How To Watch Fourth Of July 2020 Fireworks On TV, Online

ACROSS AMERICA — Cities across the United States have canceled Fourth of July fireworks shows en masse, an unprecedented step by community leaders hoping to keep Americans safe and healthy amid the new coronavirus pandemic.

Other cities have only modified Independence Day festivities, opting for drive-in light shows or encouraging residents to watch smaller displays from their backyards.

Still, many Americans may not feel comfortable venturing out this year.

While they're not the same as sitting on a picnic blanket or lawn chair and watching the sky as fireworks boom and blossom overhead, many national celebrations are slated to move forward as planned.

And the best part? Many of these national celebrations will be televised or livestreamed, giving those who choose to stay in this Independence Day an opportunity to catch a stunning light show despite the pandemic.

Here's a look at some Fourth of July celebrations that will be nationally televised or livestreamed this year:

A Capitol Fourth
When: July 4, 8 p.m. ET
How to watch: A Capitol Fourth is broadcast on PBS and can also be heard on NPR member stations nationwide and via the American Forces Network to U.S. troops serving around the world.

This 40th annual event features a star-studded concert event and fireworks that go off above the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event is covered from 20 cameras positioned around D.C., ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation. Learn more

Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks

When: July 4, 8 p.m. ET
How to watch: This event is broadcast live on NBC. For those who don't have a television or cable subscription, NBC can be streamed online.

This year's event is slated to look a little different. Rather than a single 25-minute show on Independence Day, Macy's will instead hold several unannounced, smaller fireworks displays across New York City's five boroughs. The smaller displays, held June 29-July 4, are meant to reduce crowds and encourage social distancing.

The mini displays will build up to a televised finale July 4 featuring the Empire State Building. Learn more

Boston Fireworks | Fourth of July Fireworks & Pops

When: July 4, 8 p.m. ET
How to watch: The event will be broadcast on Bloomberg Television and Bloomberg Radio. See the full broadcast lineup.

This July 4, the Boston Pops will present "A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes" to pay tribute to COVID-19 front-line workers and honor those who have lost their lives during the current health crisis. The event can only be watched on television, radio or and digital media; no live performance will take place.

The event will feature newly created content from the Boston Pops and guest artists, as well as traditional Fourth of July favorites and other highlights from recent broadcasts of The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Learn more

Watch Local Fireworks On TV, Online

Check your local listings as July 4 draws closer, as many cities have opted to close fireworks to crowds but televise them for would-be audiences.

For example, Nashville, Tennessee, canceled its usual celebrations but will televise a fireworks show in honor of local front-line responders.

This article originally appeared on the Across America Patch