Macy’s Fireworks 2025 Recap – Watch Full NBC/Peacock Special Now

🗽 A Star-Spangled Night That Lit Up America

From the East River to living rooms across the country, Macy’s Fireworks 2025 delivered exactly what it promised: unity, spectacle, and pure Independence Day magic. This year’s show was the 49th edition of the iconic event, and it blended fireworks, musical performances, celebrity appearances, and visual storytelling into a two-hour live broadcast that was part concert, part national celebration.

Whether you missed it live or want to rewatch your favorite performance, here’s your full recap — including how to stream Macy’s Fireworks 2025, the complete performance lineup, fan reactions, and the unforgettable fireworks finale.

📺 Where to Watch Macy’s Fireworks 2025

The special aired live on NBC from 8:00–10:00 PM ET and was also available to stream in full on Peacock.

• 📌 Watch the full special on Peacock (login required)
• 📌 Macy’s official fireworks streaming hub
• 📌 Encore presentations aired at 10 PM ET (NBC) and 9 PM ET (Telemundo)

🎤 Host Spotlight: Ariana DeBose

The entire show was masterfully hosted by Ariana DeBose, who returned for her second year as host. With charisma, musical theater flair, and sharp timing, Ariana kept the energy alive between acts — even performing alongside Questlove’s fireworks score during the finale.

🎙 “This night belongs to all of us,” she said as she opened the event. “Let’s celebrate it loud and proud.”

🎶 Macy’s Fireworks 2025 – Full Performance Recap

Below is a recap of every live performance aired during the NBC/Peacock broadcast, featuring six chart-topping musical guests and live vocals from Ariana DeBose herself.

🎸 1. Jonas Brothers – “Wings” & “Only Human”

The Jonas Brothers kicked off the night in Midtown Manhattan with a pop-funk punch. Performing “Wings” and “Only Human”, the brothers reminded the world why they’re still one of America’s most beloved bands. Fans lit up social media with praise for their harmonies and retro-styled staging.

🎤 2. Ava Max – “Maybe You’re The Problem”

Ava Max brought Vegas-style glam to the East River stage, performing “Maybe You’re The Problem” against a backdrop of sparkling LED panels. Her vocals were sharp, her dance crew delivered, and her red-white-and-blue jumpsuit became an instant TikTok trend.

🎸 3. Lenny Kravitz – “Fly Away” & “Are You Gonna Go My Way”

Rock royalty Lenny Kravitz took viewers back to the golden age of ‘90s guitar anthems with a pyrotechnic-filled double set. As the Brooklyn Bridge pulsed with lights, Kravitz delivered a rousing version of “Are You Gonna Go My Way” that felt custom-made for the Fourth of July.

🎙 4. Keke Palmer – Medley of Soul Classics

Keke Palmer surprised many with a sultry, soul-infused medley that included tributes to Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. Her cover of “Natural Woman” had Ariana DeBose visibly emotional on camera.

“Keke just gave us a masterclass,” NBC’s Twitter account posted within seconds.

🪕 5. Eric Church – “Springsteen”

Country fans got their moment as Eric Church performed his mega-hit “Springsteen” from a barge floating just off Pier 17. Backed by acoustic strings and a pedal steel guitar, it was a slow-down moment that balanced the night’s high energy.

🎵 6. Trisha Yearwood – “How Do I Live” (Finale Set)

As the fireworks countdown began, Trisha Yearwood stepped onto the main stage and belted out her classic “How Do I Live” under the first fireworks bursts. Her performance flowed directly into the grand finale score, led by Questlove.

🎇 Fireworks Finale: Questlove’s 25-Minute Live Score

The fireworks display itself was a breathtaking 25-minute display of over 80,000 shells launched from four barges on the East River. Featuring new pyrotechnic effects like “crown jellyfish,” “atomic rings,” and “strobe lemon showers,” the display was synchronized to a live orchestral + hip-hop fusion score composed by Questlove and James Poyser.

Viewers praised the musicality of the fireworks, noting that they felt more like a live film score than a generic pyrotechnic soundtrack.

📍 Best NYC Viewing Locations (Confirmed by NBC)

If you plan to attend in 2026 or want to know where fans watched this year, here were the prime free spots:

• 🏙 Brooklyn Bridge Park
• ⚓ Pier 16 & 17 (South Street Seaport)
• 🌉 Broad Street, Manhattan (ADA accessible)
• 🌆 East River Waterfront Esplanade

NBC also partnered with the NYC Mayor’s Office to distribute 100,000 free tickets for special access zones (source).

🌐 Fan Reactions and Social Media Highlights

• TikTok hashtag #MacysFireworks2025 reached 22M views overnight
• NBC’s YouTube uploads of the Jonas Brothers and Ava Max each hit 300k+ views within 24 hours
• Top X (Twitter) trending topics:
  • #ArianaDeBoseLive
  • #LennyOnFire
  • #PeacockFireworks
  • #NYCFourth

🧢 Merch & Extras

While there was no official Macy’s Fireworks merch line this year, NBC released digital collectables and backstage exclusives on Peacock Premium, including:

• BTS of rehearsals
• Interviews with Ariana, Ava Max, and Lenny Kravitz
• A fireworks soundtrack download link composed by Questlove

🎯 Why Macy’s Fireworks Still Matter

As Independence Day becomes increasingly digital, events like Macy’s Fireworks remind us of the power of shared cultural moments. From New York’s East River to small towns across the U.S., the show unites generations.

It’s not just fireworks. It’s an American ritual.
And in 2025, Macy’s made it bigger, louder, and more emotional than ever.

📌 Internal Links

• More from U.S. News
• Explore More Music Performances
• Top 2025 Holiday Specials Roundup

🌐 External Sources & References

• NBC Insider – How to Watch Macy’s Fireworks 2025
• AP News – Jonas Brothers, Kravitz Lead Macy’s July 4 Show
• Playbill – Ariana DeBose Returns as Host
• Macy’s Fireworks Official Site
• NY Post – NYC Fireworks Viewing Guide