The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

Getting into the festive season with the Rockettes and visiting the Christmas Tree and Rockefeller Center.

‘Tis was the night before Christmas… noooo it wasn’t. It was one of the coldest day of the year and we had tickets to see the 9am Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show. Why you ask? Because Christmas is an iconic season in the city and this show is a great way to get into the festive holiday season with the immensely talented Rockettes who have been entertaining guests of all ages since the early 1930’s.

The theatre itself is a New York City landmark and the interior is quite grand with its art-deco style, vibrant red upholstery and massive chandelier all exuding lavishness. The show is captivating, with Santa Claus arriving from the North Pole in 3-D version to narrate, seamless stage settings which transports you to all iconic New York City scenery with the impeccable choreography and tap dancing by the Rockettes.. Some noteworthy scenes are the Toy Soldier, their fall is epic, the Rockettes performing “Let it Shine” bedazzled in Swarovski costumes and as well as a complete nativity scene surrounded by drones lighting up the stage this year.

The show is highly recommended. The staffs were very helpful towards my mom and Annie who used the designated front door entrance. Security quickly scanned their ticket, did the routine bag check then escorted them to an usher at Orchestra level who showed them to their seats.

After the show we walked over to Rockefeller Center. We all exited out at the main entrance on 6th Avenue and made a left onto 50th Street. On the same street closer to 5th Avenue, resides the famous Christmas Tree, the Rockefeller Center Rink and across the street Saks Fifth Avenue as well as St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We only made it to the Christmas Tree and even that was a challenge. The streets were really crowded with eager tourists and locals, and while some are conscious of wheelchairs on the street, some are not. We were happy to enjoy the show and see take a peek at tree together as a family this holiday season!

IMPORTANT:
- We chose the 9am show to avoid the major crowd and for affordable tickets.
- The theatre capacity is over 6000 and the Christmas Spectacular runs for approx. 7 weeks per year. Due to the overwhelming demand for the show and the very close proximity to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Holiday Windows, it is an extremely overcrowded area .
- Wheelchair guests and caretakers are able to enter and depart via the main front doors, located under the marquee on the corner of 50th Street and Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) however every other guest must enter at the two side entrances going through a security line. It’s highly recommended to get there an hour before show time. In our case, mom and Annie were able to use the front entrance and the rest of our party of 6 had to wait in line approx. 30 minutes for security check and ticket scanning for the 9am show.
- The best way to obtain wheelchair accessible seating and specially priced tickets is to call 888-609-7599 . There are dedicated seats on the Orchestra level at the price point of the Mezzanine level for a wheelchair user and caretaker. In simpler terms, this means you are getting a cheaper priced ticket for a seat closer to the stage. By calling them directly they are able offer this special discounted rate for a wheelchair user and caretaker plus ensure a wheelchair seated spot is allotted to ticket holder. The rest of our party of 6 were able to get seats approx 12 rows behind and our seats were more expensive than mom’s and Annie’s who were so much closer to the stage.

Duration: 90 minutes with no intermission

Accessibility:
- Disabled service department telephone: 888-609-7599
- Limited performances for the neurodiverse, hearing and visually impaired can be found by clicking here.
- Service animals are permitted in the theatre.
- Accessible restrooms are located in the Grand Lounge, on the lower level, using the elevator.
- For guests with limited mobility and requires the use of a wheelchair, you can request one to to use from the entrance to seat, free of charge. A staff will not remain with you, nor are you allowed to remain in the wheelchair during the show.
- For guests with limited mobility and uses a wheelchair but wish to transfer to a seat, your wheelchair will be stored at the rear of the section and you will receive a claim check. At the end of the event, a staff will return it to you at your seat.
- Click here for excellent source of information for the disabled community planning to visit Radio City Music Hall.

Location:
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Telephone: 212-465-6225
Email: accessibilityservices@msg.com
Website: https://www.rockettes.com

Schedule: Late Nov - 1st week of Jan

Admissions: Prices vary per person

Public Transportation: M5, M6, M7, M27, M50 to bus stop Rockefeller Center & 50th Street

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024