New Yorkers are getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the city skyline. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather at popular viewing areas to celebrate the 250th birthday of United States of America this weekend. Along with choosing the best spots to watch the show, visitors are also being urged to plan ahead due to heightened security measures. Officials have advised attendees to arrive early, expect large crowds, and follow safety guidelines throughout the event. Security checks and restrictions on certain items will also be in place, making it important for people to review the rules before heading out to enjoy the festivities.New Yorkers will have several prime locations to catch this year’s fireworks displays across the city and nearby areas. One of the biggest attractions remains the annual Macy’s fireworks celebration, which is scheduled to begin at 9:25 PM ET over the East River. According to TIME OUT, the event, famous for its large-scale production, will feature nearly 85,000 fireworks shells in more than 30 colors, along with a new laser show projected from the Brooklyn Bridge and a 27-minute soundtrack honoring five decades of American music.Security measures will be heightened across official viewing locations, with visitors advised not to bring items such as backpacks, oversized coolers, lawn chairs, umbrellas, drones, or alcohol, reported the media outlet. Those planning to secure a free waterfront viewing spot should also consider arriving well in advance, as large crowds are expected and prime viewing areas are likely to fill quickly on one of the city’s busiest nights of the year.According to New York Daily News, some viewers who entered a ticket lottery for access to areas such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Seaport are expected to receive updates on their entries by Thursday. Winners will be allowed to bring three additional guests to the event. For those without tickets, public viewing areas will also be available along sections of Manhattan’s FDR Drive. Hotels, rooftop venues, and private cruises are also offering special viewing experiences, although several premium options have already sold out due to high demand.Residents and visitors in Brooklyn neighborhoods including Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights may also find good views of the fireworks display from waterfront areas.Elsewhere, Coney Island will host its own Independence Day fireworks celebration around 9:45 PM, with spectators able to watch the free show from the beach and boardwalk. The festivities will also continue beyond the holiday, with weekly Friday night fireworks planned through late August.Across the Hudson River, Jersey City will mark the occasion with family-friendly activities beginning earlier in the day before offering views of fireworks over Lower Manhattan later in the evening.