Radio City Christmas Spectacular Entertain, Enlightens School Groups

There are certain traditions that make a holiday what it is, and every place around the world has its own. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one of New York’s time-honored traditions. Student groups attending a performance leave with insight into the show and the venue.

November 5, 2013: Radio City Christmas Spectacular tech rehearsal at Radio City Music Hall.

The Christmas Spectacular began in 1933 as a lavish, 30-minute stage show starring the Rockettes that was presented alongside the latest Hollywood films. Today, it has evolved into a 90-minute production featuring dazzling Rockettes dance numbers, spectacular costumes and state-of-the-art technology.

For more than 80 years, the Rockettes and hundreds of performers have taken to the stage to mix original music scores, singing and dancing with traditional holiday stories. School groups will enjoy beautifully choreographed depictions of Santa’s reindeer, the 12 Days of Christmas and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which has been performed every year since the show began. Groups will also get to see a unique take on “The Nutcracker,” Radio City’s original “Here Comes Santa Claus” the classic “Rag Dolls,” which was first performed in 1940 and was re-imagined for the 2014 production, and the tribute to the first Christmas, “The Living Nativity.”

While it may seem the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is designed only for only entertainment purposes, it is actually a deceptively educational experience for school groups. Teachers will find it has as much value for their students as more traditional class trips to a museum or landmark—with a lot more excitement and fun thrown in. Teachers can apply Radio City and Rockettes history to their lesson plans. In addition, it’s a great way to show students the importance of the arts and the influence this production has had over the years.

Radio City provides teachers with a complimentary study guide to help them create lessons about the history of the Rockettes, Radio City and the cultural and musical aspects of the show. If educators want to make the experience even more special for their school groups, they can organize an exclusive educational tour of Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. On Radio City tours, students can go backstage to see what goes in to making the show, from costume and stage design to dress rehearsals and everything in between. They can even meet one of the Rockettes to hear about a day in the life, and what it takes to be one of these famed performers.

November 9, 2011: Gold cast dress rehearsal for the 2011 Radio City Christmas Spectacular, “The Rockettes Magical Journey,” at Radio City Music Hall.

Many school groups visiting New York City from other cities and states include evening shows in their itineraries. For those groups that are local, Radio City offers over 25 school-dedicated weekday matinees, allowing groups to fit in a show during regular school hours.

Radio City offers exclusive school pricing, making it easy to fit the show into an educator’s budget. On top of the group discounts, teachers will also have a dedicated group sales representative to help them with payment plans, seat blocks and any questions that may come up for school groups attending the Christmas Spectacular.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes 11/10/06
Credit Photo: Paul Kolnik for MSG Entertainment NYC 212.362.7778 studio@paulkolnik.com

This is a rare opportunity to offer school groups an engaging and informative field trip that exposes them to artistic talent, a significant theater and production, and the joys of the holiday season—all in one place. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is ideal for educators seeking something truly unique to share with their students, as well as something they can continue to teach in their classrooms after the experience is over.

When it comes to venues, there is no better place to see a show than Radio City Music Hall. This theater was built as a palace for the people and became a place that offered high-quality entertainment that everyday people could afford. It has entertained audiences for decades and, under the operation of Madison Square Garden Entertainment, continues to delight people of all ages from all over the world.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular 75th Anniversary 11/07/07
Credit Photo: ©2007 Paul Kolnik Paul Kolnik Studio New York, NY 10024 t: 212.362.7778 studio@paulkolnik.com

Groups can request more information about the Christmas Spectacular, school pricing and group discounts by contacting Madison Square Garden Entertainment.