The Rockettes are an iconic dance troupe that have performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City since 1932. They are known for their glamorous costumes, precision dance routines and their signature “eye-high kicks”. Seeing a Rockettes performance has become a quintessential New York City holiday tradition, especially their Christmas Spectacular show. But with ticket prices starting around $50 per person, is seeing the Rockettes really worth the cost? There are a few factors to consider when deciding if attending a Rockettes show is worthwhile for you.
The spectacle
One of the biggest draws of seeing the Rockettes live is the spectacle of the production. The staging, costumes, lighting and effects truly dazzle the audience. The music, singing and dancing take you to another era with a bit of holiday magic. The sheer scope of having 36 dancers on stage kicking in perfect unison is truly a sight to behold. Their intricate choreography and athleticism is impressive. The gorgeous Radio City Music Hall theater itself is also part of the spectacle, with its art deco design. So if you want an entertainment experience that transports you and sparks holiday joy with its lavish theatricality, the Rockettes deliver on that.
Nostalgia and tradition
The Rockettes show represents nostalgia and tradition for many. Families often make it an annual holiday treat to see the Rockettes, building memories across generations. The show has remained largely the same over the decades, keeping its retro-classic vibe. So for those who saw it as a child themselves, now bringing their own children or grandchildren, that nostalgia factor makes it feel extra special and worthwhile. It’s hard to put a price on creating meaningful traditions and sharing nostalgic experiences with your loved ones.
A fun holiday activity
The Christmas Spectacular show is a fun holiday activity, especially for visitors to New York City. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, seeing this show with its festive singing, dancing and costumes helps get you into the holiday spirit. It can be part of a whole day filled with Christmas activities like ice skating at Rockefeller Center, browsing holiday markets and seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center afterwards. For tourists wanting some quintessential New York holiday fun, it’s a festive and memorable activity.
Seeing Radio City Music Hall
Aside from seeing the Rockettes themselves, getting to visit the inside of the historic, grand Radio City Music Hall is a reason in itself to attend a show there. The gorgeous art deco theater first opened in 1932 and was declared a city landmark in 1978. The ornate lobby with chandeliers, sweeping staircase, lounge areas and concession stands transport you to another era. It’s a architectural wonder with its opulent decor. So even if you aren’t wowed by the Rockettes show itself, you still get to marvel at the iconic music hall they perform in.
Deciding if it’s worth the cost
At around $50 or more per person, seeing the Rockettes is not cheap entertainment. The higher price reflects the production costs to put on such an elaborate show. When deciding if it’s worth the splurge, consider these factors:
- How interested are you and whoever you’re attending with in seeing this specific Rockettes show? If you’re all super excited for it, it may be worth it. If it’s lukewarm interest, maybe not.
- What’s your budget for entertainment and how often do you do a splurge like this? For some people $50 per ticket is too high for their budget. For others who don’t do big entertainment events often, it’s manageable as an annual splurge.
- Are there any discounts available? There are sometimes ticket deals through certain promotional codes, travel packages, military/veteran discounts, etc that make it more affordable.
- For tourists, how much other entertainment are you packing into your trip? If it’s your one big holiday event you’re excited for, it may be worth it as a special memory-maker.
Some less expensive alternatives to seeing the Rockettes show could include:
- Visiting Radio City Music Hall for a tour instead of seeing a show, at about $27 per person
- Seeing a movie in the historic theater for around $21 per ticket
- Skipping Radio City altogether but seeing another holiday show in NYC, like the NY Philharmonic or an Nutcracker performance
- Doing free or affordable holiday activities like seeing department store window displays, ice skating in a public park, visiting holiday markets or just enjoying the Christmas decor around the city
So in considering if the iconic Rockettes show is worth the splurge, weigh your budget, interest level and how much value you place on creating special memories through unique experiences. For many, seeing the spectacle in person just once is well worth the cost. But there are alternatives if you want to experience some holiday magic in NYC on a tighter budget.
Conclusion
Experiencing the Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes live on stage lets you immerse yourself in a beloved NYC tradition filled with holiday nostalgia, impressive choreography and musical theater magic. But at a starting price of around $50 per person, it is not an inexpensive show. When deciding if seeing the Rockettes is worth the cost for you, consider your budget, interest level in this specific production, if you can take advantage of any ticket deals or discounts and what other holiday activities you want to spend money on during your trip. It can be worthwhile as a special splurge, especially for die-hard fans, those creating family traditions across generations and tourists who want quintessential New York holiday memories. But there are also more affordable ways to soak in the festive spirit of the season across NYC if you’d rather save your money for other entertainment. Whatever you decide, the Rockettes will continue kicking up their heels and spreading Christmas joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rockettes show?
The Rockettes are a precision dance troupe that perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Their annual Christmas Spectacular show features elaborate dance numbers, costumes, sets andchoreography in celebration of the holidays. It has become a beloved NYC tradition since it first began in 1932.
When do the Rockettes perform?
The Rockettes perform five shows daily, seven days a week, during the Christmas season, roughly from early November through early January. Their busiest times are around Thanksgiving week and the weeks leading up to Christmas. They also put on a Spring Spectacular show each year.
How long is the Rockettes show?
The Christmas Spectacular show runs about 90 minutes long, including a brief intermission.
How much are Rockettes tickets?
Ticket prices vary by seat location and date, but generally range from about $50-$150 per person. There are sometimes discounts available on select tickets.
Where do the Rockettes perform?
The Rockettes stage all their shows at Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan, New York City. This historic, landmarked theater was built in 1932.
Do the Rockettes tour or perform anywhere else?
The Rockettes only have permanent residence at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. They occasionally take limited engagements touring in other cities, but the vast majority of their shows are at Radio City.
What’s the history of the Rockettes?
The Rockettes were founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1925. They made their New York City debut in 1932 and have performed at Radio City Music Hall ever since. They were officially named the Rockettes in 1934.
How many Rockettes are there?
There are 36 Rockettes that perform in each show. Up to four alternates or “swings” fill in when needed. Each Rockette line up must consist of women between 5’6″ and 5’10 1/2″ tall.
What makes their dancing unique?
The Rockettes are known for their precise, synchronized choreography and for their eye-high kicks. They dance as a unit, with each dancer’s movements perfectly mirroring each other. It takes great athleticism and unity.