Radio City Christmas Spectacular comes to town

Hampton Roads has its decades-old Christmas rituals - including ballets and plays and taking in the holiday lights.

This year might bring the start of a new tradition, or at least one imported from out of town: the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Yes, this is the age-old (77 years, to be exact) show from New York's Radio City Music Hall that features those iconic Rockettes doing that chorus line high kick that has been burned into the consciousness of nearly every American. But there's more: dancing bears, dozens of Santas, a live nativity scene, wooden soldiers, confetti, fireworks, special effects and other oohs and aahs.

Radio City's show brings the magic of Christmas to the big stage; it's a show designed to delight and dazzle. The show, in only its second year on the road, gives families here an opportunity to experience the New York tradition right at home. It's one of the most cherished events New York has to offer during the Christmas season, delivered right here to us like a gift under the tree. And all without having to bother with airfare or lodging. A win-win!

Malcolm Venable, (757) 446-2662, malcolm.venable@pilotonline.com