The holidays in New York don’t begin quietly and this week’s skyline cue comes courtesy of the Rockettes. On Thursday, November 6, the Empire State Building will illuminate in red and white, topped with a swirling Christmas tree in its mast, in celebration of the opening night of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall .

It’s a fitting tribute. The Rockettes return for their 92nd season of the annual production, which runs through January 4, 2026 and anchors the city’s holiday calendar as reliably as Bryant Park’s rink, the Fifth Avenue windows and your first overheard “I cannot believe it’s dark at 4:30.” This year also marks a milestone: the troupe’s 100th anniversary. Founded in St. Louis in 1925, the Rockettes landed at Radio City Music Hall in 1932 and have s

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