Radio City Music Hall hosts the opening night of the 2025 Christmas Spectacular tonight, featuring the iconic Rockettes marking their 100th anniversary since their founding in St. Louis in 1925. This historic celebration combines 16 musical numbers set across an iconic stage filled with stunning production design. The show runs through January 4, 2026, with performances scheduled at 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:00 PM today.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Rockettes were founded in St. Louis in 1925 as the “Missouri Rockets,” making 2025 their centennial year
- Tonight’s performance marks the opening of the 100th anniversary season, running through January 4, 2026
- The 90-minute show features more than 140 performers, 1,000 costumes, and 60,000 pounds of scenery
- Radio City Music Hall seats approximately 6,000 guests per performance during the holiday season
What to Expect at Tonight’s Opening Performance
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The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes delivers the signature high-energy precision dance routines audiences have loved for decades. The 90-minute show features no intermission, keeping energy levels at peak performance throughout. Tonight’s show includes iconic numbers that have been reimagined for the 100th anniversary celebration, featuring elaborate stage effects, live animals for the nativity scene, and Santa’s flying sleigh.
The show showcases 16 carefully choreographed musical numbers that blend dancing, singing, and theatrical storytelling. Special attention goes to the Rockettes’ signature synchronized high kicks, which require incredible precision and athleticism. Guests can expect dazzling costumes, immersive lighting, pyrotechnics, smoke effects, and flashing lights creating an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.
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Doors open one hour before showtime, and guests must be seated 30 minutes prior to the performance start. The show accommodates last-minute arrivals between scene breaks, though early arrival is recommended for premium seating locations.
The Historic 100-Year Legacy of Radio City Rockettes
Founded in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri, the Rockettes are America’s longest-running precision dance company. Originally called the “Missouri Rockets,” they became ubiquitous with Radio City Music Hall after moving to New York. The Christmas Spectacular itself dates back to 1933, making it a 92-year tradition in American holiday entertainment.
| Achievement | Details |
| Founded | 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri as the “Missouri Rockets” |
| Signature Technique | Rockettes Precision Dance Technique™ combining jazz, tap, and ballet |
| Christmas Spectacular Started | 1933 at Radio City Music Hall |
| Annual Attendance | More than 1 million people during holiday season |
| Typical Employee Salary | $1,400-$1,500 per week during performance season |
Tonight’s Schedule and Ticket Information
Tonight’s opening performances begin at 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:00 PM EST at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Avenue) in Manhattan. Tickets start at $63 for matinee performances and go up to $415 for premium orchestra seats. The venue actively offers special holiday promotions, with current deals saving up to 50% on select seats and performances through December 2.
Attendees appreciate the casual dress code—jeans are completely acceptable—making this an accessible holiday outing for families and friends. The show runs daily through January 4, 2026, with varying performance times accommodating different schedules. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the official Rockettes website, and the Radio City Music Hall box office.
“Founded in St. Louis, MO in 1925, the Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America and world-renowned for their signature Rockettes Precision Dance Technique that combines elements of jazz, tap and ballet.”
— Radio City Rockettes Official Statement, 2025 Anniversary Celebration
Century Celebration: How Radio City Is Honoring the Rockettes Milestone?
New York City is pulling out all the stops for the 100th anniversary celebration. Sixth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets is now officially renamed “Rockettes Way”—a historic honor permanently commemorating the troupe’s significance to New York culture. Inside Radio City Music Hall, guests encounter special costume retrospectives, archival displays, and exclusive merchandise celebrating a century of entertainment.
The 2025 Christmas Spectacular features a special video performance of “That’s Entertainment!” filmed directly on the Radio City stage, serving as a musical tribute to Rockettes history. The show also includes 100th anniversary-themed costumes, props, and set pieces that weave the troupe’s legacy throughout the entire production. Special merchandise available includes 100th anniversary programs, costume posters, handcrafted ornaments, and limited-edition Waterford collaborations.
Why Attending Tonight’s Historic Opening Makes This Year Unmissable for Holiday Fans?
Tonight marks the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration unlikely to be replicated for another century. The convergence of holiday tradition and centennial milestone creates unprecedented energy and heightened production value. Guests attending opening night become part of entertainment history, witnessing live precision dancing that combines athletic prowess with artistic excellence.
The 2025 season has expanded performances due to overwhelming demand, with additional shows added beyond the originally scheduled run. Early attendance guarantees access to seats before they sell out completely. The combination of nostalgia, spectacle, and celebration positions this opening as the most talked-about Christmas show in New York this year.
Sources
- Radio City Rockettes Official Website – Current season information, performance schedules, and anniversary celebration details
- Associated Press – Coverage of Rockettes centennial milestone and holiday entertainment
- Ticketmaster – Live ticket sales and performance time confirmations for November 27, 2025
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.