Description: Want to play Santa to yourself with a present to remember for all time? Make plans to see the Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes at
Radio City Music Hall! Nothing enchants the holiday spirit of
"Christmas in New York..." better. Of my nine seasons in the city, six included this must-see production.
Secular and spiritual themes are portrayed through theatrics, music, and dance, culminating with a live nativity cliffhanger; the reason for the season gripping audiences.
But for all the performances, including four yuletide choruslines by the high-kickin' Rockettes, it's the show's mechanics that always blew me away. Sets frequently convert as effortlessly as when an ice skating rink or the orchestra suddenly pop-out of nowhere.
Floor-level is too close to the stage for actually seeing transformations compared to cheaper 2nd and 3rd-tier balconies seats, where everything seems to magically appear.
Discounted dress rehearsals are held the week before Thanksgiving, and the show runs through the New Year. Make plans to arrive early. The prelude, given from a monster pipe organ, vibrates to the core of one's being as well as the entire concert hall.
Rockefeller Center's holiday courtyard is located behind Radio City as a perfect beginning or ending to compliment this Christmas highlight. New Yorkers herald the mid-November arrival of the tree which, aside from the crowning star, isn't decorated until after Thanksgiving.
An official Lighting Ceremony is one of those main events you'll need to arrive hours early for if hoping to see anything. Otherwise, enjoy the event on regional television and return another day, like everyone else.
If there was ever hope for,
'Peace on Earth; Good Will towards Men', the essence of Rockefeller Center seems to pull it off. In the spirit of tradition, coming to see the giant Christmas tree is like a pilgrimage that defines the holidays for people of all economic and cultural backgrounds. One of the biggest common bonds, enjoyed by all ages, is Santa!
A glass-building is located on one of the shorter side streets; often hard to detect dwarfed by the towering tree and skyscrapers. The line is quite long, but worth the wait just to get a peek inside. While kids sit on Santa's lap, (young-at-heart ladies welcomed, too), take a jaw-dropping gander at the 5th Ave. festoon of decorations.
I rather dread the melee which drives the season anymore, but if the Christmas Spectacular and Rockefeller Center don't ignite some holiday spirit, then the Grinch has stolen more than just Christmas!
- The area stays crowded day and night throughout the holiday season, but weekend foot-traffic brings movement to a standstill. Parents should definitely latch onto their children. It doesn't take much for getting separated, and swept-away in the masses.
- Midtown is by far the most celebrated and decorated in the entire city. Other highlights of the surrounding area are listed in this journal's
Holiday Favorites Walking Tours.
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