2024 Holiday Program Schedule

Join Utah Public Radio for celebrations of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Day.

Holiday cookies with green frosting in a room with red colors in the background and warm lighting.

THANKSGIVING

HORN OF PLENTY: A FEAST OF MUSIC FOR THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Day 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.

Paul Winter and friends celebrate the family of life and our planet home in this NPR Music seasonal special. Winter’s sax and Consort offer a song of gratitude for the land, the sea, and the air -- from Grand Canyon to Ukraine, with some works recorded on location. Audience favorites like "Sun Singer" and "Icarus" herald the grand musical embrace of "And the Earth Spins".

THE SPLENDID TABLE’S TURKEY CONFIDENTIAL
Thanksgiving Day 10:00 a.m. to noon

Turkey Confidential is The Splendid Table’s annual Thanksgiving show. Francis Lam takes calls and comes to the rescue of Thanksgiving cooks, kitchen helpers, and dinner guests during the biggest cooking day of the year. This year's guests include Paola Velez author of the forthcoming Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store, Joe Yonan author of Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking, Texan chef of Roots Chicken Shack in Dallas, Tiffany Derry, and James Beard award-winning author and cooking teacher, Andrea Nguyen.

EVERY GOOD THING
Thanksgiving Day 8:00 p.m.

On Thanksgiving, join Andrea Blain as she takes some time to give thanks and celebrate one of life's most meaningful gifts: music. It's "Every Good Thing" — an hour of stories and music to celebrate Thanksgiving.

THIS LAND: THANKSGIVING WITH THE AMERICAN SOUND
Thanksgiving Day 9:00 p.m.

This land, the physical land called the United States of America, is home to people of a wide range of ethnicities, cultures, races, creeds and genders. This Thanksgiving Day, join host Jennifer Hambrick for a musical celebration of the diversity of this land – the varied natural topographies and biospheres, and the many communities that make this land exceptionally rich.

SONGS OF THANKS
Friday, November 29, 10:00 a.m. AND Saturday, November 30, 3:00 p.m.

Songs of Thanks is an innovative new production by Cantus. Through their signature narrative programming, the acclaimed octet will weave together stories and songs celebrating gratitude and community. Don't miss this special broadcast, designed to uplift the human spirit and honor the season.

CHRISTMAS / WINTER SEASON

WELCOME CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 2, 9:00 p.m.

Welcome Christmas is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles, conducted by Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz. Join host Bonnie North for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including including the world premiere of three beloved Latvian carols by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.

CAROLS AS HOME with THE IMANI WINDS
Tuesday, December 3, 9:00 p.m.

Carols as Home features a modern take on classic Christmas carols, hosted by Imani Winds founding oboist, Toyin Spellman-Diaz. Toyin coaxes intimate stories of Christmas memories from the members of the ensemble, and why these classic carols are still essential today.

ALL IS BRIGHT - CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 4 9:00 p.m.

All Is Bright, with host Lynne Warfel, offers an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.

CAROLS, CUSTOMS and CANDLELIGHT: A CELTIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Thursday, December 5, 9:00 p.m.

Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals. The music features classical ensembles and soloists like Apollo’s Fire and Bryn Terfel, as well as traditional instruments like harp, fiddle and mandolin.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE MOREHOUSE & SPELMAN GLEE CLUBS
Monday, December 9, 9:00 p.m.

One of the great holiday traditions in America, the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges -- two of the most prestigious historically black institutions in the nation -- get together to present a spine-tingling concert program. This encore presentation features the best works of the last several years. It's a joyous celebration of the schools' tradition of singing excellence, with their trademark mixture of spirituals and carols. Korva Coleman hosts.

A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 10, 9:00 p.m.

The beloved, Grammy-winning men’s chorus brings its “rich, intricately blended sound” (The Washington Post) to its signature holiday celebration. The centuries-spanning program ranges from Renaissance masterworks to roof-raising spirituals.

AN AFRO BLUE CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 11, 9:00 p.m.

Join us for a very special holiday concert with Howard University's premier vocal ensemble Afro Blue and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Hear the a-cappella group perform a variety of holiday songs including African-American spirituals, jazz and pop tunes, and classical repertoire. The joyous celebration includes one of a kind arrangements of traditional holiday songs plus new compositions…music perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris.

ACCESS UTAH HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Thursday, December 12, 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.
(also Christmas Day at 1:00 p.m.)

Join us for great music and funny and heartwarming stories for the holidays. Guitarist Mike Christiansen will play music for the holidays and playwright Tim Slover, author of The Christmas Chronicles, will present readings for the season.

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: IN CELEBRATION OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE
Thursday, December 12, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The Christmas Revels is a musical celebration of the Winter holidays -- Christmas, the Solstice, Jonkonnu, New Year’s and Twelfth Night/Epiphany -- featuring traditional carols, wassails, hymns, spirituals, children’s game-songs, and folk dance-tunes excerpted from live Christmas Revels stage productions presented around the country.

CHRISTMAS IN MONTPELIER with ROSS PETERSON

Monday, December 16, 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, December 17, 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, December 18, 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, December 19, 9:00 a.m.

Ross Peterson, who taught for many years at Utah State University, is among the most beloved American history teachers ever to step inside a college classroom. Several generations of students have voted him their favorite instructor, and a fair number became teachers themselves, some with Ross's photo on an office wall. In this series Ross Peterson reads several selections from his book Christmas in Montpelier, offering a beguiling look into his early life, where his wry humor, work ethic, and kindness were honed. Christmases come to life as he grows from a small boy in a hardscrabble farmhouse with no running water inside and a two-hole privy outside, to one of the nation's most honored educators.

TINSEL TALES

Tinsel Tales 4 Monday, December 16, 10:00 a.m.

NPR revisits interviews with musicians about their Christmas albums.Some, like Katie Melua and Sting, celebrate tradition and winter mystery in their Christmas songs. Others, like Kenny Rogers and Amy Grant, find spirituality and stability in holiday music. Jon Batiste and Anthony Hamilton bring new energy to old favorites on their Christmas albums. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

Tinsel Tales 3 Tuesday, December 17, 10:00 a.m.

In keeping with a well-loved NPR holiday tradition, hear the third collection of extraordinary Christmas stories that will transport you to unexpected places. Audie Cornish, Ken Harbaugh, Nina Totenberg and other voices from NPR's past and present tell stories of the season. Some tales are funny; some are touching; some are insightful or irreverent or nostalgic or surprising. You might recognize them from our broadcast archives — or you might fall in love with them for the first time. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

Tinsel Tales 2 Wednesday, December 18, 10:00 a.m.

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.

Tinsel Tales Thursday, December 19, 10:00 a.m.

This program features 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.

CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES
Episodes 1-2 Monday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.
Episodes 3-4 Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
Episodes 5-6 Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
Episodes 7-8 Thursday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.
(also the series will run in its entirety on Christmas Day 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

A snowy December evening in the Rockies. A car stuck off the side of the road. A sleigh flashing past chased by something terrible and bleak. These are the curious events that lead to an astounding discovery—the true and complete story of the man the world has come to know as Santa Claus. “The Christmas Chronicles” is a radio drama (8 half-hour episodes) about Klaus, the carpenter; Anna, the racer; a greathearted reindeer, Dasher; and the malevolent Rolf Eckhof. The series originated in accounts of the astonishing life and activities of Santa, recalled and told by the author, Tim Slover, to his children over the years. It all started with a strictly scientific answer to a child’s classic question: “How does Santa deliver all those toys all over the world in just one night?” That’s the query that unlocked the grand adventure to keep the magic in and the cynicism of the world at bay. Slover is the author of “Joyful Noise” and “Hancock County.” He teaches dramatic literature and script analysis at the University of Utah and directs the playwriting and London study abroad programs for the university’s Department of Theatre.

A CHORAL CHRISTMAS WITH STILE ANTICO
Monday, December 16, 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate Christmas with the sound of soaring voices. Stile Antico, the award-winning choir from London, pays a visit to St. Paul’s church on Harvard Square for a concert of radiant sacred music for the Christmas season by the most acclaimed composers of the renaissance. Hear the group’s luminous blend of voices sing the intricately woven music of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. Hosted by Cathy Fuller of WGBH.

WINTERSONGS
Tuesday, December 17, 9:00 p.m.
(also Christmas Day at 8:00 p.m.)

Wintersongs is an annual Cache Valley tradition. The combined forces of the USU Music Department, under the direction of USU Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Cory Evans, perform music for the season in acoustically-rich St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park. Hosted by UPR’s Kirsten Swanson and Dr. Cory Evans.

IN WINTER’S GLOW
Wednesday, December 18, 9:00 p.m.

A winter solstice program, with modern classical sounds for the longest night of the year, chosen especially to compliment the chilly, starry nights of the season.

FESTIVO ALT.LATINO
Thursday, December 19, 9:00 p.m.

NPR Music's Alt.Latino presents the 2014 edition of Festivo Alt.Latino -- a special holiday concert featuring the 20 piece choral ensemble Choral Cantigas. This musical performance also includes stories about holiday traditions and cultures. Hear a traditional Peruvian Christmas carol, folk music from Brazil, Spain, and Mexico plus Parrandas from Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The many rich styles of Latino choral music will unite listeners through the joyful and trans-formative power of music. Hosted by Felix Contreras.

THREE TALES OF CHRISTMAS with CANTUS
Friday, December 20, 10:00 a.m. AND Saturday, December 21, 3:00 p.m.

In Christmas with Cantus, Cantus weaves together three holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics. Blending narration and song, the program features Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Christine Lê’s The Hawai’i Snowman, alongside Mark Twain’s “A Letter from Santa Claus,” offering an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season.

JAZZ TIME WITH STEVE WILLIAMS - CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Sunday, December 22, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Jazz Time with Steve Williams features live performances, interviews, commentary, history, a local jazz calendar of events, and of course music – curated by legendary radio host Steve Williams. From ragtime to bop, from Havana to Paris to Salt Lake City, from Billie Holiday to Joe Lovano, Steve is your guide through the many varieties of jazz music – past and present. Steve Williams has a lifelong love of jazz. His father was a horn player in New York, performing with American jazz legends Charlie Parker, Gene Krupa and Joe Venuti, among others. Williams is a champion of the jazz scene in Utah and a legend in his own right – having interviewed the likes of Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Lionel Hampton, and emceeing jazz festivals around the United States.

A SPECIAL THISTLE & SHAMROCK CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 23, 9:00 a.m.
(also Christmas Day at 7:00 p.m.)

Join Fiona Ritchie for a winter walk along the banks of the River Tay in Scotland, accompanied by music from the Celtic Christmas repertoire. Among restored riverside woodlands, Fiona finds her favorite bench, and sits there to reflect upon the scenes of midwinter. The location inspires seasonal tales, joyful songs, and tunes of rare beauty, with guitarist Tim Edey, singer Emily Smith, and more.

A UPR CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 23, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(also Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

UPR staff members present an eclectic mix of holiday music and memories.

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
Tuesday, December 24, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a live, world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service of Biblical readings, carols, and related seasonal Classical music. This special is presented by one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys and performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue, the 500-year-old Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England.

JONATHAN WINTERS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Tuesday, December 24, 6:00 p.m.
(also Christmas Day at 9:00 a.m.)

Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Also featuring Mimi Kennedy. Hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg.

HANDEL'S MESSIAH from UPR
Tuesday, December 24 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

An annual UPR tradition: On Christmas Eve we present a masterful performance of Handel’s great oratorio led by Trevor Pinnock with The English Concert and Choir and soloists Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook and John Tomlinson. This special program features insightful and poignant commentary from Craig Jessop, former Music Director of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and current Music Director of the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra. Hosted by UPR’s Tom Williams.

ST. OLAF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Tuesday, December 24, 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

For one and a half centuries, St. Olaf has been a hub of connections, knowledge, and growth. And for more than a century, the St. Olaf Christmas festival has been a cherished part of that history. Join us as we celebrate their legacy.

JONATHAN WINTERS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Christmas Day 9:00 a.m.

A UPR CHRISTMAS
Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

UPR staff members present an eclectic mix of holiday music and memories.

ACCESS UTAH HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Christmas Day 1:00 p.m.

JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS
Christmas Day 6:00 p.m.

Your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual sell-out event featuring jazz-infused renditions of the season’s most-loved music. This year, we spotlight remarkable pianist, vocalist, and actress Melvis Santa—whose eclectic Afro-Cuban style has made her one of the most electrifying artists on the scene—in addition to internationally acclaimed Cuban composer and jazz pianist Alfredo Rodriguez. Hosted by Felix Contreras.

A SPECIAL THISTLE & SHAMROCK CHRISTMAS
Christmas Day 7:00 p.m.

WINTERSONGS
Christmas Day 8:00 p.m.

YOUR CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS FAVORITES
Christmas Day 9:00 p.m.

Join us this holiday season as we count down the top Christmas songs as voted by you in a new hour-long special.

ALL SONGS CONSIDERED FOR THE HOLIDAY
Thursday, December 26, 9:00 p.m.

Holiday favorites from All Songs Considered.

JOY TO THE WORLD - A HOLIDAY IN PINK
Monday, December 30, 9:00 p.m.

The internationally acclaimed “little orchestra" Pink Martini bedecks the airwaves with festive holiday songs from across the globe. From timeless classics to rarely heard gems, hear a multi-denominational, multi-cultural jubilee, overflowing with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family. Hosted by Ari Shapiro.

THE BIG TINY DESK HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Thursday, January 2, 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate the season with amazing holiday performances from NPR’s The Tiny Desk Concert series including Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Steve Martin, Hanson, The Polyphonic Spree and more! Hosted by NPR Music frenemies Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson.

HANUKKAH

HANUKKAH LIGHTS
Thursday, December 26, 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.

This NPR favorite returns with some of our favorite stories from the archives. We’ll hear “Gifts of the Last Night” by Rebecca Goldstein, “Hanukkah Gelt, Hanukkah Money” by Sholem Aleichem, “Gifts of the Jewish Magi” by Allegra Goodman, How to Spell the Name of God” by Ellen Orleans and “Geek Week by Rebecca O’Connell.

CANDLES BURNING BRIGHTLY
Friday, December 27, 10:00 a.m. AND Saturday, December 28, 3:00 p.m.

A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! There is lots of music from Jewish communities worldwide, a hilarious lesson on preparing a classic Hanukkah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home.

KWANZAA

A SEASON’S GRIOT
Monday, December 30, 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.

A Season's Griot is public radio's only nationally-syndicated Kwanzaa program. Hosted for more than 25 years by acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson, this annual special captures the tales and traditions of African American and African peoples.

NEW YEAR’S

JAZZ TIME WITH STEVE WILLIAMS - NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL
Sunday, December 29, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

TOAST OF THE NATION
Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 9:00 p.m. to Sunday, January 1, 2025, 4:00 a.m.

An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation is the perfect audio complement for the occasion. It's festive jazz you can party to, all night long.

NEW YEAR’S DAY FROM VIENNA
New Year’s Day 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The ever popular annual New Year’s Day Concert will be performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Riccardo Muti in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. Hosted by WBUR's Lisa Mullins.