If you’re planning a holiday season trip to New York City, don’t miss the landmark Radio City Music Hall, which turns 80 years old on December 27.
Everything about Radio City Music Hall, the world’s largest indoor theater, is larger than life. The famous marquee extends for a full city block. There are no columns to obstruct the view in the massive auditorium, which seats nearly 6,000 people. Its shimmering gold stage curtain is the world’s largest. Additionally, the pipes of the hall’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ are up to 32 feet long. The Hall still uses it original systems, including hydraulic-powered stage elevators, to create spectacular sets and stage effects.
Through the decades, and with the help of an extensive renovation in 1999, Radio City Music Hall has also maintained its original style: elegant American Modern, with clean Art Deco lines and a mix of beautiful materials, including glass, chrome, leather and bakelite. Regular one-hour tours are available to let you explore the hall’s striking interiors, learn the secrets of the Great Stage, and meet one of the high-kicking Rockettes, the stars of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.
The Christmas Spectacular is so popular that it’s the primary reason that some people visit New York during the holiday season. The long-running show is constantly refreshed, but still includes some favorite numbers – such as the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and the Living Nativity – that were performed in the original Spectacular 80 years ago. This year’s Spectacular begins on November 9 and there are typically multiple performances offered daily due to the high demand.
Outside of the Christmas season, the Hall presents concerts and live stage shows. Recent guest artists range from Barry Manilow to Florence and The Machine.
Radio City Music Hall is part of the Rockefeller Center complex in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, home of the NBC studios, the glorious Holiday Tree, a skating rink, the Top of the Rock observation platform and much more. Look for gifts for your loved ones in the many boutiques and shops in Rockefeller Center; or, stroll down Fifth Avenue – just steps away – to admire the holiday window displays and browse through the stores.
To make your plans to see Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and more of what New York has to offer during the holiday season, talk with your travel professional.
This travel column was written by BlueRibbonNews.com special contributor Robbert van Bloemendaal, an experienced world traveler, native of Australia, an Ambassador with the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce, and president of Travel Leaders of Rowlett.
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