Now through the New Year, Wisconsin Public Radio is your home for seasonal music, entertainment and talk. Find our schedule of special programs below.
NPR News & Music
DECEMBER 2023
Sunday 3
1 p.m. Wisconsin Classical: Carols with the Eau Claire Master Singers — Lori Skelton hosts a new program of carols recorded during group’s 2022 Festival of Lessons and Carols.
Sunday 10
1 p.m. Wisconsin Classical: Carols with the Eau Claire Master Singers — Lori Skelton hosts this rebroadcast of music from the group’s 2021 Festival of Lessons and Carols.
3 p.m. Hannukah Lights 2023 — This NPR favorite returns with stories for Hannukah. Hosted by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.
Sunday 17
1 p.m. Wisconsin Classical: Carols with the Eau Claire Master Singers — Lori Skelton hosts this rebroadcast of music from the group’s 2019 Festival of Lessons and Carols.
5 p.m. Simply Folk — Music for Solstice, Christmas and other midwinter celebrations.
Sunday 24
9 a.m. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols — Broadcast live from the chapel of King’s College in Cambridge, England and heard by millions around the world, featuring the Choir of King’s College. Members of the college, choir and community provide the readings.
11 a.m. Christmas at Luther College — Recorded live earlier this month at Luther College in Decorah, IA, this program features highlights from their annual program of Christmas music. Hosted by WPR La Crosse Regional Manager Ezra Wall.
Monday 25
9 a.m. Holiday Favorites from WPR — Stephanie Elkins plays music from WPR’s extensive collection of holiday recordings.
12 p.m. Christmas with the Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs — One of the great holiday traditions in America, the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges present a program of carols and spirituals. Hosted by Korva Coleman.
1 p.m. Wisconsin Classical: Carols with the Eau Claire Master Singers — Lori Skelton hosts a new program of carols recorded during group’s 2022 Festival of Lessons and Carols.
2 p.m. Christmas at Luther College — Recorded live earlier this month at Luther College in Decorah, IA, this program features highlights from their annual program of Christmas music. Hosted by WPR La Crosse Regional Manager Ezra Wall (rebroadcast from Dec. 24.)
3 p.m. A Christmas Carol — An updated version of a public radio tradition, hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg. Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, using a performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Also featuring Mimi Kennedy.
Sunday 31
12 p.m. Wisconsin Classical: “Carmina Burana” performed by the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Chorus — Lori Skelton hosts this 2-hour broadcast, recorded at Madison’s Overture Hall. The program includes an interview with conductor John DeMain.
2 p.m. Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Concerts — Enjoy music from this year’s student honors concerts, featuring middle and high school bands and choirs made up of students from around the state.
5 p.m. Simply Folk — New Year's Special
JANUARY 2024
Monday 1
10 a.m. New Year’s 2023 Concert from Vienna — The popular annual New Year’s Day Concert features the Vienna Philharmonic. Tune in for a festive program of waltzes, marches, and polkas.
The Ideas Network
DECEMBER 2023
Friday 1
11 a.m. The Larry Meiller Show — Gift Ideas for Gardeners
Tuesday 19
11 a.m. The Larry Meiller Show — Annual holiday music show
Friday 22
11 a.m. The Larry Meiller Show — Santa Claus takes kids’ calls
Sunday 24
2 p.m. Chapter A Day — A Children's Winter Holiday Special
3 p.m. Tinsel Tales: NPR Christmas Favorites
8 p.m. Tinsel Tales 2: More NPR Christmas Favorites
9 p.m. Tinsel Tales 3: Even More NPR Christmas Favorites
Monday 25
12:30 p.m. Chapter A Day — A Children's Winter Holiday Special
6 p.m. Tinsel Tales 4: NPR Christmas Stories Told Through Song
Tuesday 26
12:30 p.m. Chapter A Day — A Children's Winter Holiday Special Part 2
Wednesday 27 through 29
12:30 p.m. Chapter A Day — "Christmas at Thompson Hall"
In addition to these great seasonal programs on WPR, tune in for more magical holiday shows on PBS Wisconsin.