Is Christmas Spectacular worth it?

Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes is a holiday tradition for many families in New York City. The show features the precision dance choreography of the Radio City Rockettes, as well as festive musical numbers, elaborate sets and costumes, and a visit from Santa Claus. But with ticket prices starting around $50 per person, is the Christmas Spectacular really worth the cost?

What is the Christmas Spectacular?

The Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday stage show performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The 90-minute production features the legendary dance troupe the Radio City Rockettes, who perform their signature eye-high kicks and intricate choreography. The show includes various dance and musical numbers celebrating the Christmas season, including parade scenes, Santa’s workshop, and a living nativity scene.

A highlight of the show is the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” number, where the Rockettes perform precision tap dancing wearing wooden soldier costumes and carrying large faux xylophones. Other fan favorite scenes include the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” where the Rockettes execute different dance steps representing each day, and the “Living Nativity” finale complete with live camels, sheep, and donkeys.

In addition to the Rockettes’ dance segments, the Christmas Spectacular features 3D video projections and special effects, as well as performances by singers and actors. The grand finale is when Santa Claus makes an appearance on stage to greet all the boys and girls.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for the Christmas Spectacular vary depending on the date, time, and seat location. Here are the general ticket price ranges:

Orchestra and Front Mezzanine Seats

• Regular price: $66 – $156 per ticket
• VIP/Premium price: $176 – $256 per ticket

Rear Mezzanine and Balcony Seats

• Regular price: $46 – $99 per ticket
• VIP/Premium price: $156 – $199 per ticket

Matinee shows are generally less expensive than evening performances. Tickets can be purchased directly through the Radio City Music Hall box office, Ticketmaster, or resellers like StubHub.

Is it worth it for the average family?

For an average family of 4, attending the Christmas Spectacular can easily cost over $200 just for tickets in the regular ticket price range. Add in transportation costs and dining, and it becomes a significant expense for one holiday outing. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if it’s worth the splurge:

Pros

• Seeing the world-famous Rockettes perform their signature routines live is a one-of-a-kind experience.
• Radio City Music Hall is an iconic NYC venue with its art deco architecture and atmosphere.
• The show celebrates nostalgic and traditional Christmas themes that families enjoy.
• Kids get excited to see Santa appear on stage.
• It creates special holiday memories and photos.

Cons

• It’s a significant expense, especially for larger families.
• Younger kids may get restless during the 90-minute show.
• You can only see the Rockettes perform for a portion of the production.
• It requires coordinating transportation and dining in busy Midtown NYC.
• Tickets may sell out for your desired date and time.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs for a family of 4 to attend a matinee show:

While doable for special occasions, $326 for one holiday show is quite pricey for the average family. There may be more budget-friendly holiday activities to consider instead.

Is it worth it for NYC tourists?

For families visiting New York City during the holidays, attending the Christmas Spectacular may be worth the splurge as a special vacation experience. Here are some factors tourists may want to consider:

Pros

• It’s a quintessential NYC holiday event for first-time visitors.
• Allows visitors to experience Radio City Music Hall.
• Convenient Midtown Manhattan location near other tourist sights.
• Makes for great vacation photos and memories.
• Kids enjoy seeing a live holiday show.

Cons

• It takes up a large chunk of time that could be used for other sightseeing.
• May not be worth it for visitors who have attended before.
• Kids more interested in exploring NYC may not want to sit through a long show.
• Other holiday activities like ice skating or light displays may be just as memorable.

For first-time visitors that want to experience an iconic NYC Christmas event, the spectacle and magic of the show makes it an experience worth investing in. But tourists should weigh options carefully due to the time and cost commitments.

Insider tips for saving money

If you do want to attend the Christmas Spectacular but want to save on costs, here are some insider tips:

Buy tickets for matinee shows

Afternoon performances are typically $20-30 cheaper per ticket than evening shows.

Get rear mezzanine or balcony seats

You can still see the stage well from above and tickets will be $20-60 less expensive.

Look for coupon codes and deals

Radio City may offer limited promo codes for 10-15% off select tickets.

Buy tickets last minute

Prices tend to drop in the 1-2 weeks leading up to shows if tickets are still available.

See the Brooklyn Christmas Spectacular

This scaled down version offers similar entertainment for lower costs starting at $25 per ticket.

Skip paying for premium extras

VIP packages with early access, backstage tours, and dining packages can add $50 or more per ticket.

Conclusion

Attending the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a memorable bucket list holiday experience for many families and tourists. However, with tickets starting around $50 per person, it is a splurge that may not fit every budget or interests. For average families, it may be hard to justify the costs unless attending a matinee show and limiting other expenses. For NYC visitors, it can make for an iconic vacation memory if it aligns with priorities. With insider tips like buying discounted mezzanine tickets and looking for deals, it is possible to make the show more affordable for those set on having this holiday experience.