SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
8PM: Hanukkah Lights 2025
This annual special of stories from NPR’s archives takes on added significance this year with the passing of NPR’s beloved Susan Stamberg, longtime co-host of Hanukkah Lights. This special tribute will feature some of Susan’s many classic performances that moved listeners, made them laugh, and still hold much meaning today. From NPR, hosted by Murray Horwitz.
9PM: Chanukah Memories and Melodies
Six artists share memories of Chanukah and its music – from soothing to surprising, from reverent to rowdy. With Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh, social entrepreneur Aaron Dworkin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, Sephardic music virtuoso Daphna Mor, conductor Eric Jacobsen, and Yiddish music maven Henry Sapoznik. From WQXR, hosted by Elliott Forrest.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
7PM: Selected Shorts – What You Wish For
Christmas stories in three moods—satirical, fantastical, and nostalgic: “A Visit from Saint Nicholas (In the Ernest Hemingway Manner)” by James Thurber, performed by James Naughton; “O’Brien’s First Christmas” by Jeanette Winterson, performed by Jayne Atkinson; and “One Christmas” by Truman Capote, performed by John Shea. From American Public Media, hosted by Meg Wolitzer.
8PM: Jazz Piano Christmas
This year, the annual concert of jazz-infused renditions of seasonal music celebrates 25 years. Hear moving reflections on the holiday from throughout those years, featuring performances by Hank Jones, Jason Moran, Alfredo Rodriguez, Geri Allen, and Billy Taylor. From NPR, hosted by Felix Contreras.
9PM: A Chanticleer Christmas
The renowned men’s vocal ensemble, Chanticleer, performs carols and songs ranging from the English Renaissance to today, in both classic and contemporary styles. From WQXR, hosted by Jeff Spurgeon.
10PM: In Winter’s Glow
Enjoy this winter solstice special on solstice night! Featuring modern classical sounds for the longest night of the year, chosen especially to complement a chilly, starry winter’s night. From American Public Media, hosted by Steve Seel.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
6PM: Cineplexity
A special featuring the best movie conversations the team at All Things Considered and NPR’s Culture Desk had over the past year. NPR’s film lovers explore themes like how to get time travel right in movies, what draws so many men to Nora Ephron films and why we all seem to love movies about the movies. Hosted by Scott Detrow.
7PM: The Retro Cocktail Hour Annual Christmas Show
Two hours of hip-shaking, tiki-drink-stirring holiday tunes that will look great under your pink-and-white Christmas tree! From Kansas Public Radio, hosted by Darrell Brogdon.
9PM: The Magic of Joe Hisaishi
Studio Ghibli’s animated films have enchanted global audiences for more than 40 years, and Joe Hisaishi’s unforgettable soundtracks are a key part of their magic. Learn his story, hear his music, and celebrate the legacy (and 75th birthday!) of this legendary composer. Hosted by Akshaj Turebylu, from American Public Media.
10PM: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Recorded at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, England, this service has been a Christmas Eve tradition for more than a century, and now it’s a Radio Catskill tradition, too. Featuring biblical readings, a cappella and organ-accompanied anthems, hymns, carols, and related seasonal music. From American Public Media, hosted by Michael Barone.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
MIDNIGHT: Handel’s Messiah from Trinity Wall Street
Handel’s Messiah was first performed at Trinity Wall Street in 1770, and its presentation there is still a New York City tradition. In this special three-hour broadcast, renowned conductor Andrew Megill leads the Choir of Trinity Wall Street and Trinity Baroque Orchestra in what The New York Times calls “the best Messiah in New York.” Hosted by WQXR’s Jeff Spurgeon.
10AM: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols (Encore)
The Christmas Morning rebroadcast of the traditional Christmas Eve service Recorded at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, England.
NOON – 4PM: Tinsel Tales – NPR Christmas Favorites
Enjoy an afternoon of storytelling with four hours of tales from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas. David Sedaris, Bailey White, and John Henry Faulk tell stories of the season along with many other NPR voices past and present. Hosted by Lynn Neary.
6PM: Beyond the Headlines
NPR Correspondents go “beyond the headlines” to explore the craft of reporting stories. Reporters open their notebooks and share how they find stories and bring them to listeners. Whether riding a migrant train across Mexico, trying to get Elon Musk’s attention, or covering the Sean Combs trial, these are the year’s best conversations with NPR reporters. Hosted by Scott Detrow.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
7PM: Retro Cocktail Hour New Year’s Special
The best show on public radio for a New Year’s Eve soiree has to be the one that already has “cocktail” in the name! Two hours of hip-shaking, drink-stirring New Year’s fun From Kansas Public Radio, hosted by Darrell Brogdon.
9PM: NPR’s Toast of the Nation
An NPR tradition every New Year’s Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation is a four hour festive jazz party! Hosted by Christian McBride.