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The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes returns to the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall for the 2026 holiday season. This beloved 90-minute production has dazzled audiences since 1933, making it one of the longest-running and most iconic holiday shows in the world. Every year, more than one million guests experience the magic of the Rockettes' precision dancing, spectacular sets, and heartwarming holiday spirit at this Art Deco masterpiece in the heart of Manhattan.
The Radio City Rockettes are America's longest-running precision dance company, founded in St. Louis in 1925 as the "Missouri Rockets." They relocated to the newly built Radio City Music Hall in 1932 and debuted the first Christmas Spectacular the following year. Today, more than 80 elite dancers comprise the Rockettes roster, divided into alternating casts that perform up to five shows daily during the holiday season. Their signature high-kick lines, where dancers link arms and kick in perfect unison, have become synonymous with Christmas in New York.
The Christmas Spectacular 2026 will continue a tradition spanning over nine decades. The production features classic numbers that have delighted generations alongside innovative new elements that push the boundaries of theatrical entertainment. From the iconic "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" to the reverent "Living Nativity," each performance blends tradition with cutting-edge technology to create an unforgettable experience.
The 90-minute show (no intermission) features more than 140 performers, over 1,000 costumes, and approximately 60,000 pounds of scenery. Audiences experience nine show-stopping production numbers combining tap, ballet, jazz, and the Rockettes' signature precision choreography. The show seamlessly blends beloved holiday classics with state-of-the-art digital projections that transform Radio City Music Hall into immersive environments—from a winter wonderland to a New York City double-decker bus tour.
Several legendary sequences have remained virtually unchanged since the show's earliest years:
"Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" – Performed since 1933, this signature number features the Rockettes dressed as wooden toy soldiers marching in military precision before famously "falling" like dominoes in perfect synchronization. It remains the show's most iconic moment.
"The Living Nativity" – A reverent, beautiful depiction of the Christmas story featuring live animals including camels, sheep, and donkeys. This touching scene has been a cornerstone of the production since its inception.
"New York at Christmas" – A newer addition featuring an actual double-decker sightseeing bus on stage as the Rockettes celebrate holiday magic throughout Manhattan.
Whether you're planning a family tradition or experiencing the Rockettes for the first time, securing your Christmas Spectacular 2026 tickets early is essential. Our trusted ticket marketplace connects fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets to this beloved New York holiday experience, complete with buyer protection on every purchase.
Opened in 1932, Radio City Music Hall is an Art Deco masterpiece and National Historic Landmark located in Rockefeller Center. The venue seats approximately 6,000 guests and features the Great Stage, one of the largest indoor stages in the world. The hall's stunning interior, designed by Donald Deskey, creates an atmosphere of grandeur that perfectly complements the Christmas Spectacular's magic. The venue is operated by Madison Square Garden Entertainment.
Radio City Music Hall offers various seating options to match your preferences and budget:
Orchestra Seating: Ground-level seats closest to the stage. Premium orchestra center sections offer the most immersive experience but come at premium prices. Side orchestra sections provide excellent value with great sightlines.
First Mezzanine: Many consider center First Mezzanine the sweet spot—elevated enough to see the full stage picture and choreography formations while remaining close to the action. Often the best value for the experience.
Second and Third Mezzanine: More affordable options with full stage views. The theater's excellent acoustics ensure quality sound throughout.
The Christmas Spectacular typically runs from early November through early January. Consider these factors when planning:
Early Season (November): Smaller crowds, better seat availability, often lower prices. Perfect for those who want a more relaxed experience.
December Weekdays: Good balance of holiday atmosphere with manageable crowds. Matinee performances are popular with families.
Peak Dates: Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, and New Year's period are the busiest and most expensive but offer maximum holiday atmosphere.
Late Evening Shows: A more adult-friendly option, often with better availability.
The Christmas Spectacular experience extends beyond the show itself. Radio City Music Hall is located in Rockefeller Center, home to the famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink. Combine your show with a visit to the tree, holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue, or dinner at one of the area's many restaurants. Radio City also offers behind-the-scenes tours for those wanting to explore the venue's history.
Radio City Music Hall provides comprehensive accessibility services. Wheelchair seating and companion seats are available throughout the venue. Assistive listening devices can be requested. Through a partnership with KultureCity, sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and other resources are available at all performances. A dedicated sensory room is also available for guests who need a quiet space.
The Christmas Spectacular typically begins performances in early November and runs through early January. Specific dates for the 2026 season will be announced in the summer of 2026. The show runs approximately eight to nine weeks, with multiple daily performances.
The Christmas Spectacular is 90 minutes long with no intermission. Shows begin promptly at the scheduled time, and latecomers may only be admitted at appropriate breaks in the performance at the discretion of management.
Many regular attendees consider the First Mezzanine center sections to offer the best overall experience—elevated enough to see the full choreography and stage formations while remaining close to the action. Orchestra center provides the most immersive experience, while upper mezzanine sections offer excellent value with full stage views.
Yes, the Christmas Spectacular is designed for all ages and is a beloved family tradition. The 90-minute runtime without intermission is manageable for most children. The show features colorful costumes, engaging music, live animals, and of course Santa Claus, making it magical for young audiences.
The Radio City Rockettes are America's longest-running precision dance company, founded in 1925. More than 80 elite dancers comprise the current roster, performing in alternating casts. Known for their signature high-kick lines and impeccable synchronization, the Rockettes have become synonymous with Radio City Music Hall and holiday entertainment in New York City.
The "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," performed since 1933, features the Rockettes in toy soldier costumes marching and falling like dominoes. "The Living Nativity" is a reverent depiction of the Christmas story with live animals. "New York at Christmas" showcases an actual double-decker bus on stage. The signature Rockettes kick line appears in multiple numbers throughout the show.
Ticket prices vary significantly based on performance date, time, and seating location. Prices typically range from around $50-60 for upper mezzanine seats on weekday matinees to several hundred dollars for premium orchestra seats during peak holiday weeks. Early-season and weekday performances generally offer better value.
Photography policies may vary. Personal cameras for non-flash photography are generally permitted, but professional equipment, video recording, and flash photography are typically prohibited. Always check current venue policies before your visit.
There is no formal dress code for the Christmas Spectacular. Many guests dress festively or in smart casual attire, but everything from jeans to holiday sweaters is perfectly acceptable. Comfortable clothing is recommended since the show is 90 minutes without intermission.
Radio City Music Hall is located at 1260 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) in Rockefeller Center, Manhattan. It's accessible via multiple subway lines and within walking distance of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and Fifth Avenue shopping.
Yes, Rockefeller Center and the surrounding Midtown Manhattan area offer numerous dining options ranging from casual to fine dining. Many families combine the show with dinner or holiday activities in the area. Reservations are strongly recommended during the holiday season.
Yes, Radio City Music Hall is fully accessible. Wheelchair seating and companion seats are available throughout the venue. Accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms are provided. Guests with accessibility needs should contact the venue or indicate requirements when purchasing tickets.
Yes, trusted ticket resale marketplaces often have tickets available for sold-out performances. These tickets come with buyer protection guarantees and authentication. Prices on the resale market vary based on demand but provide options when official channels are sold out.
The show begins promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers may only be admitted at appropriate breaks in the performance at the venue's discretion. It's recommended to arrive at Radio City Music Hall at least 30 minutes before showtime to allow for security screening and finding your seats.
Yes, Radio City offers various premium experiences including stage access to be on stage before the show, dance classes learning actual choreography from Rockettes instructors, and VIP packages with enhanced seating and amenities. These premium experiences should be booked well in advance.
See Rockettes live at Radio City Music Hall!