A Christmas Spectacular

December 2025 Issue

By Lindsay Gifford
Information and Rockettes Photography provided by MSG Entertainment

Sparkling lights, bustling streets, larger-than-life holiday displays
at every turn, the Rockettes and one really big Christmas tree,
it’s New York City at Christmastime!

For years, my mom has been saying she wanted to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall…but it was a pipe dream at best. My thoughts always turned to “the holidays are just so busy, we have early deadlines, there are so many events”—all the convenient excuses. Well, this year, was the year Mom decided we were going to make It happen. So, the tickets and hotel were booked, and the next thing I knew, we were on a flight headed for the Big Apple.

We were excited and ready to soak in all the holiday magic from the Rockefeller Center’s absolutely mind-blowing tree installation to the precision kicks of the Radio City Rockettes. Little did I know, we were in for an extra special treat—a 100-year celebration of the Rockettes, which added extra sparkle to their annual Christmas Spectacular!

The show began with a poignant video celebrating a century of sisterhood—interviewing both current and past Rockettes—and seeing the practices, the costumes, the show over the years, and the many meaningful years of sisterhood from their perspective. One Rockette said, “It’s not about the curtain rising, it’s all about that first kick!” The heart behind each of their stories was incredibly moving—women from all over the country who danced their heart out each year to bring holiday magic for the more than one million people—yes, million—who come to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

As the movie wrapped, it showed both current and past dancers who committed their lives to their passion for dance and performance, all woven together. They all did the iconic kick, perfectly timed and precise as ever, in celebration of a century of holiday magic in A Christmas Spectacular.

Today, the show still has its legendary toy soldiers, sparkling costumes, and incredible dance numbers. It also features modern dance numbers and The Christmas story. New technology makes you feel like you’re part of the show. A friend who grew up in NYC recently told me, "It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it, it's always truly magical!" I encourage you to experience it for yourself. Due to popular demand, they have added have more shows this season, performing through January 5, 2026. Book your tickets today and enjoy all the holiday sparkle the New York City has to offer!

Fun Facts About the Rockettes:
• The dance company was founded in 1925 in St. Louis, MO by choreographer Russell Markert and was originally known as the “Missouri Rockets.” They relocated to New York City in 1927 and performed as the “Roxyettes” at the Roxy Theatre.
• The dancers performed at opening night of Radio City Music Hall in 1932, making the venue their home and becoming known as the Rockettes.
• In 1933, the annual Christmas Spectacular began at Radio City and still features the original, classic number “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”
• Since it opened at Radio City in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular has brought holiday joy to more than 72 million people from around the world.
• Beginning in the 1930s and for more than 40 years, the Rockettes performed as the opening act for films at Radio City including King Kong, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Mary Poppins and White Christmas.
• The dance company has performed annually in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1957.

While You’re There --------------------------
• Be sure to visit the Rockefeller Christmas tree and ice rink.
• Visit Top of the Rock after you see the Rockettes for a stunning view of the bright lights of NYC.
• See a show! We saw Moulin Rouge and Wicked—both were amazing.
• Check out Bryant Park Winter Village
for great shopping and incredible eats.
(Open now through March 1, 2026)
• Walk Fifth Avenue and enjoy the incredible Christmas displays.
• Take the NYC Water Taxi to see the City from another perspective—it’s under $5!
• Take your photo at One Times Square and see where the ball will drop.
• Stroll through Central Park and grab lunch at The Boathouse Café.
• Visit Macy’s and Herald Square—All decked out for the holidays. These are a don’t miss!