Where and when to watch the biggest Fourth of July fireworks: Live and online

Independence Day 2025 brought a cascade of fireworks across the nation, with major cities hosting dazzling displays and millions tuning in from home. Here’s your definitive guide to the best shows, how to watch them live, and where to catch every sparkling moment—whether you’re in the crowd or on your couch.

New York City: Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

• Live Event: East River, launch points include four barges and the Brooklyn Bridge, with prime viewing at Brooklyn Bridge Park, The Seaport (Pier 16 & 17), and other official spots.
• Showtime: Fireworks start at approximately 9:25 p.m. ET.
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV: NBC (8–10 p.m. ET, encore at 10 p.m.), Telemundo (Spanish, 9–10 p.m. ET)
  • Streaming: Peacock (8–10 p.m. ET), free trials on fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream
  • Host: Ariana DeBose
  • Performers: Jonas Brothers, Lenny Kravitz, Keke Palmer, Eric Church, Ava Max, Trisha Yearwood
  • Special Features: 80,000 fireworks, new effects, and a musical score by Questlove and James Poyser

Also read: Fourth of July Fireworks: Age limits, safety tips and traditions

Washington, D.C.: A Capitol Fourth

• Live Event: National Mall, fireworks over the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial
• Showtime: Fireworks begin at 9:09 p.m. ET, lasting 17.5 minutes
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV: PBS (8–9:30 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT)
  • Streaming: PBS.org livestream
  • Host: Alfonso Ribeiro
  • Performers: The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Lauren Daigle, Trombone Shorty, Josh Turner, Abi Carter, The National Symphony Orchestra

Boston: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

• Live Event: Charles River Esplanade
• Showtime: Fireworks after 10 p.m. ET
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV: CNN’s “The Fourth in America” (7 p.m.–1 a.m. ET)
  • Streaming: CNN.com, CNN apps (for pay TV subscribers)

Chicago and Midwest: Neighborhoods & Suburbs

• Live Events: Horner Park, Humboldt Park, Legion Park, plus suburban shows in Antioch, Joliet, DeKalb, Libertyville
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV & Streaming: CNN’s “The Fourth in America” covers Chicago’s top displays

Philadelphia: Wawa Welcome America Festival

• Live Event: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Showtime: After 9 p.m. ET
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV & Streaming: CNN’s “The Fourth in America”

San Diego: Big Bay Boom

• Live Event: San Diego Bay, visible from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Coronado Ferry Landing
• Showtime: 9 p.m. PT
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV & Streaming: CNN’s “The Fourth in America” (Sara Sidner reporting live)

Los Angeles: Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Spectacular

• Live Event: Hollywood Bowl, with performances and fireworks
• Showtime: After 9 p.m. PT
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV & Streaming: CNN’s “The Fourth in America”

Jersey City & Atlantic City, New Jersey

• Live Events:
  
  • Jersey City: Freedom and Fireworks Festival, fireworks over Hudson River
  • Atlantic City: Boardwalk fireworks, visible from the beach and piers
• Watch Live:
  
  • TV & Streaming: CNN’s “The Fourth in America” covers New Jersey’s top displays

Disney World: Magic Kingdom

• Live Event: Magic Kingdom Park, Orlando, FL
• Showtime: July 3rd & 4th, 6:00 p.m. ET onwards
• Watch Live:
  
  • Streaming: ResortTV1 YouTube channel (live coverage of fireworks and park festivities)