Book Rockettes Christmas Spectacular tickets if you want the most iconic New York Christmas experience: 36 Rockettes in perfect synchronisation, a 3D sleigh ride over Manhattan, the Living Nativity with live camels, and the Rockettes' centennial celebration in the world's most famous art deco theatre. This is not just a show. It is Christmas in New York City.

Prices: Rockettes tickets range from $59 to $500+. Orchestra centre and front Mezzanine command premium prices. November weekday matinees offer the best value for Radio City Music Hall tickets. Christmas week sells out months ahead.

Best seats: Orchestra Rows F to N centre for the kick line at eye level. First Mezzanine Rows A to D centre for the full stage picture and 3D effects.

What is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular?

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular returns for its 92nd season in 2025, and this year marks the Rockettes' historic centennial. Founded in St. Louis in 1925 as the Missouri Rockets, the troupe moved to New York City in 1927 and settled at Radio City Music Hall in 1932. The Christmas Spectacular debuted in 1933 and has run every holiday season since, making it the longest-running live show in America and one of the best things to do in NYC at Christmas.

The show features 36 Rockettes on stage each performance (selected from 84 dancers who train each season, chosen from over 500 auditions annually). The famous kick line demands military precision, with each dancer's kick reaching exactly eye level. Every Rockette must be between 5'6" and 5'10.5" tall, and the line is arranged by height to create the seamless wave effect that defines the troupe.

Running time: 90 minutes with no interval.

Performances: Multiple shows daily from November 6, 2025 through January 4, 2026. Up to four performances per day, sixteen shows per week.

Suitable for: All ages. Children under 2 may attend without a ticket but must sit on a parent or guardian's lap. The Christmas Spectacular is one of the best family shows in New York City.

The Show: What You Will See at the Christmas Spectacular

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular delivers scene after scene of theatrical spectacle that justifies the venue's nearly 6,000 seats. New for the Rockettes' 100th anniversary: Sphere-style 360-degree audio using more than 7,000 speakers throughout the historic venue. If you are looking for the best Christmas show in NYC, the Rockettes deliver.

The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers: 36 Rockettes dressed as toy soldiers perform precision drills culminating in a dramatic falling domino effect. This routine has been performed since 1933 and remains the show's signature moment. The synchronisation is so exact that audiences gasp when the entire line topples in sequence.

New York at Christmas (3D Sleigh Ride): Audiences don 3D glasses as Santa's sleigh soars over Manhattan landmarks. The combination of physical stage effects and 3D projection creates genuine vertigo as you swoop past the Empire State Building, through Times Square, and over Central Park. This number was introduced in 2008 and features a real double-decker bus on stage.

The Living Nativity: A reverent recreation of the Christmas story featuring live animals including camels, donkeys, and sheep on the Radio City stage. The Great Stage's three elevators create dramatic reveals as the scene unfolds. This has been part of the Christmas Spectacular since 1933.

Dance of the Frost Fairies: Introduced in 2022, the Rockettes perform alongside Frost Fairy drones that magically fly above the audience, turning Radio City into a winter wonderland.

The Kick Line Finale: What everyone comes for. 36 Rockettes in a single line performing over 160 kicks each in perfect unison. The precision is hypnotic. The audience counts along. The finale brings the entire house to its feet. This is why Rockettes tickets sell out every year.

Behind the scenes: each dancer completes 8 costume changes during the show, with the fastest change taking just 78 seconds.

Radio City Music Hall: The Venue

Radio City Music Hall is not merely a theatre. It is a monument to New York City entertainment and one of the most famous venues in the world. Opened on December 27, 1932, it was the largest indoor theatre in the world. The art deco design by Edward Durell Stone and Donald Deskey features a sunset-inspired auditorium with massive arched ceiling and excellent sightlines from nearly all of its approximately 6,000 seats.

Address: 1260 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue), New York, NY 10020 (between 50th and 51st Streets)

Nearest subway: 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M trains) with direct escalator access to venue. 49th Street (N, R, W) is a 2 minute walk. Radio City Music Hall is in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, steps from Rockefeller Center and Times Square.

The venue itself is worth arriving early to explore. The Grand Foyer features 24-karat gold leaf ceiling. Four elevators at the end of the Grand Foyer take guests to the First, Second, and Third Mezzanine levels.

For the Rockettes' centennial, special exhibits throughout Radio City celebrate 100 years of the dance company's history, plus LEGO brick Wooden Soldier figures on the Second Mezzanine.

Best Seats for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Radio City's size means seat selection dramatically affects your Christmas Spectacular experience. Choosing the right Radio City Music Hall seats can make the difference between a good show and an unforgettable one. The venue has four main seating areas: Orchestra (floor level), First Mezzanine, Second Mezzanine, and Third Mezzanine.

Orchestra Centre Rows F to N ($150 to $350): The premier Radio City Music Hall seats for the Christmas Spectacular. You see the Rockettes at eye level, which matters enormously for the kick line. The precision reads best when you are looking straight at it rather than down. Centre seats put you on axis with the choreography. This is where the magic happens and why these Rockettes tickets sell first.

Orchestra Centre Rows A to E ($175 to $400): Very close to the Great Stage. Spectacular for seeing individual Rockettes dancers and costumes. The 3D sleigh ride loses some effect because you are beneath the optimal projection angle. Still extraordinary seats but not necessarily better than Rows F to N.

Orchestra Sides and Rear ($100 to $200): The stage is extremely wide, so extreme side seats lose synchronisation on some routines. Rear Orchestra remains excellent value with full stage views. Good option for budget Radio City tickets.

First Mezzanine Rows A to D Centre ($175 to $350): Many Christmas Spectacular regulars consider this the optimal location. You see the full stage picture, the 3D effects work perfectly, and the kick line reveals its geometric precision from this elevated angle. If this is your first Rockettes show, consider First Mezzanine centre for the best overall Christmas Spectacular experience.

First Mezzanine Rear and Sides ($80 to $150): Strong value for Radio City tickets. Radio City's design ensures clear sightlines throughout.

Second Mezzanine ($59 to $100): More distant but the Rockettes' synchronisation actually appears more impressive from distance as the geometric patterns become clearer. The Rockettes themselves recommend sitting higher up to fully appreciate the precision dance formations. Best value Rockettes tickets with excellent views.

Third Mezzanine ($59 to $80): The upper reaches. Better for families wanting the NYC Christmas experience on a budget. These are the most affordable Christmas Spectacular tickets available.

When to See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

Timing matters when booking Rockettes Christmas Spectacular tickets. Here is when to go for the best experience and value:

November (from November 6): Smallest crowds. Best seat availability. Lowest prices for Radio City tickets. The Christmas Spectacular is identical but the venue feels less overwhelming. Best time to buy Rockettes tickets if you want choice.

Early December weekdays: Holiday atmosphere building in New York City. Good availability. Moderate pricing. Sweet spot for many visitors looking for NYC Christmas shows.

December weekends: Heavy demand for Christmas Spectacular tickets. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for good seats.

Christmas week (December 20 to January 4): Peak demand for NYC holiday shows. Up to 5 shows daily. Premium Rockettes seats sell out by October. Book in September for best selection. This is when Radio City Music Hall tickets are hardest to get.

Time of day: Evening performances have more Christmas atmosphere. Matinees work better for young children and avoiding post-show dinner rush.

Making a Day of It: Christmas in New York City

Radio City sits at Rockefeller Center, ground zero for New York Christmas activities and one of the best places to experience NYC at Christmas. Build a full day around your Christmas Spectacular tickets:

Before the show: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (lit from late November) stands directly outside Radio City Music Hall. Ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center runs through April. The holiday window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue (across the street) are free and spectacular. St. Patrick's Cathedral is one block east.

After the show: Walk 10 blocks south to Times Square and the Broadway theatre district. The holiday markets at Bryant Park (6 blocks south) run through early January. Dinner reservations at midtown Manhattan restaurants book up during Christmas week.

Combine with Broadway: Many visitors pair the Christmas Spectacular with a Broadway show for the ultimate NYC theatre experience. Same-day combinations work if you book the Rockettes matinee and Broadway evening. Must-see Broadway productions include Hamilton (from $129), Wicked, The Lion King, and Chicago. All available on tickadoo alongside your Rockettes tickets.

What Makes the Christmas Spectacular Different from Other NYC Holiday Shows

New York offers numerous Christmas entertainment options. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular stands apart as the definitive NYC Christmas show:

Scale: Nearly 6,000 seats. 36 Rockettes. Over 1,000 costumes per production. Nothing else in New York approaches this production scale for holiday entertainment. No other Christmas show in NYC comes close.

History: The Rockettes celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2025, with the Christmas Spectacular now in its 92nd season. Your grandparents may have seen this show. No entertainment tradition runs deeper in New York City.

Technology: New for 2025, Sphere-style 360-degree audio with more than 7,000 speakers delivers crystal-clear sound throughout the historic Radio City Music Hall venue.

Precision: The Rockettes audition and train full-time. Each dancer kicks over 160 times per show. The synchronisation is genuinely difficult to process visually. Your brain insists you are watching special effects. You are not. You are watching 36 women who have practiced until simultaneous kicks became automatic.

For a different holiday experience, The Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet delivers classical ballet at Lincoln Center. The Christmas Spectacular is American spectacle at maximum volume. Both are essential NYC Christmas shows.

Practical Information for Your Radio City Visit

Doors: Open 1 hour before showtime. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before to ensure you are seated before the performance begins. Latecomers will be asked to wait until breaks between scenes.

Duration: 90 minutes, no interval. Use facilities before the Christmas Spectacular begins.

Photography: Photography or video recording is not permitted during the performance.

Food and drink: Concessions available throughout Radio City Music Hall. Outside food and beverages not permitted.

Special effects: The Christmas Spectacular includes confetti, pyrotechnics, smoke effects, flashing lights, and drones. Guests with sensory sensitivities should be aware.

Accessibility: Wheelchair seating available at Radio City Music Hall. Assisted listening devices available. Radio City has partnered with KultureCity to assist guests with sensory needs. Contact Accessibility Services at 888-609-7599.

Children: All ages welcome at the Christmas Spectacular. Children under 2 may attend without a ticket but must sit on a parent or guardian's lap.

Tickets: Digital Rockettes tickets only. Add to your phone's wallet in advance. No printed tickets.

Groups: Parties of 9 or more can contact Group Sales at 212-465-6080 for group Radio City tickets.

Refunds: All Christmas Spectacular ticket sales are final with no refunds or exchanges.

Book Your Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Tickets

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is New York at Christmas. A century of Rockettes tradition. 36 dancers in perfect synchronisation. Nearly 6,000 seats in America's greatest art deco theatre. If you are visiting New York City during the holidays, Rockettes tickets are essential.

Book Orchestra F to N centre or First Mezzanine A to D centre for the definitive Radio City experience. Book early for Christmas week when Christmas Spectacular tickets sell fast. Combine with Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and the Manhattan holiday atmosphere for a day that defines why people travel to New York in December.

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is the best Christmas show in NYC. Do not miss the Rockettes' 100th anniversary season.

Browse more New York show tickets and Broadway shows on tickadoo.

What Do You Wanna Doo?