A New York Christmas Tradition for More Than 90 Years
Every winter, thousands of people gather in the heart of Manhattan for a show that has been part of New York’s Christmas since 1933. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the famous Rockettes, combines dance, music, dazzling costumes and holiday scenes inside one of the most iconic theaters in the city.
In this guide we tell you the story of the theater and the Rockettes, the 2026 dates, what is new this year and how to choose your show and seat.
Last updated: October 26, 2026.
A Theater Built to Lift a City’s Spirits
Radio City Music Hall opened in December 1932, in the middle of the Great Depression. The project brought together John D. Rockefeller Jr., the RCA company and theater producer S. L. “Roxy” Rothafel, who wanted to give New York a great palace of entertainment and optimism. Its interior, designed by Donald Deskey, is one of the great Art Deco works in the city, with murals, metals, marble and lighting that make the visit begin long before you reach your seat, so take time to look at the grand foyer.
From St. Louis to New York: The Rockettes
The Rockettes were founded in 1925 in St. Louis as the Missouri Rockets, and today they are considered the longest-running precision dance company in America. They arrived at Radio City when it opened in 1932 and soon took the name that made them famous. Their synchronized lines and high kicks have become one of the most recognizable images of a New York Christmas.
A Show Since 1933 and Its Classic Scenes
The Christmas Spectacular debuted in 1933, and more than 73 million people have seen it since. Two scenes connect today’s show with its earliest seasons: “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” with the Rockettes dressed as toy soldiers, and “The Living Nativity,” with live animals on stage. In 2025, the Rockettes’ centennial year, the show had its highest attendance in 25 years, with more than 1.2 million visitors.
What Is New in 2026
The 2026 season has 230 performances, the most since the show’s debut, and ten Rockettes numbers. The new scene, “Ring,” is set to “Carol of the Bells” and was co-directed and co-choreographed by Chloé Arnold: it opens with three Rockettes in silhouette and builds into a contemporary tap number that ends with all 36 dancers in the kickline. For the first time, cameras placed around the stage show the action in real time on two screens flanking the stage, with views from the sides and from above, so you can appreciate the precision of the formations. These additions join the immersive sound system that debuted in 2025, along with projections and other visual effects.
Dates, Running Time and Location
| Detail | Information |
| Season | November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027 |
| Performances | 230 |
| Running time | About 90 minutes, no intermission |
| Doors open | One hour before the show |
| Address | 1260 Avenue of the Americas, between 50th and 51st Streets |
| Box office | Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 6:00 PM (subject to change) |
Tickets and Prices
Prices change by date, time and seat, so there is no single price for the season. When tickets went on sale in July 2026, they started at $55 online, including service charges, and at $50 at the Radio City box office. Buy only through official channels and check the date, time and seat location carefully before paying.
Which Seat to Choose
There is no single “best seat”: it depends on whether you want to see the dancers up close or appreciate the full formations. The Orchestra puts you close to the stage. The First Mezzanine offers a balanced view, the Second Mezzanine a higher perspective to follow the formations, and the Third Mezzanine a wide view of the choreography and projections. Check the official seating map before buying.
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive early. Doors open one hour before the show, and the venue asks you to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead. Latecomers may have to wait for a break between scenes.
Travel light. Bags must fit under your seat, and bags larger than 22 × 14 × 9 inches are not allowed. There is no coat check, although strollers can be checked.
Put your phone away. Photos and videos are not allowed during the performance.
Dress for the street. There is no dress code, and festive outfits are welcome.
Bringing little ones. Children under 2 do not need a ticket if they sit on an adult’s lap. Plan a restroom stop before the show, since there is no intermission.
Which Day to Go
Weekend shows and the days closest to Christmas are the most in demand. A weekday performance, or one in November, usually gives you more choice of time and seat. Compare several dates on the official calendar and check the final total when you select your seats.
Is It Worth It?
It is a great choice if you enjoy dance, live music and big productions, or if you are looking for a Christmas tradition to share with family, and you do not need to understand English to enjoy it. It may not be the top priority if you do not enjoy musical shows or are on a tight budget. Since it lasts 90 minutes, it is easy to pair with a walk through Midtown before or after, but avoid booking a dinner right after the show, as thousands of people leave at the same time.
New York’s Christmas Beyond Midtown
New York’s Christmas also shines in its neighborhoods. On our Christmas Lights Tour in Dyker Heights you walk among the most elaborately decorated homes in the city, and the NYC Contrasts Tour + Dyker Heights Lights combines the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn with the lights, from November 28.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Christmas Spectacular in 2026?
From November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027, with 230 performances.
How long is the show?
About 90 minutes, with no intermission.
Do I need to understand English?
No. Dance, music and visuals carry the show.
Can I take photos?
Not during the performance.
How much are tickets?
It depends on the date, time and seat. When tickets went on sale in July 2026, they started at $55 online, including charges, and $50 at the box office.
Which seat has the best view?
The Orchestra brings you closer to the stage, and the mezzanine levels offer wider views of the formations.
Is it a good idea with children?
Yes, it is a family show. Children under 2 can sit on an adult’s lap without a ticket.
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Sources
Sources: The Rockettes, FAQ, calendar and “The Christmas Spectacular Just Got Even More Spectacular” (rockettes.com); MSG Entertainment, season announcements of July 23 and September 23, 2026; The Rockettes, history of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. Dates, prices and policies may change.
Real’s Tours NYC is not affiliated with Radio City Music Hall, the Rockettes, MSG Entertainment or any organization mentioned in this article. Dates, prices and policies may change, so please confirm current details on the official site before buying.
