The nationally famous Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will return to the Hudson River on Thursday for the first time since 2013.
Here are the best places to catch the show:
Hudson River Park
The five Macy’s fireworks barges will sit between 14th and 34th Sts. on the Hudson. The city already gave away 10,000 free tickets to Piers 45 and 84, but there are several public entry points that will open at 3 p.m. on Thursday for anyone who couldn’t get tickets. These include:
- Christopher St. and Washington St.
- W. 11th St. and Washington St.
- W. 12th St. and Washington St.
- W. 29th St. and 11th Ave.
- W. 40th St. and 11th Ave.
Parking is limited at all locations. The Christopher St. PATH station and the Christopher St. subway station (No. 1/2 trains) are closest to the southern locations, while the A/C/E stops near W. 29th St. and W. 40th St.
Several items are prohibited at free public viewing areas: lawn chairs, blankets, tents, umbrellas, large bags and backpacks, drones, weapons, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, large or hard-sided coolers, picnic baskets and flagpoles or similar totems.
“Our Fireworks show is a free public event. Tickets are not for sale,” the Macy’s website reads. “If you are interested in purchasing tickets to any venue (i.e., restaurant, bar, etc.) along the viewing path that may be advertising such access, that is up to your discretion. Macy’s is not aware of, and does not approve, endorse, or participate in these events/activities.”
Maxwell Place Park and Elysian Park, Hoboken, N.J.
With the Macy’s show back on the Hudson after more than a decade on the East River, New Jersey residents can rejoice at the expense of Brooklynites. Macy’s has also set up public viewing areas in Maxwell Place Park and Elysian Park on the opposite side of the Hudson.
These free locations face the same item restrictions as the public viewing locations in Manhattan. Additionally, public transit near the parks is limited to New Jersey buses. However, there is a parking garage across the street from the parks.
The Edge, Hudson Yards
Billing itself as the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, the Edge is charging $400 for tickets to a July 4 fireworks party. The views should be tough to beat, and the tickets include access to an open bar from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Though parking is tough to come by at Hudson Yards, the 7 train stops in the middle of the plaza.
At 1,100 feet high, the Edge touts itself as “the best place to view the fireworks in New York City” on its website.
One World Observatory
New York’s tallest building, 1 World Trade Center, is selling special tickets to view the fireworks from its observatory between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets for people ages 13 to 64 cost around $70. Children 12 and under pay $63 and people 65 and over pay $67.
The tickets also include a $15 voucher at the observatory gift shop and cafe, and two cash bars will be open during the event.
Parking in lower Manhattan is nearly nonexistent, but almost every subway line runs within walking distance of 1 World Trade Center.
“Please note, viewing of the fireworks is not guaranteed,” the observatory website reads. “Tickets are nonrefundable. This event is held independent of the fireworks display, regardless of weather.”
Classic Harbor Line cruise
While observatory viewers go high, cruisers go low. Classic Harbor Line will offer at least five fireworks cruises, with prices ranging from $500 to $700. Options include a traditional yacht featuring wraparound seating and a 1920s-style luxury yacht. Almost all cruises depart from Chelsea Piers at Pier 62.
Several restaurants and hotels throughout Manhattan are also hosting fireworks events, along with similar locations across the river in New Jersey.
Additionally, Macy’s specifically warned New Yorkers against trying to view the fireworks from the High Line and the Battery, noting that views will be at least partially blocked. Macy’s also said views would be subpar on the West Side Highway from 14th to 26th Sts. and 40th to 46th Sts.
