This holiday season, we've created a full schedule of specials to add to your joyous holiday!
Candles Burning Brightly - December 15th, 10am
A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! Lots of music from Jewish communities around the world, plus a hilarious lesson on how to prepare a classic Chanukah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home
Hannukah Lights 2025 - December 19th, 1pm
This NPR favorite returns with new stories plus gems from the archive. Hosted by Murray Horwitz with the late Susan Stamberg.
Music from High Cotton: The Good Grief Trio - December 23rd and 25th - 9pm
A beloved annual holiday tradition that originated in Athens 9 years ago, The Good Grief Trio covers Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. Featuring Greg Hankins on Piano, Luca Lombardi on bass, and Seth Hendershot on drums, the performance was recorded live at High Cotton Music Hall on December 12th, 2024.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols - December 24th, 10am
Since 1918, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has offered listeners an opportunity to share in a live, worldwide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service of biblical readings, carols and related seasonal classical music. This special event is presented by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys, and performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue, the college’s 500-year-old chapel.
Tinsel Tales: NPR Holiday Favorites - December 24th, Noon
Stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas. David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk -- these and other NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.
Holiday Jazz with Dee Alexander! - December 24th, 9pm
With support from emcee and Chicago radio luminary Richard Steele and longtime collaborators pianist Miguel de la Cerna, bassist Junius Paul, and drummer Yussef Ernie Adams, the beloved Chicago vocalist and WFMT Radio Network Jazz Network host Dee Alexander entertains and enchants with songs and reminiscences of holidays past
St. Olaf Christmas Festival - December 25th, 10am
A service in song and word that has become one of the nation’s most cherished holiday celebrations. The festival includes hymns, carols, choral works, as well as orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity and featuring more than 500 student musicians in five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.
Tinsel Tales 2: More NPR Holiday Favorites - December 25th, Noon
NPR fills millions of homes each holiday with humor, warmth, and a host of festive voices. Continuing with the tradition of the first Tinsel Tales program, this is another collection of the best and most requested holiday stories. Joy, hope, and childhood memories overflow as NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.
The Sounds of Kwanzaa - December 26th, 1pm
In this broadcast, host Garrett McQueen offers a background on the history of Kwanzaa and its guiding principles, alongside musical selections that highlight the spirit of the celebration. The show features the compositions of Florence Price, Duke Ellington, Sean O’Loughlin, and special performances by Imani Winds.
2025 Remembered from the Current - December 31st, 9pm
Join The Current in honoring the life, music, and legacy of artists we lost this year with 2025 Remembered from The Current. This two-hour musical tribute is a celebration of all sounds - from indie to influential - and the perfect way for music lovers to unite in paying homage to the artists who have shaped music history.
Toast of the Nation - December 31st, 11pm
An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation features festive jazz to help you ring in the new year. Hosted by Christian McBride.
