The Radio City Rockettes will ‘ring’ in the next century of the iconic dance company with a brand-new performance number in the 2026 Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and new immersive technology throughout the production that will expand how audiences experience America’s most beloved holiday show.
The 2026 Christmas Spectacular will integrate multiple on-stage cameras that capture overhead, side, and front angles of the Rockettes in real-time on side-stage screens during every number. With this new camera technology, audiences will be able to see the Rockettes’ incredible choreography and formations as if they were backstage or had a birds-eye-view, with perspectives ranging from the sides of the stage to above the stage from the venue’s proscenium arches. This will mark the first time the production will incorporate screens that show the action on stage, building upon the production’s recent innovations which include expansive digital projections, holographic animations, fairy drones, and Radio City’s Sphere Immersive Sound system.
Entitled “Ring” and performed to the Christmas song “Carol of the Bells,” the newly added scene will feature the Rockettes performing contemporary tap by Emmy Award-nominated choreographer Chloe Arnold,bringing a modern twist to the classic holiday melody. The edgy tap choreography demonstrates the versatility and evolution of the Rockettes as dancers and athletes, while honoring the dance company’s roots in tap and showcasing this quintessential American dance form in an entirely modern way.
The transition into “Ring” starts with Santa honoring the more than 90-year tradition of the Christmas Spectacular and the millions of fans who have attended the show. Santa then ‘rings in the new,’ revealing the Rockettes while the first notes of “Carol of the Bells” fill the theatre. Heard through Radio City’s Sphere Immersive Sound system, this reimagined version of the classic song will surround the audience, with the orchestration’s signature bells, harp, and vocal elements moving around the venue.
“Ring” begins with a spark created when the Rockettes first tap their shoes on stage. That theme expands up and out through the costuming, beginning with sparkling shoe spats, to a crystal-embellished black and silver dress, to dazzling shoulder epaulettes, and finally to a glittering headpiece. The complete look, featuring more than 3,600 individual crystals, evokes the shimmer of a metal bell, shining from head-to-toe under the Radio City lights.
The costume is fully-customized to each dancer, with the mesh, tights, and shoes all color-matched and dyed to each Rockette’s individual skin tone. The bespoke accessories – spats, epaulettes, and headpieces – were fabricated in New York City using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
More tap! More tech! More sparkle! The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes runs November 4, 2026 through January 4, 2027, and tickets are on sale now. Get your tickets here!
