Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Rockettes

Your Complete Guide to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2026

What is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular?

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is America's premier holiday stage production, running annually at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The 90-minute, no-intermission show features the legendary Radio City Rockettes performing nine dazzling musical numbers that combine precision dancing, elaborate costumes, innovative technology, and heartwarming holiday storytelling. First staged in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular has become synonymous with the New York holiday season.

Meet the Radio City Rockettes

The Rockettes represent a century of American dance excellence. Founded in 1925 by choreographer Russell Markert as the "Missouri Rockets," the troupe relocated to New York and became the Rockettes upon settling at Radio City Music Hall in 1932. Today, approximately 80-90 dancers comprise the company, with 36 performing in each cast (two alternating casts allow for the demanding performance schedule).

Rockettes must meet exacting standards, standing between 5'5" and 5'10.5" tall to maintain the signature visual uniformity. They must demonstrate proficiency in tap, modern, jazz, and ballet. The dancers execute the company's trademarked eye-high kicks and intricate formations with precision that makes dozens of individuals appear as one seamless, moving entity.

Signature Numbers & Show Highlights

The Christmas Spectacular features beloved numbers that span the show's 90+ year history:

• Parade of the Wooden Soldiers: The show's most iconic number, performed since 1933. Rockettes in military regalia march with metronomic precision before executing the famous falling dominoes sequence.
• New York at Christmas: Introduced in the 2008 reimagining, this spectacular number features a real double-decker bus and celebrates holiday magic in the Big Apple.
• The Living Nativity: A reverent, stunning recreation of the Christmas story featuring live animals including camels, donkeys, and sheep.
• Snow: Featuring beautiful winter imagery and the Rockettes in elegant white costumes against a winter wonderland backdrop.
• Here Comes Santa Claus: Santa's arrival showcases holographic technology and drone light displays that create pure Christmas enchantment.
• Finale & Christmas Lights: The grand finale features over 100 drones creating aerial light formations above the audience in a technological marvel.

Radio City Music Hall: The Perfect Stage

Designed by architect Edward Durell Stone with interior decoration by Donald Deskey, Radio City Music Hall opened on December 27, 1932, as part of Rockefeller Center. The Art Deco masterpiece was designated a New York City landmark in 1978 and a National Historic Landmark in 2012.

Key venue features include:

• Seating capacity of approximately 5,960 across orchestra and three mezzanines
• The Great Stage measuring 60 feet high and 100 feet wide at the proscenium
• Three stage sections mounted on hydraulic-powered elevators
• The original gold-silk stage curtain weighing approximately 3 tons
• Art Deco interiors featuring original murals, fixtures, and decorative elements

The venue's address is 1260 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), between 50th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan.

Visiting Radio City: Location & Getting There

Radio City Music Hall enjoys a prime Rockefeller Center location that places attendees at the heart of New York's holiday experience. Nearby attractions include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating rink, Fifth Avenue department store windows, and countless dining options.

Public transportation offers the easiest access:

• Subway: B, D, F, M trains to 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center station
• Subway: N, R, W trains to 49th Street station
• Bus: Multiple routes along 5th and 6th Avenues

If driving, nearby parking garages serve the area, though public transportation remains strongly recommended during the busy holiday season.

How to Get Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2026 Tickets

1. Choose Your Preferred Date: The Christmas Spectacular runs from early November through early January. Peak demand occurs during Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas week, and between Christmas and New Year's. Weekday matinees often offer best availability.
2. Select Seating Location: Orchestra seats provide close-up views of the Rockettes' precision footwork, while First Mezzanine center offers perhaps the best overall perspective. Upper mezzanines provide more affordable options with complete stage views.
3. Compare Available Options: Our marketplace displays tickets from verified sellers at various price points. All listings show all-in pricing with no hidden fees.
4. Complete Secure Purchase: Checkout processes through BigStub's secure platform with buyer protection and verified seller authentication.
5. Receive Digital Tickets: Tickets deliver via email for convenient mobile entry at Radio City Music Hall.

Christmas Spectacular 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2026 run?

The Christmas Spectacular typically opens in early November and runs through early January. The 2026-27 season is expected to follow this established pattern, with performances at Radio City Music Hall from approximately November 2026 through January 2027. Multiple showtimes are offered daily during peak periods.

How long is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular?

The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. The continuous format keeps audiences engaged through all nine numbers without breaks. Plan to be seated before showtime, as latecomers may only be admitted at appropriate moments during the performance.

What time should I arrive at Radio City Music Hall?

Doors typically open one hour before showtime. Arriving early allows time to appreciate Radio City's stunning Art Deco interiors, visit the restrooms, and settle into your seats before the performance begins precisely at the scheduled time.

Is the Christmas Spectacular appropriate for children?

Absolutely! The Christmas Spectacular enchants audiences of all ages. Children delight in the colorful costumes, precision dancing, Santa's appearance, and the real animals in the Living Nativity scene. The 90-minute runtime without intermission works well for most children's attention spans.

What is the best seating section for the Christmas Spectacular?

Seating preference depends on priorities. Orchestra seats offer proximity to the stage and clear views of the Rockettes' famous footwork. First Mezzanine center is often considered the sweet spot, providing excellent sightlines at moderate prices. Second and Third Mezzanines offer budget-friendly options with complete stage views. Radio City's design ensures no bad seats in the house.

How much do Christmas Spectacular tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary significantly based on date, time, and seating location. Peak performances (weekends and holiday weeks) command premium prices, while weekday matinees typically offer better value. Our marketplace shows all-in pricing from verified sellers, letting you compare options across your budget range.

Are cameras or phones allowed during the show?

Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited during the performance. However, you're welcome to take photos in Radio City's stunning lobbies and public areas before and after the show. Many families capture memories in front of the theater's iconic marquee.

Is there a dress code for the Christmas Spectacular?

There's no strict dress code. Smart casual attire is appropriate, with many evening show attendees dressing up slightly more than matinee crowds. Comfortable layers work well, as theater temperatures vary. Don't forget a warm coat for December and January visits.

What happens if I'm late to the performance?

The Christmas Spectacular starts precisely at the scheduled time, and latecomers may only be seated at management's discretion during appropriate moments. There is no intermission, so if you miss the opening, you'll need to wait for an appropriate scene break to enter.

Is Radio City Music Hall accessible?

Yes. Radio City Music Hall accommodates guests with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and elevator access to all levels. Contact the venue directly to arrange specific accommodations before your visit.

Can I get tickets for large groups?

Groups of 10 or more may benefit from special group ticketing options. Our marketplace can accommodate various group sizes with adjacent seating when available. For very large groups, contacting Radio City's group sales department directly may offer additional benefits.

Are the tickets on this site authentic?

Yes. All tickets sold through our marketplace come from verified sellers with authentication protocols. Every purchase includes buyer protection — if tickets prove invalid, you receive a full refund. We've maintained the highest Trustpilot ratings among ticket resellers for over 20 years.

What else can I do around Radio City during the holidays?

Radio City's Rockefeller Center location offers endless holiday activities: viewing the famous Christmas Tree, ice skating at The Rink, exploring Fifth Avenue window displays at Saks and department stores, visiting nearby St. Patrick's Cathedral, and dining at countless restaurants. Many families build entire holiday trips around their Christmas Spectacular performance.

Is the Christmas Spectacular available for streaming?

The complete Christmas Spectacular cannot be streamed — it's exclusively experienced live at Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes do make special television appearances, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony, but the full show remains an in-person experience only.