Starting with the Peach State, Atlanta begins our alphabetical fireworks trip across the country. 

While many displays are all about the lights in the skies, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular focuses just as much on the accompaniment. In this case, it is live music by the Boston Pops Orchestra that completes the display with the traditional and rousing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 orchestra with cannon fire.

Chicago Navy Pier is home the Chicago’s spectacular 7/4 fireworks with crowds gathering up and down Lake Michigan to get a riverside view of pyrotechnics lighting up the water.

Dallas may not be as big as some of the other cities on this list but their 30-minute long fireworks display uses nearly two tons of fireworks and is preceded by an airshow and other festivities. 

Las Vegas Not to be outdone by Atlantic City, Las Vegas puts on Sin City’s Fireworks Spectacular that in true Vegas-style goes big instead of going home. Setting a Guinness World Record in 2014, Vegas created the largest pyrotechnic image of an American flag. What happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas but the fireworks stay in memories.

Nashville Another smaller city entry into the nation’s best fireworks, Nashville’s Music City: Let Freedom Sing event costs an estimated $500,000 and challenges New York City for most fireworks set off. The display features music from the Nashville Symphony and many country stars. This year, Cheryl Crow and Maddie & Tae will light up the airwaves while over 200,000 people watch the skies.

Get a riverside seat in New Orleans as you “Go 4th on the River” with dueling barges on the Mississippi as the fireworks go off.

You might think of Pasadena as the home of the Rose Bowl. On July 3rd and 4th, the AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl takes over the stadium with two days of festivities. While most fireworks displays are free, the Pasadena extravaganza does charge for tickets.

New York’s Macy’s does the Thanksgiving Parade so well that the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is understandably one of the country’s most fantastic as well. The East River display has people camping out to watch early in the afternoon with over 50,000 special effects. Can’t make it to New York, watch the live display on television with special musical guests over the Brooklyn Bridge. Philadelphia

The Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Jam Concert and Grand Finale Fireworks in Philadelphia celebrates our nation’s heritage with one of the biggest light shows around and a fantastic live music festival including Hamilton Star, Leslie Odom, Jr.

Take a trip to the San Francisco Pier for the dramatic July 4th Celebration at the Pier with special effects galore launched from Fisherman’s Wharf barges with live music performances pre-fireworks.

The St. Louis arch is the backdrop for their America’s Biggest Birthday Party that also features well-known musical artists all part of a 3-day celebration leading up to the fireworks. The 1904 World’s Fair Forest Park is the backdrop for the 3-day festivities of fireworks and concerts.

Last but certainly not least, the National Mall Independence Day Celebration in Washington DC celebrates the 4th as only our nation’s capitol can. The National Mall is the incredible setting for the free fireworks show that packs the city center every year for nearly 20 minutes. Whether you take in your own city’s display, watch the festivities on television or light a few sparklers in your own backyard; July 4th fireworks are a great way to celebrate our nation’s independence.