The city is making it much easier for many spectators to enjoy this year's Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks. New York City's iconic summer tradition still draws thousands to the waterfront hours in advance, but in 2025, more people will have a simpler way to watch the show.

New York City has announced a public lottery for 100,000 complimentary tickets, giving residents and visitors access to premium viewing locations along the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts.

The lottery opens on June 26 and remains available until June 29. Those selected will be contacted between June 30 and July 2, and each winner will be able to reserve up to four tickets. Children under 2 can attend without a ticket.

Ticket holders will be able to watch the fireworks from designated areas at Brooklyn Bridge Park and The Seaport, two sought-after locations for viewing the Independence Day celebration. These reserved spaces offer an alternative to arriving at dawn or competing with large crowds for a place to watch the display.

Announcing the initiative, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that Independence Day is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate, adding that the city wants to ensure some of the best viewing areas remain free and accessible to the public.

Winners of the lottery will receive an email with instructions on how to claim their tickets and select their preferred viewing location.

Those who are not selected won't miss out entirely. New York City will also open several free, non-ticketed public viewing areas along Manhattan's FDR Drive, providing additional opportunities to enjoy the fireworks.

This year's celebrationThis year's celebration is especially anticipated as the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks return to the East River, offering views from both Manhattan and Brooklyn. With thousands of complimentary tickets available, many more people will have the chance to experience one of the city's biggest annual events.n participating should register before the lottery closes on June 29.

To enter the lottery, click here.