A Rockette’s Christmas in New York City From Rehearsals to Holiday Magic

For a century, the Rockettes have been woven into the fabric of Christmas in New York City, their high kicks and precision performances marking the start of the festive season for millions. For Brooklyn Bronson, one of the dancers in the iconic troupe, Christmas is not just a holiday but a months long way of life that begins well before winter sets in.

By mid December, when most New Yorkers are just getting into the festive mood, Bronson is already deep into what she jokingly calls her third month of Christmas. Rehearsals for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular begin as early as September, meaning the holiday spirit arrives far earlier than it does for most people. Days are spent training intensely, often for six hours at a time, six days a week, as dancers prepare to deliver the flawless performances audiences expect.

Despite the demanding schedule, Bronson says she would not trade the experience for anything. Christmas has always been her favourite time of year, and being surrounded by festive music, costumes, and traditions for months on end only adds to the joy. The discipline required to be a Rockette is intense, but she describes it as deeply rewarding, especially when the curtain rises and the audience reacts with awe.

Outside the stage, Bronson embraces the city’s holiday atmosphere whenever time allows. She recommends taking evening walks through Manhattan to soak in the lights, from the decorated windows along Fifth Avenue to the towering Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Even after countless visits, she says the sight never loses its magic, especially when paired with the buzz of crowds and the sound of street musicians playing seasonal favourites.

Food also plays a role in her New York Christmas. Bronson suggests warming up with hot chocolate from a neighbourhood café or sharing a festive meal with friends after a show. These small rituals, she says, help balance the intensity of performance life and make the season feel personal rather than routine.

Being part of a tradition that has lasted 100 years is not something Bronson takes lightly. She is aware that for many families, seeing the Rockettes perform is a cherished holiday ritual, sometimes passed down through generations. That sense of continuity gives extra meaning to every show and helps carry her through the long weeks of performances.

For Bronson, spending Christmas in New York as a Rockette is about more than dance. It is about being part of a living symbol of the season, sharing joy with strangers, and finding moments of wonder in a city that knows how to celebrate like no other. Even after months of rehearsals and shows, she says the magic never fades.