Whether you’re gathering with family, traveling across Wisconsin, or enjoying a quiet moment at home, WPR and PBS Wisconsin offer a warm companion throughout the holidays.
PBS Wisconsin’s festive December broadcast schedule gives you lots to tune in for. But If you need a little holiday cheer early you can read about —and start watching—a curated selection of programs on demand right now.
Below you’ll find WPR’s lineup of holiday music programs—filled with tradition, joy, and Wisconsin talent. We hope these shows add a little extra light to your celebrations. Join us for a season of comforting favorites and a few new delights.
WPR Music Special Programs
Saturday, Dec. 13
Candles Burning Brightly – 4 p.m. (1 hour)
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with this program of music, stories, and recipes for Hanukkah.
Saturday, Dec. 20
The Road to Higher Ground with Jonathan Øverby – 5 p.m. (4 hours)
Jonathan Øverby celebrates the holidays and the Winter Solstice with an inspiring mix of world music.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Christmas with the Eau Claire Master Singers – Noon (2 hours) repeated 12/24 at 11 a.m. and 12/25 at 1 p.m.
For more than three decades, the Eau Claire Master Singers have brought great artistic commitment to their performances—especially in their annual “Lessons and Carols” concerts, which often feature newly commissioned works. Enjoy highlights from past programs, under the direction of Dr. Frank A. Watkins, Dr. Gary R. Schwartzhoff, and Rebecca Santine. Hosted by Lori Skelton.
Simply Folk – 5 p.m. (4 hours)
A musical celebration of the holidays and the Winter Solstice.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Welcome Christmas – 7 a.m.(1 hour)
The ensemble VocalEssence presents an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.
Christmas at Luther College – 8 a.m. (1 hour) repeated 12/25 at 3 p.m.
Hosted by WPR’s La Crosse Station Manager Ezra Wall, this special recorded in December 2025 features Luther’s choral ensembles, symphony orchestra, and percussion ensemble performing selections for Advent and Christmas.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols – 9 a.m. (2 hours) repeated 12/25 at 4 p.m.
Broadcast live around the world, this beloved tradition features the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.
Christmas with the Eau Claire Master Singers – 11 a.m. (2 hours) repeated 12/25 at 1 p.m.
For more than three decades, the Eau Claire Master Singers have brought great artistic commitment to their performances—especially in their annual “Lessons and Carols” concerts, which often feature newly commissioned works. Enjoy highlights from past programs, under the direction of Dr. Frank A. Watkins, Dr. Gary R. Schwartzhoff, and Rebecca Santine. Hosted by Lori Skelton.
A Choral Christmas with Stile Antico – 1 p.m. and repeated 12/25 at 6 p.m. Celebrate Christmas with radiant Renaissance music performed by this acclaimed choir, including works by William Byrd and Thomas Tallis.
A Chanticleer Christmas – 2 p.m., repeated 12/25 at 10 a.m. (1 hour)
The Grammy-winning men’s chorus performs a centuries-spanning program from Renaissance works to roof-raising spirituals.
Christmas with the Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs – 3 p.m., repeated 12/25 at 11 a.m. (1 hour)
A joyful mix of spirituals and carols from the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival 2024 – 4 p.m. (2 hours)
Highlights from the long-running and much-loved Christmas concerts at St. Olaf College.
Jonathan Winters’ A Christmas Carol– 6 p.m. (1 hour)
An updated version of a public radio favorite. Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of this classic story, using a performing edition that author Charles Dickens prepared for his own readings.
And don’t miss:
The Larry Meiller Show – Welcoming Santa Back to WPR! – Noon on WPR News
Larry continues a cherished tradition as he welcomes Santa back for a special midday visit, and to take calls from Wisconsin’s kids.
Thursday, Dec. 25
Holiday Favorites from WPR – 7 a.m. (3 hours)
Stephanie Elkins presents a festive mix of music drawn from WPR’s extensive collection of holiday music recordings.
Christmas with the Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs – 11 a.m. (1 hour)
A joyful mix of spirituals and carols from the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges.
Welcome Christmas – Noon (1 hour)
VocalEssence presents an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.
Christmas with the Eau Claire Master Singers – 1 p.m. (2 hours)
A second chance to enjoy highlights from their “Lessons and Carols” concerts. Hosted by Lori Skelton.
Christmas at Luther College – 3 p.m. (1 hour)
Another opportunity to enjoy Luther’s choirs and ensembles performing holiday selections, hosted by WPR’s Ezra Wall.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols – 4 p.m. (2 hours)
A rebroadcast of this annual favorite, this beloved tradition features the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.
A Choral Christmas with Stile Antico – 6 p.m. (1 hour) Celebrate Christmas with radiant Renaissance music performed by this acclaimed choir, including works by William Byrd and Thomas Tallis.
Sunday, Dec. 28
Wisconsin School Music Association Honor Concerts – 2 p.m. (2 hours)
Celebrate outstanding Middle and High School musicians from across Wisconsin, recorded in October 2025.
Thursday, Jan. 1
New Year’s Day from Vienna 2025 – 10 a.m., repeated at 5 p.m. (2 hours)
Ring in the new year with this world-famous concert featuring waltzes, marches, and polkas performed by the Vienna Philharmonic.
