2025 Holiday Program Schedule
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 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 Samin Nosrat, author of the blockbuster "Salt, Fat Acid, Heat" and her latest, "Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love"; Yossy Arefi, best-selling author of "Snacking Bakes"; Vivian Howard, chef and host of PBS's series "Kitchen Curious"; and Evan Kleiman, host of KCRW’s "Good Food" and beloved voice of public radio.
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.
SHADOW GLOW: THANKSGIVING WITH THE AMERICAN SOUND
Thanksgiving Day 9:00 p.m.
This Thanksgiving enjoy an hour of music celebrating the special radiance of autumn and the richness of the holiday — music inspired by the uncanny fire of starlight, the hopeful warmth of luminaria, the lamps of gratitude we light within ourselves, even the golden glow of beloved Thanksgiving treats fresh from the oven. Michael Torke’s Appalachian-inspired Spoonbread is a scrumptious soundtrack for puttering in the kitchen, and Peter Boyer’s Radiance, the incandescent “Choose Something Like a Star” from Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, Michael Whalen’s nostalgic Shadows of October, Kenji Bunch’s contemplative Luminaria and Craig Hella Johnson’s affirming "The Song That I Came to Sing" fill the holiday with shimmering nuances of gratitude and hope.
SONGS OF THANKS with CANTUS
Friday, November 28, 10:00 a.m. AND Saturday, November 29, 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
CHRISTMAS WITH THE MOREHOUSE & SPELMAN GLEE CLUBS
Tuesday, December 2, 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.
WELCOME CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 3, 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.
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.
CAROLS, CUSTOMS and CANDLELIGHT: A CELTIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Thursday, December 4 9:00 p.m.
The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from places like Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and other Celtic nations. 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. Lots of well-known Christmas music comes from the Celtic tradition, and some very beautiful but lesser-known festive music.
A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 9, 9:00 p.m.
Grammy award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer is known as the “orchestra of voices” for its unparalleled range and abilities. This holiday season, the group brings its brand-new Christmas program including original arrangements of well-known tunes drawn from Classical, Jazz, and Popular traditions. They fluently weave between diverse musical styles to create an evening of wonder and joy.
A SPECIAL THISTLE & SHAMROCK CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 9, 9:00 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.
AN AFRO BLUE CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 10, 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 composition, music perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris.
ACCESS UTAH HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Thursday, December 11, 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 11, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Christmas Revels is a musical celebration of the Winter holidays — Advent, the Solstice, Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, New Year’s, and Twelfth Night/Epiphany — featuring traditional carols, wassails, pub songs, hymns, spirituals, children’s singing games, and folk dance-tunes excerpted from live Christmas and Midwinter Revels stage productions presented around the country.
CHRISTMAS IN MONTPELIER with ROSS PETERSON
Monday, December 15, 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 16, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 17, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 18, 9:00 a.m.
(also the series will run in its entirety on Christmas Day, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.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 15, 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 16, 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 17, 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 18, 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 15, 7:00 p.m.
Episodes 3-4 Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.
Episodes 5-6 Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
Episodes 7-8 Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
(also the series will run in its entirety on Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 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.
WINTERSONGS
Tuesday, December 16, 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 17, 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 18, 9:00 p.m.
NPR Music’s Alt.Latino presents an encore featuring songwriter/performer Gaby Moreno and her band performing tracks from her popular holiday album Posada - recorded live at the KUT studios in Austin, Texas. She was joined by special guests Gina Chavez and Chicano Zen bandleader and record producer Michael Ramos. Hosted by Felix Contreras.
JAZZ TIME WITH STEVE WILLIAMS - CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Sunday, December 21, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Jazz Time with Steve Williams features live performances, interviews, commentary, history, 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 PAUL WINTER SOLSTICE
Monday, December 22, 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.
This year, Solstice Live! warms up the longest night of the year with a taste of the tropics. This one-hour Winter Solstice special brings a starry array of Brazilian guests, including Ivan Lins, Renato Braz, and Luciana Souza, with the Paul Winter Consort at the annual solstice concerts in New York’s Cathedral of St John the Divine. John Schaefer hosts.
A CHORAL CHRISTMAS WITH STILE ANTICO
Monday, December 22, 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.
A SPECIAL THISTLE & SHAMROCK CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 23, 9:00 a.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
Tuesday, December 23, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
(also Christmas Day 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
UPR staff members present an eclectic mix of holiday music and memories.
JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 23, 9:00 p.m.
This year we present a very special ‘Best Of’ program, featuring some of our favorite jazz-infused piano renditions of the season’s most-loved music. Veteran host and jazz critic Felix Contreras will hand pick his favorite performances from the rich catalog of cherished Jazz Piano Christmas concerts.
A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
Wednesday, December 24, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
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.
JONATHAN WINTERS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Wednesday, December 24, 6:00 p.m.
(also Christmas Day at 8:00 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.
HANDEL'S MESSIAH from UPR
Wednesday, 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
Wednesday, December 24, 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
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.
JONATHAN WINTERS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Christmas Day, 8:00 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.
CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES Marathon
Christmas Day, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 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.
ACCESS UTAH HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Christmas Day, 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.
CHRISTMAS IN MONTPELIER Marathon
Christmas Day, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.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.
A UPR CHRISTMAS
Christmas Day, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
UPR staff members present an eclectic mix of holiday music and memories.
WINTERSONGS
Christmas Day, 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.
ALL SONGS CONSIDERED HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
Christmas Day, 9:00 p.m.
Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson set off on another adventure in their annual attempt to throw a holiday party for the ages. This year, we’ve got a very tolerable mix of songs for the season and, as always, some very special guests.
JOY TO THE WORLD - A HOLIDAY IN PINK
Monday, December 29, 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.
2025 REMEMBERED from THE CURRENT
Tuesday, December 30, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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.
THE SOUND OF CINAMMON
Tuesday, December 30, 9:00 p.m.
What does hygge mean to you? Maybe it means friendship, laughter, or more concrete things like warmth, light, seasonal food and drink. It might make you think of sitting by the fire on a cold winter night, wearing your favorite oversized sweater, reading a book, and sipping cinnamon tea. In the special program, "The Sound of Cinnamon," Jake Armerding invites you to experience coziness and contentment with a hygge soundtrack perfect for finding your favorite pair of slippers and putting your feet up.
THE BIG TINY DESK HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Wednesday, December 31, 8:00 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
CANDLES BURNING BRIGHTLY
Monday, December 15, 11:00 a.m. AND 9:00 p.m.
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.
HANUKKAH LIGHTS
Friday, December 19, 10:00 a.m.
AND
Saturday, December 20, 3:00 p.m.
This NPR favorite returns with new stories plus gems from the archive. Hosted by Murray Horwitz with a special tribute to our beloved Susan Stamberg.
KWANZAA
A SEASON’S GRIOT
Monday, December 29, 9:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by the late beloved storyteller, Madafo Lloyd Wilson, A Season's Griot is an annual one-hour special that 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 28, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Jazz Time with Steve Williams features live performances, interviews, commentary, history, 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.
TOAST OF THE NATION
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 9:00 p.m. to Thursday, January 1, 2026, 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. Hosted by Christian McBride.
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 Yannick Nezet-Seguim in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. Hosted by WBUR's Lisa Mullins.