Macy's 4th of July Fireworks: what you need to know

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - This year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show will be the 40th year of the tradition enjoyed by millions of people across the country.

The show will set off at 9:20 p.m. from five barges along the East River allowing for spectacular viewing from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens and to a lesser degree from towns along the Hudson River in New Jersey.

Macy's is also offering an app to follow along, the Make Light application changes the color on your device to match those of the fireworks.

A 25-minute long song track will accompany the show.

Some of the new features during this year's spectacular will include 22 colors of fireworks, ghost fireworks which appear, disappear and appear again, emojis that wink and writing in the sky.

Legendary singer Jennifer Holliday will perform her rendition of 'America the Beautiful.'

While access points and viewing locations are subject to change, Macy's officials say the following public areas will be the best spots to view the show:

Elevated portions of FDR Dr.

FDR Dr. and 42nd St.

FDR Dr. and 23rd St.

FDR Dr. and Houston St.

Pearl St. and Frankfront St.

South Street Seaport

Old Slip Upper Level

Broad St. Ground Level

No lawn chairs, backpacks or containers allowed.

The following areas are NOT suggested for viewing:

Battery Park

Battery Park City

Roosevelt Island

Hunter's Point South Waterfront Park

For anyone with special needs wishing to watch the fireworks:

Center Blvd. (48th-49th Streets) Queens

FDR Dr. and 34th St.

16th St. and Ave. C

Furman St. and Old Fulton St. (Brooklyn)

Vietnam Memorial Park

For updates on viewing locations for anyone with special needs, Macy's suggests you call their hotline at 212-494-4495.