The Radio City Rockettes are an iconic dance troupe that put on spectacular shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Their annual Christmas Spectacular has been a beloved holiday tradition since 1933. With hundreds of dazzling costumes, precision dance numbers, and those legendary high kicks, it’s a show that delights audiences of all ages.
When seeing the Rockettes live at Radio City, you’ll want to get seats that provide the best possible view of the stage and the full scope of the production. But with 6,000 seats throughout Radio City’s massive auditorium, how do you determine where the prime spots are? There are a few key factors to consider when choosing where to sit to fully enjoy the show.
Orchestra vs. Mezzanine
Radio City Music Hall is configured with an orchestra section and a mezzanine section. The orchestra section is the ground level seats, while the mezzanine refers to the elevated tier above the orchestra.
Orchestra Seats | Mezzanine Seats |
---|---|
– Closer view of the stage and Rockettes | – Further away from the stage |
– Ability to see intricate choreography up close | – Ability to see big dance formations |
– Closer to the grandeur of the Great Stage | – Better view of the towering LED screens |
– Close to the magic! | – Take in the full spectacle |
The orchestra section offers proximate views of the Radio City stage. Being closer to all the action allows you to see the Rockettes’ famous kicks, leaps, and choreography up close. You’ll be immersed in the production.
The mezzanine gives you an aerial view of the grand theater and stage. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the Rockettes’ precision dance formations and really appreciate the full scale of the production numbers. Giant LED screens also flank the stage, so the mezzanine offers excellent views of the video and lighting elements.
Center Orchestra vs. Side Orchestra
Within the orchestra section at Radio City Music Hall, there is also the choice between center orchestra seats and side orchestra seats.
Center Orchestra Seats | Side Orchestra Seats |
---|---|
– Unobstructed view of the entire stage | – View may be partially obstructed at times |
– See the Rockettes’ formations head-on | – See the Rockettes from an angle |
– Most direct perspective | – More immersive, surround-view |
– Prime spots book up fast | – Easier to get tickets for |
The center orchestra sections directly face the Radio City stage for a front and center perspective. This allows you to see the entire breadth of the stage, take in the full scope of the Rockettes’ formations head-on, and get the most direct viewing angle. These prime real estate seats tend to be the most popular and sell out quickly.
The side orchestra seats on the left and right flanks of the theater still provide upfront orchestra views, but from more of an angled perspective. The view of the outer edges of the stage may be partially obstructed at times. However, the immersive viewing angle can give you a unique vantage point of the Rockettes’ choreography. Since they are off to the side, tickets in these sections are easier to come by.
Front Orchestra vs. Back Orchestra
Within each orchestra section – whether it’s center or sides – there is also the nuance of sitting closer to the front versus further back.
Front Orchestra | Back Orchestra |
---|---|
– As close as you can get! | – Still an up close view |
– Truly immerse yourself | – Bigger sense of theater perspective |
– Prime spots for seeing intricate choreography | – Better for seeing large dance formations |
– Need to look up at the stage | – Stage is at eye level |
The front orchestra rows (1-10) put you at the foot of the Radio City stage for a super up close perspective. Sitting in rows 1-5 especially allows you to marvel at the intricacies of the Rockettes’ footwork and choreography. Just be prepared to tilt your head up a bit since the stage looms above you.
The back orchestra rows (11-30) still provide guests with an intimate orchestra view of the Radio City stage. Although you are slightly further back, the Rockettes remain close and clearly visible. These seats allow you to take in the grander scope of the production numbers from head to toe. You also get to sit at nearly eye-level with the performers.
Box Seats
In addition to the orchestra and mezzanine levels, Radio City Music Hall also offers box seats. These private booths flank the side mezzanine sections and seat 4-6 people each.
Box Seat Perks |
---|
– Exclusive lounge access before the show and during intermission |
– Private bar |
– Upscale dining options to order from your box |
– Cushy, spacious seats away from the crowds |
– Excellent elevated view of the stage |
With your own luxurious booth, box seats provide a VIP experience at Radio City to see the Rockettes. Box seats come with exclusive privileges like access to the private JP Morgan Club, upscale dining, cocktail and bar service, and plush seats with a roomy ambience. The sightlines lend an exceptional perspective for viewing the Rockettes and fully absorbing the lavish production. Availability is limited, though, so box seats are in high demand during the holidays. Expect to pay a premium price, but for diehard fans it may be worth it to soak up the show in style and comfort.
Best Seats for Key Elements
Beyond just orchestra versus mezzanine and front versus back, it also helps to think about the key elements of the show you most want to see up close when choosing Radio City seats.
Seeing the Rockettes’ leg kicks
To admire those iconic high kicks in action, treat yourself to front and center orchestra seats. Rows 1-10 in the center orchestra section will keep you close to the rockets without having to strain your neck.
Appreciating the choreography
The Rockettes are known for their complex and synchronized choreography. To pick up on all the subtle movements, sit in the center orchestra section, rows 5-15. Here, you can see the formations head-on while still being near enough to observe the details.
Taking in the full stage spectacle
With multiple sets, lavish costumes, huge video screens, and more, the stage production is a huge part of the Rockettes magic. For the full panoramic experience, sit in the rear mezzanine towards the center in rows 1-5.
Catching Santa in action
Santa features prominently in the Christmas Spectacular, so make sure your seats give you a good view of all Santa’s scenes on both the main stage and the aisle-way. Front mezzanine center seats in rows 1-10 will let you scope out Santa onstage while also having the chance of spotting him in the aisle.
Immersing yourself in the music
The show’s live orchestra provides fab holiday tunes and accompaniment for the Rockettes. For optimal audio, treat your ears to seats towards the middle of the center orchestra section, rows 10-25.
When to Buy Tickets
The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular tends to sell out every holiday season. Here are some tips on timing for getting the best seat options:
- Buy early – Tickets go on sale to the general public in early October. Buying a month or more in advance ensures access to the best choice of seats before they sell out.
- Weekdays – Weeknight shows are less crowded than weekend dates. Opt for Tuesdays through Thursdays for more availability.
- Matinees – Daytime shows are easier to get into. Choose a 1pm Wednesday matinee for a good shot at orchestra seats.
- Opening week – Ticket demand is lower for the first week of shows in early November. You may luck out finding center orchestra spots.
- Christmas week – Seats are hardest to come by during the week leading up to Christmas and often sell out fast.
Planning ahead and picking off-peak showtimes when possible improves your chances at locking in ideal seats for the Christmas Spectacular. Fridays, Saturdays, and the weeks before Christmas and New Year’s will be the most competitive.
Conclusion
With stunning sets, dazzling costumes, sensational dance numbers, and beloved holiday tunes, the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is a must-see for NYC visitors during the holidays. While there are great views to be had from all over Radio City’s magnificent auditorium, the center orchestra section offers the most memorable perspective for seeing those iconic kicks, admiring the choreography up close, and fully immersing yourself in the spectacle. Treat yourself to seats within the first 15 rows for a truly unforgettable experience with the Rockettes this Christmas season in New York!