Radio City Music Hall

There are few NYC landmarks as recognizable as Radio City Music Hall, especially during the holidays when an illuminated tree takes residence above the marquee. While Radio City doesn’t go over the top with holiday lights, it’s a great place to see an iconic New York City Christmas light display. The reason? The building is heavily featured in popular Christmas movies filmed in NYC (like Home Alone 2. Lost in New York).

The Christmas tree atop Radio City Music Hall’s marquee might look familiar to you. The location has been featured in numerous films, from Home Alone 2 to The Godfather, making it one of the most recognizable Christmas trees in NYC. Don’t miss the chance to snap a picture next to the giant red ornaments across the street while you’re in the area.

There are few New York Christmas decorations as recognizable as Radio City Music Hall when it gets dressed up for the holidays. The glowing lights and Christmas tree above the marquee draw folks in like a magnet.

So many popular New York City Christmas movies have used the locale as a backdrop for NYC during the holidays. From Home Alone 2 to The Godfather, the famous marquee makes cameos left and right, so snap a photo while you’re in the area.

The neon lights outside of Radio City Music Hall are as memorable as anything you’ll see in New York City, making it one of the premier movie locations in NYC. The ability to set context in a scene is essential, and Radio City Music Hall does that for viewers instantly. All it takes is a second on the glowing marquee, and immediately, boom, you’re in the middle of bustling Manhattan.

Movies Filmed at Radio City Music Hall.

• The Godfather (1972)
• Annie (1982)
• Home Alone 2 (1992)
• New York Minute (2004)

The Christmas Spectacular is a fast-paced, 90-minute show featuring high kicks, dazzling costumes, toy soldiers, Santa, and a living Nativity. The Rockettes perform with laser-sharp precision, and Radio City Music Hall is part of the experience. It’s one of those rare performances that manages to impress both little kids and jaded adults.

Parent tip: Matinees are your best bet, and booster seats are available at the venue (though they run out fast). There are no bad seats at Radio City, but sitting near the aisle makes for an easy exit if needed.

Few Christmas photo spots in NYC are as instantly recognizable as Radio City Music Hall. Its name is illuminated and a towering Christmas tree above the marquee makes it a must-see during the holiday season. Visiting Radio City Music Hall is a bucket-list item for most when in the Big Apple for the holidays, so anticipate large crowds.

The beauty of the illuminating lights is that they are visible whether you’re directly in front of the building or across the street, making it easy to find a spot for an epic photo. Don’t forget to visit the giant ornaments across from Radio City Music Hall, another famous NYC Christmas photo spot, and capture some memorable moments there as well.

There are few Instagrammable places in NYC as instantly recognizable as Radio City Music Hall. The world-famous venue has been around for nearly 100 years and has made countless appearances in movies and TV shows over the decades. That said, this is one of the most popular attractions for first time visitors to check out and crowds are all but guaranteed.