For more than 30 years, WPR’s “The Larry Meiller Show” has invited kids and their families to call in and talk to Santa before Christmas. This year, kids can call, and anyone can tune in for the conversations with St. Nick and Larry at noon on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. This year’s visit carries a special meaning as Larry prepares for his retirement in June. Santa said he couldn’t let the season pass without joining his longtime friend on the air one more time.
Children can call 800-642-1234 during the program to speak with Santa. WPR will also relay email messages to Santa; they can write to talk@wpr.org with “Santa” in the subject line.
Santa has appeared on Larry’s program for more than three decades, making the annual December broadcast one of WPR’s most cherished holiday traditions. Although it’s his busiest month of the year, Santa said he always looks forward to being on the show with Larry.
“Talking with the kids of Wisconsin has been a joy for me all these years,” Santa said. “Larry has welcomed me like family, and every Christmas we get to share a little magic together. I couldn’t miss this final show with him and kids throughout the state.”
Larry says hosting the annual kids call-in show with Santa has been one of the greatest pleasures of his long career at WPR.
“It’s wonderful to hear the little kids and their mom or dad in the background who are helping them remember what they wanted to say,” he said. “I have always loved the innocence in the voices of the young children, who are awed to be talking with Santa. And it’s especially nice when they ask for gifts for others in the family, along with something for themselves. I’m so grateful Santa always found a way to drop in.”
In recent years, Santa has been joined by his elf Jingle, adding even more merriment to the broadcast. Jill Nadeau, executive producer of “The Larry Meiller Show,” says the entire team looks forward to the tradition each December.
“It’s an hour of pure joy,” she said. “Hearing Santa and Larry together — especially after so many years — is something we all treasure. This year will feel especially meaningful since it will be Larry’s last show with Santa.”
“The Larry Meiller Show” airs weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on WPR News stations statewide. It is also available live and on demand at wpr.org and on the WPR app. The Christmas Eve program begins with a look at favorite holiday movies at 11 a.m., followed by Santa’s arrival at 12 p.m. to take phone calls from kids.
Santa’s Christmas Eve visit to “The Larry Meiller Show” is part of WPR and PBS Wisconsin’s schedule of special seasonal programs, including beautiful music, engaging conversation and entertaining videos throughout the month. A full list of special WPR and PBS Wisconsin holiday programs is at wpr.org/holidays.
