Once again, cities across the U.S. will dazzle the night sky with fireworks shows, live music performances, and community events this Independence Day. And while municipalities large and small are eager to help the nation celebrate, certain cities always stand out because of their larger-than-life fireworks displays. These cities draw thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, of people who simply want to see the fireworks light up the sky on the nation's birthday.
Whether you're planning your trip for the holiday or just curious where the biggest celebrations will take place, here's a look at some of the top cities hosting fireworks displays that will be standouts on the Fourth of July for 2025.
New York City is well-known for one of the biggest and fanciest July 4th shows in the country. The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks is an event that launches over 80,000 fireworks from vessels on barges in the East River. This show is supposed to last around 25 to 30 minutes and will also have new light effects on the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge. It will be broadcasted live on nationwide television, and seen from parks, piers, and rooftops all over Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Washington, D.C. is a much more traditional and symbolic celebration. Fireworks are launched over the National Mall, behind the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The show typically starts shortly after 9 p.m. and follows a patriotic concert called "A Capitol Fourth." People gather on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, on the Reflecting Pool, or take to the Potomac River for a unique view.
The tradition of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular continues as Boston celebrates the fourth of July with a live performance by the Boston Pops Orchestra, usually performing American classics like the 1812 Overture, while spectacular fireworks explode above the Charles River. Early on the fourth, crowds gather along the riverbanks to find a good spot to view the concert and fireworks, while many others choose a river cruise to avoid the thousands of people on the lawns along the riverfront.
San Diego also promotes Southern California's largest fireworks event, the Big Bay Boom. Fireworks will come from four barges situated throughout San Diego Bay so that attendees can watch it from many waterfront locations. The show will draw more than 500,000 attendees across about 14 miles of coastline. Viewing locations include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Coronado, as well as many boats situated throughout the bay.
Addison, Texas, located just to the north of Dallas, is perhaps one of the most well known. Addison’s Kaboom Town! occurs on July 3, includes an airshow, and concludes with one of those big, fireworks shows where they shoot off more than 1,500 pounds of fireworks in a short amount of time, with around 400,000 people in attendance. Kaboom Town! is considered one of the largest and most notable Independence Day events in the country, and the park admission tickets are free with advance reservation.
Additionally, you could check out:
- Chicago’s fireworks at Navy Pier over Lake Michigan
- Philadelphia, which features fireworks near the Art Museum during its Wawa Welcome America Festival
- Nashville’s “Let Freedom Sing” with music and fireworks along the Cumberland River
- Detroit’s Ford Fireworks along the Detroit River
- Huntington Beach, California, where there is typically a big parade and beach show
These cities offer historic venues and gorgeous waterfronts that properly combine venue and scale to create amazing events on July 4th.
Just remember, regardless if you are traveling or staying local, there are plenty of great places to celebrate the July 4th holiday across the United States.
