, and kid-friendly activities like coloring books and face painting. Tickets here
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt – This ticketed event ($259 adults, $149 youths) features fireworks views from 1,100 feet in the sky, plus premium food and drinks, live music, interactive games, 3D fireworks glasses, and more. Tickets here
EDGE – See the Macy’s Fireworks from the tallest observation deck in the Western hemisphere. They are hosting a ticketed event ($400) with an open bar, food, a live DJ set, plus more. Tickets here
One World Observatory – The prominent downtown observation deck is hosting a themed evening with access to Floor 100 from 8 – 11 pm, including breathtaking 360° views, a commemorative souvenir photo, and a front row seat to the fireworks, 1,268 feet up! Tickets here
In the Seaport neighborhood
With the Macy’s Fireworks being back on the East side, the waterfront Seaport neighborhood makes for the ultimate location to view the pyrotechnics!
The area is tucked around Manhattan’s southeast waterfront, and there’s plenty of places to go in the area, these are our favorites:
- Tin Building – The famed culinary marketplace is hosting a ticked event with reserved access to the South Plaza viewing area for watching the fireworks, a “Taste of Tin” food experience, and an open bar. Tickets here
- Watermark – The waterfront bar and restaurant on Pier 15 will have a ticketed event featuring reserved seating, live DJ, BBQ buffet, open bar, themed party décor, and access to the Pier 15 boardwalk. Tickets here
- South Street Seaport Museum – The museum is hosting a ticketed viewing event with reserved viewing zones on Pier 15 and food and drink from Cobble Fish. Tickets here
Off-the-beaten-path viewing spots
We’re spilling our secrets on those more secluded and less busy spots (including parks) where there still maybe many people, but not as many tourists.
- Transmitter Park (Greenpoint, Brooklyn) – A small waterfront park that’s quieter than Domino Park with similar views from the Brooklyn side. Free
- Hunter’s Point South Park (Long Island City) – Less hectic than Gantry Plaza but with equally amazing East River views from the Queens side. Free
- Bushwick Inlet Park (Williamsburg) – A little further north but will see way less crowds. Free