Nothing says “Season’s Greetings” like a trek into Manhattan to experience The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. With its dazzling lights, artful Rockettes choreography and stunning backdrops, the show is an annual tradition that signals the official kick-off for the holiday season.
Tickets for the Spectacular are often sold out and can be pricey, but touring the Radio City Music Hall is an entertaining and economical way to experience a legendary New York icon with family in tow.
Few families are aware that you can actually step behind the scenes of this legendary showplace with the one-hour Stage Door Tour. And the value can’t be beat. With a $25 entry fee for adults and $17 for the kids, it can be a very affordable way to experience all the magic of Radio City Music Hall.
It’s Fun
Featuring knowledgeable and often amusing tour guides who are treasure troves of facts and information, prepare to be awed by the vibrant history of this 1930’s building that was meticulously restored to its original splendor. It’s hard to believe the building known as the “Showplace of the Nation” was almost changed to an office building. In 1979, it was saved from this dire fate by the city which preserved it as a historic landmark and turned it over to Madison Square Garden for management.
Once you arrive, prepare to be swept away with a journey through time. Visitors are led through balconies to see the Great Stage up close and personal and have the chance to experience the grand lobby without all the crowds obscuring their views. You can even see the historic Rockette costumes on display. Kids will also enjoy the hydraulic elevators, and will be delighted when visiting the private apartment of Samuel Lionel “Roxy” Rothafel.
The lower level bathrooms are also a must-see stop on the tour, as they are a prime spot to check out the original and reproduced details of the building including murals and the foot operated hand dryers – a theater highlight that used to be considered a modern convenience for visitors of the past.
The Rockettes
Of course, one of the key draws for kids and parents alike will be learning all about the history of the famous Rockettes. With a short seven minute video detailing how the Rockettes came to be one of the most loved dance troupes in the world and their journey from St. Louis to New York City, this is the perfect introduction to the final culmination of the tour which is a private meeting with a real life Rockette.
Have your questions ready because the personal meet-and-greet includes details about training for their military precision high kicks, stunning costumes, audition process and lifestyle while working in the show. Afterward, put on your best smile for photo ops that you can take home as tokens of your time at this legendary historic building.
The tour moves slowly so you can learn about all the wonders of Radio City Music Hall without feeling rushed or bored. And with the exception of meeting with the Rockette (which requires purchasing photos from the theater), there is ample opportunity to take photos throughout the visit.
A few things to note include the many stairs to climb during the tour, which makes strollers a difficulty here. Also, the Stage Door Tour might not be as interesting for kids under 3 as much as their older counterparts, who will undoubtedly appreciate getting a behind-the-scenes look of their favorite holiday show.
And More
If you’re lucky enough to do a double header and experience the tour and the Christmas Spectacular performance in one day or just want to extend the fun of your visit to the Stage Door Tour, there is much to do in Rockefeller Center during the holidays including ice skating, window shopping, or taking in the views of the entire city from The Top of the Rock.
Once you’re ready to relax and recount all the wonders of the tour over a good meal, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is the classic, albeit crowded, choice or head on over to the Rock Center Cafe, where you can watch skaters whiz by while you dine and finish off your day at this iconic city landmark in style.
Elina Furman is a seasoned travel writer and publisher of A-List Mom and A-List Mom Travel, reaching more than 77,000 moms nationwide with her weekly email. She lives in Dobbs Ferry with her two sons and husband.
When You Go …
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y.
866-858-0008
radiocity.com/content/msg/radiocity/tours.html
HOURS
Seven days a week, with tours running every half hour between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
ADMISSION
$24 adults, $17 for children under 12
$24 adults, $17 for children under 12
