Summer plans look different this year, due to the global health crisis. While many people would ordinarily be heading out on July 4th to see local fireworks displays, some towns have decided not to hold these festivities at all to avoid crowds and the potential spread of COVID-19. Even if your city is still holding its fireworks, it's understandable that not everyone will feel comfortable gathering with lots of other people to watch them. But even with all these snags to celebrating Independence Day, the fireworks shows will still go on — just online. There are a number of ways to stream 4th of July fireworks or watch them on TV instead of going out in person.

The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Are Still On

Every year, Macy's puts on a huge Independence Day celebration in New York City. The show will go on as usual, and will air the festivities on TV, as it usually does.

"The show will go on. One way or another, we're going to celebrate the 4th of July in a very special way in New York City," mayor Bill de Blasio said in April, according to the New York Daily News. "There's definitely going to be fireworks – how we do them, where we do them, how we do it in a way that's safe and keeps New Yorkers healthy — a lot of questions we have to answer between now and then."

How to Watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on NBC

The Macy's 4th of July fireworks will be televised on NBC so that people outside the city can can also see the fireworks. Usually it airs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. For those who don't have a television or cable subscription, NBC can be streamed online as long as you can input someone's cable information. You can also try a free trial of YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo TV to stream NBC online for July 4. 

In the past, the televised fireworks celebration featured performances from the likes of Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, and Justin Timberlake. Perhaps some stars can Zoom into the broadcast and perform, kind of like how John Legend gave a concert over Instagram Live recently.

Watch the D.C. Fireworks on PBS
There's no livestream option for PBS, but people with TVs that include the public broadcasting channel will be able to watch A Capitol Fourth on July 4, 2020. It's a patriotic, star-studded concert event that also features the fireworks that go off above the National Mall in Washington D.C.

It's possible that because of the pandemic, these fireworks will not happen in 2020. Politico reported that some D.C. lawmakers have cautioned the president against holding the event due to the crowds it attracts. But in April, President Trump said he intended to go on with the celebrations no matter what. So PBS will likely still stream them for D.C. residents who can't attend in person and people around the nation who just want to watch.

Watch Local Fireworks on TV
Check your local listings as July 4 draws closer, because many cities have opted to close fireworks to crowds but televise them for would-be audiences. For example, Nashville, Tennessee cancelled their usual celebrations but will televise a fireworks show in honor of local frontline responders. It will air at 9 p.m. central time on News Channel 5 in the city.

This 4th of July may look a little different than those in years' past. But there's no reason to miss out on epic fireworks displays when you can access televised and streamed celebrations with the touch of a button.