Catch July Fourth Fireworks In New York City From A Cruise, Deck Or Rooftop

Now for 48 years, July Fourth in New York City has been celebrated with the “Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks” show. The 2024 edition will return to the Hudson River, with designated viewing spots along Manhattan’s West Side and neighboring New Jersey.

If you’re looking for a different way or place in New York City to ring in the Fourth of July, there are other locations hosting their own celebrations and fireworks viewing. They range from tourist attractions, to hotels, to other public venues.

A Party Cruise

New York Cruise Lines is offering three different cruising experiences, with all of them providing the opportunity to watch Macy’s fireworks show. They will depart from either Pier 81 or Pier 83 on Manhattan’s west side, but all will sail along New York Harbor.

First, the Circle Line’s July Fourth Fireworks Cruise will offer an open bar and a buffet menu featuring hotdogs and hamburgers, barbecue ribs, pulled pork sliders and unlimited beer, wine and soda. Other provisions extend to a mac ‘n cheese bar and a signature cocktail known as the Firecracker. Tickets are $299 per adult and $249 per child.

The second July Fourth party cruise will be held on board New York City’s only floating lobster restaurant. The North River Lobster Company will present a standard open bar and a buffet dinner with 1 ¼-pound lobsters plus sides. A DJ will be spinning music all night. Tickets for the North River Lobster Company Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise are $349 per person.

The third cruise option also involves dining. La Barca Cantina, which is touted as the city’s only floating Mexican restaurant, is hosting an all-ages Fourth of July fiesta cruise. Along with a DJ, this cruise will serve a Mexican buffet dinner and a standard open bar. Tickets are at $369 per person.

From An Observation Deck

See July Fourth fireworks from up high in Manhattan.

The Edge, a 1,131-feet high observation deck at 30 Hudson Yards, is hosting a viewing party of Macy’s fireworks via a special ticketed package. Tickets include entry to The Edge, access to an open bar and unlimited appetizers from 8 to 10 p.m. This structure’s outdoor viewing area features a breathtaking glass floor, angled glass walls and outdoor skyline steps from the 100th to 101st floors.

The event runs from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

Summit One Vanderbilt, an observation complex adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, will also offer a special Fourth of July celebration.

From 7:00 to 10:30 p.m., this event will feature festive games and a themed food and beverage menu. Summit’s affinity room will be adorned with red and blue balloons along with a change to the location’s elevator lights. Visitors can see fireworks on the Summit’s Unity Screen.

Tickets cost $350 per person and includes free access to all levels plus a package consisting of one food order and two premium drinks. Guests must be at least age 21 or older; get tickets here.

The Empire State Building will also be open on this date; see here for various ticket packages.

Hotel Hotspots

Hotels are more than stays, as their bars have become popular local gathering spots.

On July 4, the Gansevoort Hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District will host a rooftop soiree from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Set amid a backdrop of fireworks, the hotel’s party will present light bites, crafted cocktails and live music. Tickets are available for $129.99 via Eventbrite.

Also in Manhattan, the rooftop bar and restaurant at Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York will host a July Fourth party that’s amusingly given the moniker “for everyone stuck in the city.” Mr. Purple, a hotspot amid the 15^th floor of this IHG hotel, will welcome partygoers starting at 2 p.m. Pricing ranges across various categories with general admission before 5 p.m. at $20. Buy tickets here.

Boardwalks And Block Parties For A Bargain

If seeking a July Fourth event in New York City that’s more budget friendly, these mostly free options are also available.

At Brooklyn’s Coney Island, crowds gather to watch the annual “Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.” From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Nathan’s on Surf Avenue, competitive eaters go against each other in consuming as many of this famous hot dog stand’s frankfurters as they can.

In the evening, a display of Fourth of July fireworks will happen at Steeplechase Park on Riegelmann Boardwalk from 9:45 to 10:15 p.m.

Coney Island is also the location of “Friday Night Fireworks,” happening through Labor Day Weekend. They start at 9:45 p.m. with the given location of West 12^th Street and The Boardwalk.

Or take the free Staten Island Ferry and head to Empire Outlets’ 4th of July Block Party & Fireworks. From 3 to 9 p.m., the block party at this retail destination will include carnival games and a cannoli eating contest. Fireworks happen after 9 p.m. Admission is free.