What Time Is Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Special 2025? Here's How To Watch

Forbes

a day ago

UNION CITY, NJ - JULY 4: Macy's 4th of July fireworks light up the sky next to the Empire State ... More Building in New York City on July 4, 2023, as seen from Union City, New Jersey. (Photo by)
In honor of Independence Day, Macy's annual Fourth of July Fireworks Special is lighting up screens across America once again. Here's everything to know about the televised broadcast, including what time it starts and ends, how to watch, who's performing and more.
This year, Macy's is illuminating New York City's skies with more than 80,000 firework shells in 30 different colors and an array of special effects. Viewers can expect 11 new effects, including 'crackling crown jellyfish, atomic rings, yellow & green sunbursts, strobing lemon cascades, comet fans and more,' according to Macy's.
Set against the iconic backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, the fireworks will launch from four barges positioned along the lower East River between Pier 17 and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. (Here's where to watch the fireworks live if you're in New York City.)
Academy Award winner and Broadway star Ariana DeBose is serving as the host for the special. She'll be joined by the night's performers, including the Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, and Trisha Yearwood, who will take the stage before the fireworks begin.
During the actual show, viewers will hear a 25-minute musical score produced by Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson and James Poyser, inspired by the "enduring spirit of America." DeBose will also sing live during the score, which will focus on 'themes of community, resiliency and shared connection,' according to NBC.
What Time Does Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Special Start?
UNION CITY, NJ - JULY 4: The Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show lights up the sky over midtown ... More Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City on July 4, 2018 as seen from Union City, New Jersey. (Photo by)
Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Special will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, July 4, 2025, on NBC and Peacock.
How To Watch Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Special
WEEHAWKEN, NEW JERSEY - JULY 04: A view of New York City's 48th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks ... More as seen from Weehawken New Jersey on July 04, 2024 in Weehawken New Jersey. (Photo by Craig)
The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Special will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.
If you don't have cable, cord-cutters can watch the fireworks special through a live TV streaming service that carries NBC, including DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live TV — all of which currently offer free trials.
The Fourth of July special will also be streaming live on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $7.99 per month (or $79.99 annually), while Peacock Premium Plus is $13.99 per month (or $139.99 annually).
Telemundo is also airing a telecast of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks special from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
How Long Is Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Special?
WEEHAWKEN, NJ. - JULY 4: The New York City skyline is seen in the distance as fireworks explode ... More over the Hudson River during the Macy's fireworks display July 4, 2009 in Weehawken, New Jersey. It was the first time since 2000 that the Macy's display took place over the Hudson River and not the East River. (Photo by)
The 2025 Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Special will last for two hours. If you miss the live show, you can catch the fireworks display during an encore presentation starting at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.