As the United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4, 2025, Americans are gearing up for a festive long weekend. From dazzling fireworks and lively parades to local fairs and backyard barbecues, the holiday brings communities together in a spirited tribute to the nation’s founding and its enduring values of liberty and unity. However, you can also watch the fireworks online.
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special will light up screens on Friday, July 4, 2025, airing live from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on NBC. Viewers can tune in on their local NBC channel or stream the two-hour broadcast live on Peacock. An encore showing will follow at 10 p.m. on NBC. For Spanish-language coverage, Telemundo will air its own special from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
If you are in New York City, the Macy’s fireworks show is free to attend, just be sure to check the official Macy’s website for prime viewing spots. This year’s celebration promises not only a jaw-dropping fireworks display but also an entertainment-packed lineup hosted by Broadway star Ariana DeBose. Performers include Keke Palmer, Eric Church, Ava Max, the Jonas Brothers, Trisha Yearwood, and Lenny Kravitz. A special 25-minute musical score by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and James Poyser will accompany the fireworks.
Nationwide, you can catch Fourth of July fireworks coverage on CNN, NBC, and PBS, featuring celebrations from major cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. For those staying in, 13NewsNow+ will stream the fireworks live from the Great American Picnic in Norfolk starting at 9:30 p.m. The 13NewsNow+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TV, offers round-the-clock news, weather, and original programming.