Magic fills the air in New York City during the holidays, but not everywhere. Ice skating in front of the Rockefeller tree and Christmas classics like Home Alone 2 give the Big Apple a festive feel that no other city can replicate. The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, is an iconic New York tradition.
There’s more to Radio City’s Christmas than its giant red ornaments, lit-up trees, and glowing tree at the marquee. Here are insider details from a Rockette about how Radio City Music Hall looks.
In 1933, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular opened and has become a favorite holiday tradition in New York. The show features a new theme each year, and “Dance of the Frost Fairies” transforms the Hall into a winter wonderland.
As a kid, Maranda LeBar would watch the Christmas Spectacular with her family, and the event became a staple of her holiday celebration. LeBar said, “Growing up in New Jersey, I feel like for many families, that’s part of your Christmas tradition.”
The holiday season begins when you see signs promoting the Radio City Spectacular. LeBar’s station changes its holiday decor every year-sometimes it’s classic red and green, and sometimes it’s a wintery feel. A chandelier in the lobby is shaped like a Christmas tree that reflects light from all angles. Rockettes dressing rooms are decorated with the same decorations as the Hall.
LeBar said, “You’re bringing the spirit of Christmas to 6,000 people every show, so bringing that same spirit into our dressing room is just keeping the energy and the magic of Christmas alive all day and all season long.”
LeBar’s favorite part of living at Radio City and performing every day during the holiday season is seeing the excitement of the kids, especially those visiting the show for the first time. She says it reminds her of coming with her family as a kid, and that makes her want to do the show year after year.