Radio City Music Hall is an iconic staple of New York City, nicknamed the “Showplace of the Nation.” The sprawling entertainment center boasts a beautiful Art Deco stage and nearly 6,000 seats for show attendees.

Radio City is the largest indoor theater in the world and the official home of the Rockettes, an American Dance company founded in the 1920s. With Radio City tickets in hand, you can watch the Radio City Rockettes perform their classic Christmas Spectacular while visiting New York City.

Here's all you need to know about Radio City, one of the most captivating shows in New York City.

What is the Radio City show about?

The Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday tradition hosted at Radio City Music Hall since 1933, featuring the talented line dancers, the Rockettes. The 90-minute show includes 140 different performers who dance, sing, and use comedy to tell a heartwarming Christmas-themed story on stage.

The highlight of the show is the Radio City Rockettes, who are known for their elaborate costumes and iconic kick lines. Other moments of importance are the flying Santa Claus, tap dancing routines, a slew of vignettes including a live rendition of The Nativity scene using real animals, and a shortened version of The Nutcracker.

How much do Radio City tickets cost?

Tickets to see the Radio City Rockettes perform vary in price based on the day of the week, the time of the day and the section of the theater. There are anywhere between two and five performances a day, from 10 AM to 10 PM. There are four sections consisting of the 3rd Mezzanine which is at the back of the theater, the 2nd Mezzanine, the 1st Mezzanine and the Orchestra, which is the closest area to the stage. The ticket prices for each performance are as follows:

10 AM

3rd Mezzanine: US$85 to US$105
2nd Mezzanine: US$90 to US$105
1st Mezzanine: US$105 to US$140
Orchestra seats: US$85 to US$130

11 AM

3rd Mezzanine: US$65 to US$85
2nd Mezzanine: US$85 to US$100
1st Mezzanine: US$100 to US$125
Orchestra seats: US$65 to US$110

1 PM

3rd Mezzanine: US$100 to US$105
2nd Mezzanine: US$105 to US$120
1st Mezzanine: US$120 to US$160
Orchestra seats: US$100 to US$140

2 PM

3rd Mezzanine: US$85 to US$90
2nd Mezzanine: US$90 to US$105
1st Mezzanine: US$105 to US$140
Orchestra seats: US$85 to US$130

4 PM

3rd Mezzanine: US$110 to US$120
2nd Mezzanine: US$120 to US$140
1st Mezzanine: US$140 to US$185
Orchestra seats: US$110 to US$165

5 PM

3rd Mezzanine: US$65 to US$85
2nd Mezzanine: US$85 to US$100
1st Mezzanine: US$100 to US$125
Orchestra seats: US$65 to US$110

7 PM

3rd Mezzanine: US$100 to US$105
2nd Mezzanine: US$105 to US$120
1st Mezzanine: US$120 to US$160
Orchestra seats: US$100 to US$140

8 PM

3rd Mezzanine: US$100 to US$105
2nd Mezzanine: US$105 to US$120
1st Mezzanine: US$120 to US$160
Orchestra seats: US$100 to US$140

10 PM

3rd Mezzanine: US$65 to US$85
2nd Mezzanine: US$85 to US$100
1st Mezzanine: US$100 to US$125
Orchestra seats: US$65 to US$110

Are there any Radio City tours?

Radio City Music Hall tour plus Rockettes meet & greet

This combination ticket includes the extravagant Radio City Rockettes performance and a unique opportunity to tour the theater and meet a dancer. When you arrive, you’ll take a guided tour through the “Showplace of the Nation” to see where both the Grammy’s and MTV Music Awards ceremonies take place.

You’ll feel like a star as you go behind the scenes in the theater through the stage door. Peruse the beautifully decorated Art Deco hall and marvel at the guest book signed by hundreds of celebrities over the years. You will learn all the secrets of Radio City before finishing your exclusive visit with a Rockettes dancer meet and greet.

When is the best time to go to Radio City?

The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Special runs every year during the holiday season between November 17 and January 1. This is the best time to visit the Radio City Music Hall as it is decorated lavishly for Christmas.

If you’d like to visit the venue outside the holiday season, the theater hosts several other performances as well as tours available on limited dates from 10:30 AM until 2 PM. Make sure to check the theater’s official website to confirm entrance availability.

How to get there?

Radio City Music Hall is located at 1260 6th Avenue at Rockefeller Center in the heart of New York City. The theater can be reached by taxi, bus or train from anywhere in the city. There are four subway stations less than a 10-minute walk from Radio City, connecting to the B, D, F and M trains.

What time do the performances start?

The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular has many different show start times to choose from, including 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM and 10 PM. Show times vary each day of the week.

Does the Radio City Music Hall have a dress code?

Radio City does not have a formal dress code for attendees, though they do ask that personal discretion be used. Some costumes are allowed, however, those that include a full face mask will need to be removed by security before entering. Large costumes, headpieces, full face paint, fake weapons and any other items that could cause harm are not permitted.

Can I cancel or change Radio City tickets?

All ticket sales are final and there are no refunds or exchanges for the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Radio City Music Hall is very wheelchair-friendly, with accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, seating, storage, escorts and interpreters available on-site.

What other shows are playing in New York City?

Travel tips

Tickets for events like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular sell out fast, so you'll want to book in advance.
There's a strict no food or drink rule inside the actual theatre, but there are plenty of concessions to enjoy in the lobby area.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is also a short walk away, as is the bustling Times Square and Fifth Avenue.
Professional photography is not allowed during performances, but you're usually allowed to take pictures on your phone. Just be respectful of the performers and ensure your flash is off.

Radio City in New York City: Tickets