Each year, thousands of people watch Christmas come to life at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. The one-of-a-kind tradition debuted in 1933, and features dancing bears, toy soldiers, and Santa Claus himself.
The annual production officially opened on November 15, 2016 and will continue through January 2, 2017. Tickets for the 2016 Christmas Spectacular are still available through Tickemaster. Simply click here and use the panel at the top of your screen to change your preferences (quantity, price, seat location). Tickets can also be purchased at the Radio City Box Office (45 Rockefeller Plaza). If you prefer to talk to someone directly, call Ticketmaster New York at (866) 858-0008. All tickets are final; there are no refunds or exchanges.
There are 195 performances scheduled this season, with up to five performances each day. The Rockettes will show off their skills for more than 1 million people during the production’s eight-week run this Christmas.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been an annual tradition in New York City since 1933– just one year after Radio City Music Hall was opened. The show lasts 90 minutes and features over 140 performers who come together to celebrate the holiday season with an original music score, singing, and dancing. Travel and Leisure reveals that all Rockettes must be 18 or older and be between 5’6″ and 5’10.5″. To create the illusion that all the girls are the same height, the tallest dancer stands in the middle, and the performers are arranged in descending order.
This year’s production was directed by former Rockette, Julie Branam. Branam is the first Rockette ever to direct and choreograph the show. Speaking with Broadway World, she revealed that this year’s show will feature 17 new dancers. “I take great pride in the work I do, as do the Rockettes, in producing a great product and being the best we can be. That type of energy is contagious and the entire cast wants to work hard and feel good about what they’re doing.”