America's 11 best July 4th firework shows

new york fireworks east river
The Macy's Firework Show in New York City is the largest Independence Day firework display in the country. Shutterstock

More than two centuries after Philadelphians launched America's first July 4th fireworks in 1777 (one year after The Declaration of Independence was adopted), firework shows are still the biggest and brightest of all Independence Day traditions. 

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Each year people gather across the US to see the amazing pyrotechnics that commemorate the birth of America. Some cities really outdo themselves. 

Here's a look at 11 of the most expensive and enormous firework shows lighting up the night this Fourth of July. 

Liz O'Connor contributed to an earlier version of this article. 

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NEW YORK: The 39th annual Macy's Firework Show over the East River will last for 25 minutes and draw a crowd of over 3 million spectators. As the biggest firework display in the US, this year's show features more than 50,000 effects.

2004 NYC Fireworks
Getty Images/Monika Graff

Learn more about the NYC firework show here.

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WASHINGTON, DC: Lasting over 17 minutes, this show is among the largest in the US. The fireworks are set off from the Reflecting Pool, so those who score a seat on the National Mall get the best view. However, the lights can be seen from miles away.

Washington DC Fireworks 2012
AP Images/Cliff Owen

Learn more about the D.C. firework show here.

 

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BOSTON: Boston's display is one of the most expensive in the US; its 2013 show cost a whopping $2.5 million to produce. The over 20-minute extravaganza is televised and accompanied by the music of the famed Boston Pops.

Boston Fireworks 2001
Getty Images/Darren McCollester

Learn more about the Boston firework show here.

 

PHILADELPHIA: The annual Philly 4th of July Jam takes place over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and features a star-studded concert. This year The Roots will perform with special guests Miguel and Jennifer Nettles.

Philadelphia Fireworks - July 4th 2005
AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy

Learn more about the Philadelphia firework show here.

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CHICAGO: The Windy City's fireworks will be held on the picturesque Navy Pier. Those who want the best view can board one of the many cruises that allow patrons a view of the fireworks from Lake Michigan.

Chicago Fireworks - Fourth of July 2010
AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato

Learn more about the Chicago firework show here.

 

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SEATTLE: This 21-minute spectacular over Lake Union costs upwards of $300,000 and features more than 10,000 individual effects.

Fireworks over Lake union in Seattle
AP Photo/John Froschauer

Learn more about the Seattle firework show here.

 

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SAN DIEGO: Organizers expect up to 500,000 people at the 14th annual Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show, the largest display on the West Coast. The 18-minute program will launch fireworks from four different barges.

Fireworks Over San Diego
Flickr/Nathan Rupert

Learn more about the San Diego firework show here.

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ATLANTIC CITY: This two-part show is one of the longest and most elaborate firework shows in the US. The first show takes place on July 3rd over the boardwalk and the main July 4th showcase goes off above the Marina District.

Atlantic City Fireworks
PRNewsFoto/Atlantic City Alliance

Learn more about the Atlantic City firework show here.

 

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NASHVILLE: Organizers in Nashville spent an estimated $500,000 on this year's 23-minute Independence Day show, which will include seven tons of fireworks. Music from the Nashville Symphony, country star Martina McBride, and others will add to the celebration.

Nashville Tennessee Fireworks
Flickr/JSDavis82

Learn more about the Nashville firework show here.

 

NEW ORLEANS: This year's display will feature fireworks coming from two "dueling" barges on the Mississippi River. Bonus: The General Roy S. Kelley fireboat will blaze across water in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Port of New Orleans.

New Orleans Fireworks 2008
Flickr/Mira(onthewall)

Learn more about the New Orleans firework show here. 

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LAS VEGAS: Sin City's "Fireworks Spectacular" is being produced by Fireworks by Grucci, which in 2014 set the Guinness World Record for the "largest pyrotechnic image" (an American flag) ever recorded.

2012 Fireworks in Las Vegas
Flickr/thomasebunton

Learn more about the Las Vegas firework show here.

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