Where to Watch the Fourth of July Celebrations: Fireworks and Parades

Know where to watch the 4th of July celebrations live, straight from your cell phone or TV. Patriotism, emotion and tradition in every second!

How to Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks in New York City

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

If there's one fireworks display that makes my heart race just thinking about it, it's the one at Macy's in New York.

Because it's more than 25 minutes of spectacle in the sky, with a patriotic soundtrack and cutting-edge technology.

It is, by far, the most famous and watched in the country.

Where to watch:

NBC (TV): The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks live stream begins at 8 pm ET with a pre-show, followed by the fireworks at 9:25 pm

NBC.com and NBC app: You can watch it on your cell phone, tablet or smart TV.

YouTube TV/Hulu Live/Sling TV: All of these live streaming services include NBC in their lineups (depending on the region).

Peacock: NBC's streaming service also usually releases live streaming to subscribers.

I usually watch it on NBC, live in the living room, with the family gathered and popcorn in hand. But I've tested the NBC app on my cell phone and it works perfectly. Just log in with your TV provider and that's it!

Fireworks in Washington, DC: hair-raising emotion

The Capitol Fourth

This broadcast really gets me. Seeing the capital's sky being lit up while the National Symphony Orchestra plays patriotic songs... it's priceless.

It's one of those experiences that sends goosebumps through the screen.

Where to watch:

PBS (Broadcast TV): “A Capitol Fourth” begins at 8 pm ET.

PBS.org and PBS Video app: You can watch it for free on your cell phone or computer, even in Brazil if you are traveling!

PBS Official YouTube: The broadcast is usually also available there, live and then on demand.

And the best part? You don't have to pay anything. That's right, it's 100% free.

Furthermore, it is a wonderful option for those who want to enjoy something more traditional, with live artists and beautiful images of historical monuments.

Want something different? Try EarthCam

But, if you're the type of person who enjoys seeing cities breathe the spirit of independence in real time, I highly recommend it. EarthCam.

• It is a website with live cameras spread across several US cities.
• On the 4th of July, they position cameras in strategic locations like New York, Miami, Las Vegas and more.
• You can see the movement on the street, the sunset and even the local fireworks without cuts or narration.

It’s a much more “raw” experience, but very authentic and immersive. Sometimes I put it on the TV in the background while we have dinner. It feels like I’m there.

Access: earthcam.com

Where to watch the main 4th of July parades

National Independence Day Parade (Washington, DC)

This parade is a classic! Marching bands, military groups, floats and flags everywhere.

It's exciting to see how every detail was thought out to honor the nation.

How to watch:

• National Independence Day Parade Official Facebook: They usually do free lives.
• YouTube (Military District of Washington channel): They broadcast the parade live and then leave it recorded.
• PBS (some regions): They broadcast excerpts of the parade along with the Capitol Fourth.

Philly's Fourth of July Parade

Philadelphia, the birthplace of independence, also has a beautiful parade! The city transforms into a stage full of patriotism, with special emphasis on performances by local schools.

Where to see:

• 6abc (ABC Philadelphia): Broadcast live.
• Channel website and app: Possible to watch online with operator login.
• YouTube and local social networks: Some short excerpts and videos are often posted there as well.

The tradition

Since I was a child, the 4th of July has always had a special place in my heart.

I remember the smell of barbecue in the backyard, the stars on the neighbors' clothes, the flag waving proudly and, of course, the anticipation of the fireworks.

It was the great moment. The lights in the sky seemed to scream freedom, as if we could feel, in our hearts, how good it is to be part of this nation.

Today, even with all the hustle and bustle of adult life, I never fail to follow the Independence Day celebrations.

And the best thing is that, with technology, you can watch the parades and fireworks displays from the most iconic places in the country live and online, without leaving home.

If you love this date as much as I do, here's a complete guide to watching the main Fourth of July broadcasts – from the comfort of your couch or the palm of your hand.

July 4th: more than just fireworks, it’s a living tradition

Independence Day in the United States is much more than a holiday.

It's a celebration of who we are. It's looking back with gratitude and forward with hope. And it's also a time when the entire country stops, comes together and remembers the value of freedom.

And you know what? Even if you can't be in person in New York or Washington, there are ways to feel the patriotic energy from every corner of the country by following the most beautiful celebrations of the date.

Tips for enjoying everything from the couch (or the backyard)

If you, like me, are going to enjoy the date at home this year, here are some ideas that I always use to make the atmosphere more special:

• Set up a picnic in the backyard with flags, grilled corn and hot dogs
• Project fireworks onto the wall with a projector or turn on the TV with the lights off – it’s magical!
• Wear red, white and blue (even if only at home!)
• Create a “patriotic circuit” for children, with themed games
• Pray or read a passage from the Constitution as a family before the fireworks – it’s simple but meaningful

What Really Matters on the 4th of July

We can even watch it on TV or on our cell phones. We can be in New York or in the Texas countryside. There can be fireworks or just a candle in the garden.

But in the end, the spirit of the 4th of July is within us. It is in the love for this country, in the gratitude for freedom and in the desire to see America increasingly united, strong and just.

So, enjoy this 4th of July any way you can. And whether it’s on your phone or TV, now you know exactly where and how to watch the celebrations!

If this content helped you, share it with your friends and family. And tell me: what is your favorite tradition on the 4th of July?