July 4th in New York City! What better place to see the Independence day fireworks than in Manhattan.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is the most famous fireworks display in New York City. For as long as most New Yorkers can remember, the Macy’s fireworks have been an East River event. But in 2009 Macys switched from east to west moving the holiday spectacular to the Hudson river on the west side of Manhattan smack between New York City and New Jersey. It was a move that didn’t make east siders, Brooklyn residents or Queens people too happy.
The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks are among the most famous fireworks displays. The 36th annual Macy’s 4th of July NYC fireworks will take place on the Hudson River at 9pm, Wednesday July 4, 2012. 40,000 fireworks will be dispensed from barges between 18th street and 43rd street, so plan your viewing post accordingly. This year’s show theme is “Ignite the Night.”
There are many places in New York and New Jersey you can select to get a terrific view of the show. Whether its up high on the cliffs of Weehawken or aboard a Fourth of July cruise, the city has many great nooks and crannies of places to park to enjoy the fireworks spectacular.
There are plenty of places where you can view the 4th of July fireworks but plan to get to your spot early. Catching the event by walking or taking public transportation to these designated places is probably the least stressful way to get around on this heavily trafficked holiday.
Since the barges carrying the fireworks will be situated between 18th and 43rd streets, anywhere parallel on the New York side or New Jersey side will grant you a great view.
If you have friends with apartments on high floors along the West Side Highway, this is a good time to hit them up for an invite. If not, you can look into west side hotels with roof decks that may have a special Independence day events.
Check the Empire Hotel at west 63rd street, the Hudson Terrace at west 46th street, the W Hotel in Hoboken NJ, Yotel on 10th Avenue and for those with deep pockets try Plunge Lounge atop the Gansevoort Hotel in the meat-packing district -for a small admission fee of $450. But book well in advance as these opportunities sell out fast. Again, friends and family with west-facing apartments along the river become very popular this time of year.
If you are planning to meander and find a spot on the afternoon or early evening of the fireworks, be mindful that not all points of entry to the west side will be open. They close off many points of access this day, forcing crowds to utilize fewer points of entry. So check in advance to save yourself from walking blocks and blocks needlessly, especially if you have kids and babies in tow.
If you are heading to 12th avenue and the West Side Highway you will find access points at the following streets: 26, 27-29, 33-34, 40-42, 44-50, 52-54, 56-57. Keep in mind that places you would normally think to go will not be accessible – like the Hudson River Bike Path and the West Hudson River Park between West Houston to West 59th Street.
If you are want something more unique and special, you can take advantage of the many boats and river cruises that have special 4th of July fireworks viewing departures.
* Skyline Princess — Complete with a dinner buffet, disc jockey entertainment, free parking at the marina and a full premium open bar for all beverages and a 5-hour cruise around the river. The boarding time will be 5:30 pm. It will start sailing from the port “World’s Fair Marina” at 6 pm and it shall return to the port by 11 pm.
* Circle Line 4th of July Cruise – The cruise is from 5pm to 11:30pm and includes dinner and dancing with a live DJ for around $90.
* Sheryll Princess Fireworks Cruise – This cruise leaving from Pier 8, has three-hour open bar and live dj – prices are $100 but can go up as July 4th nears.
* Independence Day Family Fireworks Cruise on the Cornucopia Majesty – Prices vary on this family Independence day sailing event which features open bar and full buffet.
* Fireworks Cruise Aboard the Jewel Yacht – This cruise will set you back around $145. You’ll enjoy 3-hour open bar, full buffet and live DJ.
Don’t forget to download the Macy’s fireworks app so you know what’s going on as its happening.
Shop our 4th of July shirts for getting the entire family in the spirit of Independence Day.