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Greetings From...NYC and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes!

"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air there's a feeling of Christmas." ~Silver Bells, Jay Livingston/Ray Evans ❄


Welcome back to Mac Claire! This Thursday evening I'm happy to be bringing you my second holiday featured article of the season; Greetings From... NYC and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes! When I was in New York City for this show last November I never could have imagined how different the world would look presently, so I'm extremely grateful that I was able to go when I did. I hope that sharing my experience puts you in the holiday spirit, reminds you of a past trip that you may have taken into NYC or to see the Rockettes, or inspires you to plan a trip in the future.


The Rockettes & The Show

As a little girl who grew up dancing, I always admired the Rockettes. Everytime I saw them perform on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (if you want to read more about this event see last week's article A Look At the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade) I marveled at their elegance, talent, beauty, and synchronicity. Founded in 1925 as a precision dance company, the group was originally called the "Missouri Rockets". By 1934, they had started performing regularly in New York City's historic Radio City Music Hall and officially became the Radio City Rockettes. According to the Rockettes' website, the very first Christmas Spectacular show took place in 1933 and was only 30 minutes long, which is much different from the 90-minute extravaganza audiences are treated to today. Some of the shows' biggest highlights include the double-decker bus number, interactive elements like 3D graphics and singalongs, the live nativity scene, stunning sets and sparkly costumes, and the famous toy soldier fall.


The Venue, The Food & The Merchandise

When one walks into Radio City Music Hall there's so much to look at that it's easy to get overwhelmed. From the stunning chandelier that's shaped like a Christmas tree at the center of the lobby to the grand staircase; and don't get me started on the gorgeous sitting rooms before the bathrooms! It's the perfect place to "powder your nose". Concession stands offered classic treats like popcorn and soft pretzels as well as specialty items like holiday drinks. At the merchandise sales counters you could purchase keepsake ornaments, toys, snowglobes, apparel, magnets, and more to remember your time at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.


Rockefeller Center

If you are looking to kill some time before and/or after the show never fear, because there's plenty to do in the area! First off, Radio City Music Hall is literally feet from Rockefeller Center, a hub of activity all year round, but especially at Christmastime. There's the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Rink At Rockefeller Center (on which a proposal actually took place when I was there), hundreds of stores and restaurants like Kate Spade and Magnolia Bakery (which had special Rockette Red Velvet cupcakes!), and the "Big Red Balls" which are also known as the "Holiday Red Balls" or the "Giant Red Ornaments" depending on who you ask.

Last Photo Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery


Additionally, there's some sights that will make TV and movie lovers delight, like the highrise building 30 Rockefeller Plaza, FAO Schwarz- the toy store where a young Tom Hanks had a bit of fun during one of his movies, and the NBC Studios Rainbow Room Observation Deck. I'm going to save the details on these spots for a future Scenes from the Screen article though!


This year has changed the lives of performers so drastically and I understand the struggle myself because I also work as a musician. I hope that this article has not only provided you with a little holiday cheer, but also inspired you to continue supporting the live entertainment industry in any way you can during these tough times.


Next week I will be taking a break from posting as it is Thanksgiving! 🦃 I hope you all have a restful, safe, and healthy holiday. Even if you are unable to celebrate in-person with your loved ones like usual, I hope your day is filled with their presence, good food, many blessings, and thankfulness.


I'll be back on Monday with a new Mac Weekly Highlight and on Thursday, December 6th I'll be publishing my next holiday featured article; Greetings From... Springfield, MA and Bright Nights at Forest Park! 🎄


If you enjoyed this article, feel free to give it a heart and a share! You can also connect with Mac Claire on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Spotify. To make sure you never miss an article, click "subscribe" on our website to get the Mac Claire weekly email.


Thanks for reading and I'll talk to you on Monday!


~Claire


Sources

Rockettes Website: https://www.rockettes.com


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