The Fourth of July is a time of unity and celebration. All across the country, we come together to celebrate our nation's independence by memorializing our fight for freedom with spectacular fireworks shows lighting up the night sky. But all these patriotic pyrotechnics are not created equal. Enter, your comprehensive guide of the best shows to both warm your heart and dazzle your senses. Take a look at our list of the seven best fireworks displays to see this Independence Day! Number 7 may surprise you.

1. The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Show in New York City, NY

Macy's is wishing America a happy birthday with the nation's largest fireworks display. The iconic department store has been launching them since 1976 and will be doing so again this year, starting at 9:25 p.m., near Midtown Manhattan's East River! This time around the show is expecting some talented singers like Young People's Chorus of New York City and The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus who'll sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in an awe-inspiring performance.

The show will also be available for streaming on NBC and Peacock for those who choose not to travel to the East River for the live spectacle.

2. Let Freedom Sing! Music City in Nashville, TN

Music City has a new event for 2022. This year, spectators can join in the Let Freedom Sing! Music City celebration as a night of country music and fireworks with Old Dominion headlining. They will also feature performances by Gramps Morgan along side Cassadee Pope, and Levi Hummon. After these initial performances, GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony will take the stage to present a synchronized performance in time with the live fireworks display. Music City is certainly living up to its name in this free-to-the-public annual event.

3. Fireworks on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

With the advantages of being surrounded by national history and memorials, the Washington DC location is a sure-fire thrill. This year, the celebration will be held on Monday evening with an amazing spectacle launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

While the official location to view the show is The National Mall, D.C's fireworks presentation can also be viewed from across the Potomac River, the Mount Vernon Trail, and the Supreme Court Plaza.

4. Navy Pier Fireworks in Chicago, IL

In Chicago, Independence Day will be celebrated with a fireworks display on Chicago's lakefront treasure, Saturday, July 2 at 10 p.m., which is a regular occurrence Wednesday and Saturday nights on the Pier throughout the summer. The city is obviously committed to satisfy your need for sparkles and wonder. Surrounding attractions like the famous Centennial Wheel make this a destination to visit.

5. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston, MA

The Boston Pops are back to celebrate after a 3-year hiatus as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart will direct his 27th Fourth of July program this year, continuing a tradition of the free musical celebration that has become a time-honored treasure. The festivities will begin at 8 p.m. on July 4th from the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade Shed.

"Massachusetts is thrilled to be able to welcome people from across our state and nation back to the Charles River Esplanade to celebrate our nation's independence. This celebration is one of the most iconic ways that the Commonwealth honors the Fourth of July, and we are glad that it is returning to its traditional format this year," said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in a recent press release.

6. Legoland's Red, White, and BOOM! in Carlsbad, CA

Venturing out of the East Coast, an unexpected fireworks show west of the Mississippi is Legoland, celebrating annually with fireworks and activities for the family. The 4th of July celebration includes performances, meet-and-greets with your favorite Lego characters and all other Legoland amenities like rides and activities. The disadvantage for this hidden gem is that the celebration is pay-to-play. But for those who don't want to deal with fighting for a good viewing locations, this could be a good spot.

7. Melaleuca Freedom Celebration in Idaho Falls, ID

Head to Yellowstone's backyard where the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration features 18,237 dazzling fireworks against an expansive black, starry canvas, making it the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi. This spectacular fireworks display is privately funded by Melaleuca, free to the community, and includes live bands, food trucks, bounce houses, helicopter rides, an antique car and tractor display, off-road vehicle test driving, and more activities for the whole family.

It brings over 200,000 spectators to the area--easily making it the single largest event in Idaho--but the spacious, grassy landscape at Snake River Landing, designed for accommodating the annual fireworks show and fitted with 100 speakers to play the synchronized soundtrack to the masses, provides every spectator an incredible, multi-sense experience.

Our Must-See Pick

The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) monitors the largest fireworks shows across the country, seeking out the best. And from our perspective, APA Executive Director Julie Heckman says it all when speaking of last year's Melaleuca Freedom Celebration:

"Although the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration may be off the beaten path in Idaho Falls, Idaho, it's worth the effort to behold this remarkable, competition-caliber fireworks show. This is one of the nation's largest fireworks displays, and it's been listed on the APA's list of 'Must-See Independence Day Fireworks Displays.'"

Overall, these are some of the most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks displays across the United States. From sea to shining sea, hopefully you find an experience that will amaze and dazzle you. Happy Independence Day!