How Camels, Sheep, and Donkeys Suffer for Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular
Come holiday season, the high-kicking Rockettes steal the show at Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular—but instead of letting human performers do all the dazzling, the event continues to exploit live animals, including camels, sheep, and donkeys. Handlers haul them in cramped trucks, shove them into chaotic, unfamiliar settings, and expose them to loud crowds and blinding lights—all of which terrify and confuse these sensitive animals. All the confinement and stress these animals suffer through is for a live, little-known Nativity scene that lasts barely 10 minutes on stage.
Learn why this event is no holiday cheer for animals—and how you can help make it a compassionate Christmas celebration.
Where the Animals in the Show Come From
Animals exploited in Nativity displays, like the one in Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular, are frequently rented from seedy exhibitors who put profits over the animals’ welfare. When not being forced to perform, animals used in this show are kept at an unaccredited facility that leases animals for cruel circus acts.
Where They Keep the Animals for Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular
When they’re not on display, animals at Radio City Music Hall are stashed backstage like props, often deprived of everything that’s natural and important to them. Some of the animals in Christmas Spectacular are even reportedly confined to the basement when not performing, which can cause them distress.
Why the Show Is Cruel for Animals
Camels, sheep, and donkeys are gentle herd animals with strong social bonds. They’re naturally skittish and are easily scared by commotion, loud noises, and strange surroundings, which is exactly what the Christmas Spectacular exposes them to. With no chance to escape, they likely feel anxious and frightened.
Animals are not set pieces—they are living, feeling individuals. Camels greet their friends by gently blowing in their faces. Donkeys can recognize the faces of loved ones they haven’t seen in years. Sheep form close bonds with their fellow herd members and get stressed when they are separated. Exploiting these animals for “entertainment” isn’t festive—it’s cruel.
Let’s Make Radio City’s Christmas Show Merry and Kind!
Today, most Hollywood productions rely on special effects, like CGI, props, and animatronics, to create stunning, lifelike visuals that leave animals in peace. Hit New York shows like Broadway’s The Lion King use brilliant puppetry and creative tech to bring animal characters to life. The Christmas Spectacular features immensely talented human performers, and it has already embraced digital projections and drones—ditching live animals is the natural next step.
Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular has been running since 1933—it’s time for it to leave cruel live nativities in the past and delight audiences with only animal-free shows. Tell the company to truly celebrate the Christmas spirit by ending its use of animals:
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