For the last 10+ years, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show has been taking place on the East River, making it difficult to see from Hoboken + Jersey City. While the Jersey City Fireworks Show has created a great alternative to this update, in 2024, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is again happening on the Hudson River, which means the area will be gearing up for some local and regional fireworks. Wherever you are in Hudson County, you won’t be far from firework shows — and in 2024, you don’t even have to head to the East River area of NYC to view the Macy’s Fireworks.
The Details
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show is returning to New York’s Hudson River after more than a decade. The event has perturbed New Jersey residents for years, since it’s been virtually impossible to see fireworks from the East River for years. Luckily for local residents, Jersey City has taken over that job on the 4th, but Hoboken residents definitely got more of the shaft, depending on their proximity and views of Jersey City’s waterfront.
Read More: Hoboken’s Spring Arts + Music Festival Returns on 5/19
This year, Macy’s shares the barges for the spectacular will be lined up between West 14th and 34th streets on the Hudson River, according to CBS News.
“The location has bounced between the Hudson and East Rivers almost evenly over the years, and that factors determining the location include the show’s design, size and scale, safety needs, public viewing locations, and resources, which change every year,” according to its coordinators.
Meanwhile, in Jersey City, the 4th of July event that has taken place for the last few years at Exchange Place has yet to be announced.
Jersey City’s fireworks — conducted by Guinness World Record holder, Fireworks by Grucci — has launched fireworks from two barges located in the middle of the Hudson River with a large viewing area. It’s usually a full-day festivities, with fireworks beginning later on.
See More: Cinco de Mayo Events in New Jersey for 2024
We’ll update with more places to watch the 4th of July Fireworks as events get announced, and it’s closer to the date.
Who’s Running for Jersey City Mayor in 2025?
Residents of Jersey City are set to elect a new mayor in 2025. Steven Fulop is currently serving as mayor, but announced he won’t seek re-election as he’s running for governor of New Jersey this year. The nonpartisan municipal election will take place on November 4th, 2025. The deadline to file a nomination petition for mayor is August 21st, 2025 by 4PM. So far, six candidates announced their plans to run for mayor of Jersey City. As announcements are made, we’ll be keeping track of all the prospective candidates in this article. Here’s what we know about the candidates who declared they’re running for mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey in 2025.
Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only. The Hoboken Girl does not endorse any mayoral candidates. We will be updating this as additional candidates announce their candidacy.
Candidates Running For Mayor, in Last Name Alphabetical Order
Mussab Ali
Mussab Ali is the former president of the Jersey City Board of Education. He is also an education nonprofit founder and cancer survivor. Back in 2017, Mussab made history when he was elected to the Jersey City Board of Education at just 20 years old. He was the youngest elected official in Jersey City history. According to his website, Mussab says his “values align closely with the Democratic Party.” Learn more about Mussab’s background and his proposed plans for Jersey City on his campaign website.
Read More: Who’s Running for Hoboken Mayor in 2025?
Flash Gordon
This 61-year-old Jersey City resident is looking to be the next mayor. Flash Gordon announced his campaign plans on Instagram in January of 2023. Flash is the father of former New York Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas, according to his social media. He works in the Jersey City Department of Parks and Recreation, and played amateur basketball before taking a job there.
Jim McGreevy
The former Governor of New Jersey is looking to become the next mayor of Jersey City. The democrat was born in Jersey City and served as governor from 2002 to 2004, when he resigned. According to his website, Jim’s focus is on “prioritizing investments in underutilized areas, advocating for tax reform, enhancing educational outcomes from the early stages, and ensuring the delivery of efficient services, Jim seeks to foster a city that not only thrives economically but is also a beacon of opportunity, safety, and quality of life for all its residents.” Details on his plans for Jersey City can be found on his campaign website.
Bill O’Dea
Bill O’Dea was narrowly elected to serve as The Hudson County Commissioner in 1997. The Jersey City native is currently serving his eighth term in office. He previously served as a Jersey City Councilman in 1985 and 1989. Bill also previously served as the Executive Director of the Jersey City Democratic Party. He looks to prioritize improving public safety, making the City more affordable, and creating a more functional City government. Learn more about Bill’s background on his campaign website.
James Solomon
James Solomon is a Jersey City Councilor looking to throw his mayoral hat in the ring for Jersey City. Previously, he was elected to Jersey City Council in 2017. James is a father, teacher, and cancer survivor. His vision for becoming mayor, according to his website, includes, “affordable housing and good public schools, stable property taxes, ending sweetheart deals for developers, and streets and sidewalks clear of trash.” More details about James’ background can be found on his campaign website.
See More: All of the Candidates Running for New Jersey Governor in 2025
Joyce Watterman
The Jersey City Council President is running for mayor of Jersey City. Joyce Watterman tells the New Jersey Globe she’s “committed to listening to the voices of our community and working tirelessly to make Jersey City a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable place for all.” If elected, Joyce would be both the first woman and first black woman to serve in office. Learn about Joyce’s background on her website.
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