The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular: A Must-See Holiday Show in New York City

Victoria Guerra | November 20, 2023

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular: A Must-See Holiday Show in New York City

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is a beloved holiday tradition that has entertained audiences for decades. The show, a near-century tradition at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City, features the world-famous Rockettes dancers performing a variety of holiday-themed numbers. From classic Christmas carols to modern pop hits, the show has something for everyone.

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular has become a must-see event during the holiday season. Audiences can expect to see the troupe perform their signature high kicks, as well as a variety of other dance styles, including tap, jazz, and ballet. In addition to the Rockettes, the show also features a cast of talented singers, musicians, and actors, who help bring the holiday spirit to life.

History of the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is the most famous show from this beloved precision dance company, which was founded in 1925 in St. Louis — nearly a full century ago.

The first Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, in 1933, was a 30-minute extravaganza that featured the Rockettes performing a series of holiday-themed dance routines. It was a huge success, becoming a Yuletide tradition and a must-visit in the New York City area — and anyone visiting the Big Apple during the holidays!

Over the years, the show has evolved and expanded to a 90-minute extravaganza that includes a wide variety of dance routines, musical performances, and special effects. In addition to the annual live performances at Radio City Music Hall, the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is now broadcast on television every year.

The Spectacular is held at New York City’s Radio Music City Hall, which has been a hallmark of entertainment in Manhattan for over 90 years. This Art Deco wonder features stunning chandeliers, ornate decorations, and a spacious stage — all in the grandeur and elegance a visitor would expect of one of the Big Apple’s most iconic venues.

What Fans Get at the Radio City Rockettes Show

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is a must-see holiday event that promises to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages. Each Rockette participates in 102 shows, donning nine costumes during the production, and executes 1,500 kicks on their busiest show days. The Christmas Spectacular showcases the Rockettes in nine numbers throughout the 90-minute production.

Iconic Dance Numbers

"Parade of the Wooden Soldiers": In this routine, the Rockettes assume the guise of wooden soldiers, with 15,000 red dots applied to their cheeks during the season.

"New York at Christmas": This segment showcases a double-decker bus traversing 37 miles across the stage throughout the show's run. The Rockettes face the challenge of changing costumes within a tight 78-second window between "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "New York at Christmas."

"Snow": The Rockettes don their most dazzling costumes, adorned with over 900 Swarovski crystals, in this sparkling performance.

"Sleigh Ride": This number begins with all 36 Rockettes being lowered onto elevators beneath the stage.

Spectacular Visual Effects

The show features state-of-the-art lighting, special effects, and projections that transport you to a winter wonderland. You'll feel like you're skating on the ice with the Rockettes, flying over New York City, and even visiting Santa's workshop.

Live Music and Singing

The Christmas Spectacular wouldn't be complete without live music and singing. The show features a full orchestra, as well as talented vocalists who perform classic holiday tunes like "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "Joy to the World."

Fun for the Whole Family

The Christmas Spectacular is a family-friendly event for every age group. Kids will love seeing Santa Claus and his reindeer, while adults will appreciate the stunning dance performances and festive atmosphere.

Radio Music Hall Seating Arrangement

As one of the world’s top theaters, Radio City Music Hall’s seating arrangement provides an excellent view of the stage from every seat in the house. The theater has three levels of seating, including the Orchestra, First Mezzanine, and Second Mezzanine. The Orchestra is the closest to the stage, with seats located on the main level. The First Mezzanine is located above the Orchestra and provides a bird's eye view of the stage. The Second Mezzanine is the highest level of seating, located above the First Mezzanine.

The theater also has box seating, which is located on the sides of the venue. Box seats are typically sold in pairs and offer a more intimate viewing experience. The Radio City Music Hall capacity is approximately 6,000, making it the largest indoor theater in the world.

The Big Apple at Christmastime

New York City is a great place to visit any time of the year, but there’s a type of joy you only get in Manhattan during the holidays. Fifth Avenue, draped in festive decorations, showcases world-class window displays from renowned department stores like Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue, each a visual feast telling tales of holiday enchantment. Central Park becomes a serene escape adorned with twinkling lights and offers horse-drawn carriage rides through a snow-kissed landscape.

The iconic Rockefeller Center transforms into a winter wonderland with its towering Christmas tree, and the adjacent ice-skating rink invites visitors to glide beneath the glittering skyscrapers, creating a picture-perfect holiday scene. A stone's throw’s away, the Radio City Rockettes are high-kicking it at the beat of your favorite holiday classics — only in New York, folks!

Getting Radio City Rockettes Tickets

Attending the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is a memorable experience that many people look forward to each year. If you're interested in attending the show, you can find your tickets through Event Tickets Center!

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