Home » TRAVEL NEWS » New York Marks Rockettes Legacy With Iconic Celebrations And Exhibits
Published on
November 8, 2025
New York City is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the world-renowned Radio City Rockettes, drawing attention from visitors across the globe. In celebration of this milestone, numerous iconic locations around the city are hosting special exhibits, events, and partnerships that aim to boost tourism while highlighting the Rockettes’ profound influence on New York’s cultural landscape.
From a renamed street to unique museum exhibits, the centenary celebrations provide tourists with the chance to experience the Rockettes’ legacy like never before. The New York City Department of Transportation has unveiled a commemorative street sign on Sixth Avenue, renaming the block outside Radio City Music Hall Rockettes Way to celebrate the dance company’s lasting contribution to the city. This new street name runs from 50th to 51st Streets and will be in place until November 21, offering tourists a memorable stop during their visit to the famous entertainment district.
Major City Landmarks Join in Celebrating the Rockettes’ Legacy
Tourists visiting New York City during the holiday season will find a variety of unique experiences linked to the Rockettes’ century-long presence in the city. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Empire State Building, another iconic New York landmark, joined the festivities by lighting its tower in a holiday display and showcasing festive Rockettes-inspired exhibits inside the building. Visitors to the Empire State Building can enjoy a curated series of displays featuring costumes from the Christmas Spectacular, visible in the building’s windows and observatories. These displays, located on the 80th and 86th floors, are designed to immerse tourists in the Rockettes’ vibrant history.
At the Museum of Broadway, a special exhibit titled The Rockettes 100th Anniversary: A Century of Sisterhood is set to open on November 13. This exhibit celebrates the Rockettes’ iconic style, choreography, and evolution, with visitors able to see costumes designed by famous Broadway designers. The exhibit runs through January 2026 and provides an exceptional experience for both tourists and locals, tracing the Rockettes’ journey from their early days in St Louis to their iconic status at Radio City Music Hall.
Festive Partnerships Expand the Celebration to More NYC Venues
The Rockettes’ centenary celebrations extend beyond traditional venues, with iconic New York restaurants and stores offering special commemorative items. For example, Serendipity 3, a beloved NYC dining spot, has introduced a limited-edition frozen treat, the Rockettes 100 PB and J Frozen Hot Chocolate. This festive dessert is available at the restaurant’s locations through the duration of the Christmas Spectacular, adding a sweet touch for visitors seeking to experience the Rockettes’ celebrations in a unique way.
Magnolia Bakery, another local favourite, has also joined the festivities, offering a Rockettes-themed red velvet cupcake exclusively at its Rockefeller Center location. This collaboration adds a delicious element to the centennial celebrations, providing tourists with a taste of New York while immersing them in the Rockettes’ milestone year.
Radio City Music Hall’s Unique Experiences for Tourists
The heart of the Rockettes’ 100th anniversary celebrations take place at Radio City Music Hall itself. Tourists visiting the venue will have the chance to explore special exhibitions and displays featuring the iconic costumes and memorabilia of the Rockettes. These exhibits are designed to give guests a glimpse into the history of the famous dance company, which has become a symbol of New York City’s cultural landscape. Visitors can also enjoy a pre-show video before every performance of the 2025 Christmas Spectacular, celebrating the Rockettes’ century of entertainment.
Additionally, LEGOLAND New York Resort has created life-size LEGO figures of the Rockettes’ famous Wooden Soldiers, which will be displayed at Radio City Music Hall starting November 14. This collaboration brings a family-friendly element to the celebrations, offering visitors of all ages a chance to engage with the Rockettes’ legacy in a fun, interactive way.
Commemorative Merchandise and Limited-Edition Items
For those looking to take home a piece of the Rockettes’ centenary celebrations, a range of exclusive merchandise is available at various locations around the city. Limited-edition crystal ornaments, designed in collaboration with Waterford, feature the Rockettes’ logo and a special 100th anniversary emblem, available for purchase online and at Radio City Music Hall. Additionally, a collaboration with lifestyle brand Kith will see a new collection of apparel, including a special Rockettes-themed vintage tee, released in December.
A Century of Entertainment at Radio City Music Hall
The Rockettes, founded in 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri, have been an integral part of New York City’s entertainment scene for nearly a century. Their signature Rockettes Precision Dance Technique and annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall are beloved traditions that continue to draw tourists from around the world. The Christmas Spectacular runs until January 5, 2026, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to experience this iconic show while enjoying the city’s other centenary celebrations.
With so many exciting events, exhibits, and exclusive collaborations, the Rockettes’ 100th anniversary promises to be a major tourism draw for New York City this holiday season.
