Holiday season is back! Guide to Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

Get set for the ultimate holiday extravaganza with The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes! A beloved New York City tradition since 1933, this show is pure seasonal magic. Here’s your go-to guide for everything you need to know about the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular!

What is the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show?

The Rockettes show is a 90-minute feast for the senses at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and has been a staple since 1933. With over 140 performers, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular features precision-perfect dance formations, awe-inspiring aerialists, a live orchestra with an original score, and a charming tale of two brothers on a quest to find a gift for their sister. Expect classic holiday scenes, joyful songs, dazzling dancers, and a generous helping of holiday cheer!

How long is the Rockettes Christmas show?

The Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular is a 90-minute, intermission-free show that's fun for all ages!

What are the Rockettes?

The Radio City Rockettes are an American precision dance troupe, famed for their starring role in the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular and their show-stopping performances at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1957. Known worldwide for their intricate choreography and signature high kicks, the Rockettes also offer the Rockette Summer Intensive, training dancers with dreams of joining their legendary line.

What is the history of the Rockettes?

Since 1932, the Rockettes have been synonymous with Christmas in NYC, but their story began nearly a decade earlier—in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1925, choreographer Russell Markert, inspired by the British Tiller Girls, formed the "Missouri Rockets," aiming to bring American glamour and showmanship to life. Starting with just 16 dancers, they dazzled audiences until catching the eye of showman S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel on Broadway. By 1932, Rothafel had moved the troupe to Radio City Music Hall, where their debut drew 100,000 eager fans for only 6,200 seats!

How many Rockettes are there?

Although only 36 Rockettes grace the stage at any given moment, the troupe boasts a total of 80 certified dancers, including a morning cast, an afternoon cast, and eight "swings" ready to step in for the full-timers whenever necessary. 

Fun fact: Since the opening night of the New York Christmas Spectacular in 1932, over 3,000 women have graced the stage as Rockettes!

Do the Rockettes perform year round?

No, the Rockettes do not perform year-round, but they keep busy beyond the holidays! Their iconic Radio City Rockettes Christmas Show runs at Radio City Music Hall from November through January, showcasing 9 dazzling numbers for over two million fans annually.

The Rockettes have also starred in productions like The New York Spring Spectacular and The New York Spectacular, and have appeared on TV favorites like The TODAY Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Where can you get Radio City Rockettes tickets?

You can book your Radio City Rockettes tickets online here or directly at the Radio City Music Hall box office. Purchasing tickets online lets you reserve your spot ahead of time and skip the long box office lines.

How to get Rockettes tickets on discount?

Tickets for the Christmas Spectacular sell out fast, thanks to its status as NYC's most beloved holiday show. Although you may find discounted tickets as a part of promotional flash sales, it is wise to snag them online as early as you can!

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes makes for the perfect Christmas theatrical performance combining stunning dance routines, festive music, elaborate stage effects and drones to celebrate the holiday season. The show typically includes classic numbers like the Parade of Wooden Soldiers and the Living Nativity, making it a cherished tradition for families and visitors alike!