Things to do in New York

Insider intel | Radio City Christmas Spectacular reviews

Last Updated:

One of the most anticipated holiday season attractions in New York City, Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes, is a dazzling, blockbuster show that will get you in the holiday spirit! The show first debuted in 1933 and has since been watched by more than 75 million people! The Rockettes, a troupe of precision dancers, have become true American icons in their own right and it's because of their stellar performance that the Christmas Spectacular has become a Christmas tradition in New York City.

Offering a truly immersive and interactive viewing experience, the Christmas Spectacular employs over 140 performers, a live orchestra, drones, LED screens and lighting, amazing stage effects and glorious costumes to put together a show you'll have trouble forgetting. The 90-minute show masterfully combines synchronized dancing, singing, and humor to create the perfect Christmas experience for you and your family.

Radio City Rockettes: Christmas Spectacular - Now on sale!


radio city christmas spectacular reviews

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Reviews | What The Critics Think


Here are some of the popular Radio City Christmas Spectacular reviews over the years:

“The Radio City Christmas pageant feels immutable: Why change the winning combination of Santa Claus, the Rockettes, the Living Nativity and Yuletide megamixes that packs the Art Deco palace for several weeks each year? Newbies will be dazzled by the over-the-top delirium of it all — “Camels! CAMELS!” a man screamed during the Nativity parade at the Thursday performance, sounding intimately acquainted with the goblets of Champagne on sale in the lobby.”
- The New York Times

“The Rockettes, as ever, remain the epitome of dance troupe perfection and dazzle in their elaborate costumes, beautifully designed by Gregg Barnes, Frank Krenz and Martin Pakledinaz. If you can embrace the child within, you can embrace the Christmas Spectacular. Grab your kids or your young relatives and treat them to this all-singing, all-dancing, multi-media-spewing Winter Wonderland, which will no doubt remain with them for years and years to come."
- New York Theatre Guide

"The New York annual holiday tradition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular returns in all its glory. Rockefeller Center is without question the heart of Christmas in New York City. The Christmas Spectacular is a big part of what makes it so magical."
- Broadway World


"A curative that could not be more needed right now. And its stunning stars, as always, deliver the goods. Those would, of course, be the 36 Rockettes who, through their military-precise hoofing, kicking, and goodwill knock out the blues and propel us into the Technicolor universe of eternal Yuletide happiness...They just work, just like the 'Christmas Spectacular' just works—a model of mechanical, at times seemingly scientific, approach to mainstream entertainment."
- Talkin' Broadway


"From the moment the show starts off with the fabulous orchestra and singing usherettes, you are transported to a magical wonderland. The adorable Rockettes prance in as reindeer ushering in Santa and you are a child once again...The elaborate sets, the array of costumes, and the dazzling lights are sensational, and the impressive projections are thrilling...'Christmas Spectacular' is a holiday card of all New York is, sealed with high kicks and glamour."
- Times Square Chronicles

Note: Latest Radio City Christmas Spectacular reviews will be updated as and when they are available.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Reviews | Why You Must Watch The Show


The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes is unlike any performance you would have seen on stage. The opulence, grandeur, talent, and technology on display at the stage is hard to match up with and offer viewers a stunning medley of song and dance. The iconic Rockettes are dressed in beautiful, eye-catching costumes and put together a show which features dancing atop a sparkling double-decker bus, snowy forests, aesthetic staircases and more!

To make the show even more engaging, a story connects all the dance performances. The child-friendly storyline follows two brothers who are looking for a Christmas present for their sister. The duo runs into Santa and journey with him to the North Pole. Whether the brothers will find the perfect gift is something you'll have to find out for yourself. Christmas Spectacular is directed and beautifully choreographed by Julie Branam.

Recommended For

Family | Kids | Holiday Season

About Radio City Music Hall


The largest indoor theatre in the world, Radio City Music Hall is an iconic NYC establishment located in Rockefeller Center. Construction work on the performance venue was carried out between 1932 and 1940 with design by architect Edward Durell Stone. Since 1932, Radio City Music Hall has been home to The Rockettes, NYC's very own resident dance group.

Seating Capacity & Orientation

The Radio City Music Hall has a seating capacity of 5,960 with seats spread across the Orchestra and Mezzanine sections.

Orchestra Level: This section is almost as big (in terms of the number of seats) as all the other Mezzanine sections combined and offers a uniformly good view of the stage. The Orchestra section is divided into 7 subsections in the back half and 7 subsections in the first half, which are broken up by the aisle of both the left and right corners.

Mezzanine Level: The Mezzanine is not one section but three different ones on three levels with the seating layout remaining the same. The First Mezzanine is immediately above the Orchestra, with the overhang starting from row K. This section is followed by the Second Mezzanine on the second level and finally, the Third Mezzanine on the topmost floor.

Value-for-money seats: Middle rows and corner sections of both the Orchestra and the Mezzanine offer value for money seats.

Premium seats: Seats in the center front Orchestra and center front First Mezzanine offer the best view of the stage.

Essential Tips

  • Arrive Early: Please arrive one hour prior to showtime. All packages, including briefcases and pocketbooks, will be inspected before you enter.
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are located in the downstairs waiting area and all three Mezzanine levels. All the restrooms inside the venue are wheelchair accessible.
  • Elevators: The Music Hall has elevators available for use by guests with disabilities that service every level.
  • Soundboard: For the Radio City Christmas Spectacular the soundboard is not in the orchestra section. Instead, for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, the soundboard is in the 2nd mezzanine.

Check out our Radio City Music Hall Seating Chart page for more information on seats.

More Broadway Guides


Apart from Radio City Christmas Spectacular reviews, if you're looking for more Broadway information, here are some helpful quick links!