2025 Holiday Programs NPR 89.1
CANDLES BURNING BRIGHTLY (airs 6PM on Sunday 12/14 on KUAZ)
Celebrate Chanukah during “Candles Burning Brightly” at 6PM on Sunday, December 14th on NPR 89.1. Listen to hear a delightful hour celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights, with music from Jewish communities around the world, plus a humorous lesson on how to prepare a classic Chanukah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home. Listen for “Candles Burning Brightly” at 6PM on Sunday, December 14th on NPR 89.1.
HANUKKAH LIGHTS 2025 (airs 7PM on Sunday 12/21 on KUAZ)
Celebrate Chanukah with an NPR favorite: “Hanukkah Lights” Sunday, December 21st at 7PM on NPR 89.1. Hosted by Murray Horwitz and featuring gems from the archive and a special tribute to Susan Stamberg who passed away just a couple of months ago. Join us for “Hanukkah Lights” Sunday, December 21st at 7pm on NPR 89.1.
1-A HOLIDAY SPECIAL: FOOD, RECIPES AND HOSTING (airs at 10AM on Wed 12/24 on KUAZ)
With the holidays come dinner parties, potlucks, family gatherings and visits with friends. Some love hosting, while others dread it and just want to be a good guest. Join NPR 89.1 on Wednesday, December 24th as Jenn White sits down at the proverbial 1A dinner table with authors and TV Hosts: Samin Nosrat, Jake Cohen and Casey Elsass. They’ll discuss how to bring more joy into the process; what recipes work when cooking for a crowd and how to get an invite back for next year. Listen for the 1-A Holiday Special, at 10AM on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
CHRISTMAS STORIES FROM WITH GOOD REASON (at 3PM on Wed 12/24 on NPR 89.1)
Join NPR 89.1 for “Christmas Stories from With Good Reason” at 3PM on Wednesday, December 24th on NPR 89.1. From early classics like A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and The Gift of the Magi to new traditions like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, holiday stories shape our experiences. Look under the surface of enduring Christmas stories to discover how those tales are shared today during “Christmas Stories from With Good Reason” at 3PM on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
SELECTED SHORTS: WHAT YOU WISH FOR (airs at 6PM on Wed 12/24 on KUAZ)
Join NPR 89.1 for holiday stories during “Selected Shorts – What You Wish For” at 6PM on Wednesday, December 24th. Host Meg Wolitzer presents three Christmas stories ranging from nostalgic to satirical including: “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. Listen for “Selected Shorts – What You Wish For” at 6PM on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL WITH JONATHAN WINTERS (at 9PM on Wed 12/24 on KUAZ)
Join NPR 89.1 for an encore presentation of “A Christmas Carol with Jonathan Winters,” at 9PM on Wednesday, December 24th. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Featuring Mimi Kennedy as Bell. Listen for “A Christmas Carol with Jonathan Winters,” a public radio tradition from NPR and KCRW at 9PM on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
A JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS – (at 10PM on Wed 12/24 KUAZ)
Hear jazz infused renditions of favorite holiday classics during “A Jazz Piano Christmas” at 10PM on Wednesday, December 24th on NPR 89.1. The annual sell-out event features the season’s most-loved tunes performed by pianists Kris Davis and Jahari Stampley, and Cuban sensation Roberto Fonseca. A Jazz Piano Christmas Presented by The Kennedy Center and NPR, at 10PM on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
VINCE GUARALDI’S CHRISTMAS GIFT TO JAZZ WITH JANA LEE ROSS (at 11PM on Wednesday 12/24 on KUAZ)
Celebrate the holidays with “Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas Gift to Jazz” at 11PM on Wednesday, December 24th on NPR 89.1. Host Jana Lee Ross presents a special filled with warm-hearted holiday classics that will bring the family together including: “Skating,” “Linus and Lucy,” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” Plus, explore interpretations of Vince Guaraldi’s tunes by Cyrus Chestnut, Dianne Reeves and David Benoit and hear from Vince Guaraldi himself during “Vince Guaraldi‘s Christmas Gift to Jazz” at 11PM on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
TINSEL TALES 3 - (airs at 9AM on Thurs 12/25 on KUAZ)
Hear extraordinary Christmas stories that transport you to unexpected places during Tinsel Tales at 9AM on Thursday, December 25th on NPR 89.1. Join Baxter Black as he ponders the meaning of Christmas for Cows; Bailey White sneaks into her neighbor’s yard in search of an elusive hemlock tree and Julie Zickefoose serenades her neighbors on the coldest night of the year. Listen for Tinsel Tales from NPR, at 9AM on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
ALL SONGS CONSIDERED: HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA (airs at 10AM on Thurs 12/25 on KUAZ)
Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson set off on an adventure to throw a holiday party for the ages during the ‘All Songs Considered’ Holiday Extravaganza at 10AM on December 25th on NPR 89.1. This year, they head back to the snowy cabin in the woods where the annual All Songs Considered get-togethers began many years ago. What could possibly go wrong? Hear the ‘All Songs Considered’ Holiday Extravaganza at 10AM on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
AFRO BLUE CHRISTMAS (airs at 2PM on Thurs 12/25 on KUAZ)
Hear a holiday concert with Howard University's premiere vocal ensemble Afro Blue, with guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut at 2PM on Thursday, December 25 on NPR 89.1. The a-cappela group performs a variety of holiday songs including African-American spirituals, jazz and pop tunes, and classical repertoire. The celebration includes one-of-a-kind arrangements as well as new compositions - music that’s perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris. Hear Afro Blue Christmas, at 2PM on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
A SPECIAL THISTLE & SHAMROCK CHRISTMAS (airs at 3PM on Thursday 12/25 on KUAZ)
Join Fiona Ritchie for music from the Celtic Christmas repertoire during “A Special Thistle & Shamrock Christmas” at 3PM on Thursday, December 25th on NPR 89.1. Reflect upon the scenes of Midwinter while hearing seasonal tales, joyful songs, and tunes of rare beauty, with guitarist Tim Edey, singer-songwriter Sting, singer Emily Smith, and multi-instrumental duo Al Petteway and Amy White; with readings from the works of Jon Plunkett, Stephanie Norgate, and Robert Frost. Hear “A Special Thistle & Shamrock Christmas” at 3PM on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
CLASSICAL 90.5 HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING
A CHANUKAH CELEBRATION WITH CHICAGO A CAPPELLA (airs 7P on Sunday 12/14 on Classical)
Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights during “A Chanukah Celebration with Chicago a cappella” on Sunday, December 14th at 7PM on Classical 90.5. Artistic director Jonathan Miller provides a liturgical and cultural background during this unique look inside old and new choral Chanukah traditions. The program will feature choral music set to Chanukah texts; a swing version of "S'vivon" by Steve Barnett; a lively setting of the traditional melody "For the Miracles" by Elliot Levine; and movements from the majestic "Hallel Suite" by Daniel Tunkel. Hear “A Chanukah Celebration with Chicago a cappella” on Sunday, December 14th at 7PM on Classical 90.5.
ITZHAK PERLMAN’S CHANUKAH RADIO PARTY (airs 6PM on Sunday 12/21 on Classical)
Celebrate 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 with “Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party” at 6PM on Sunday, December 21st. Join the violinist as he tells the story of the Jewish festival of lights, shares his favorite holiday recordings; evocative songs in Yiddish and Ladino and music that revolves around the Maccabee heroes. Hear “Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party” at 6PM on Sunday, December 21st on Classical 90.5.
IN WINTER’S GLOW (airs 7PM on Sunday 12/21 on Classical)
Celebrate 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 with “In Winter’s Glow” at 7PM on Sunday, December 21st. Listen to hear a winter solstice program, with modern classical sounds for the longest night of the year, chosen especially to complement the chilly, starry nights of the season. Hear “In Winter’s Glow” at 7PM on Sunday, December 21st on Classical 90.5.
ARIZONA REPERTORY SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERT – (12PM on 12/24 & 3PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5)
Join Classical 90.5 for the Arizona Repertory Singers' holiday concert at 12PM on Wednesday, December 24th and 3PM on Thursday, December 25th. Titled "Oh, Wondrous Night," the program is highlighted by a blend of the familiar and the fresh, what conductor Ryan Phillips calls "songs that you will recognize, or WANT to recognize." Hosted by Classical 90.5’s James Reel. Hear the Arizona Repertory Singers Holiday Concert, at 12PM on Christmas Eve and 3PM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
HOLIDAY CARD TO TUCSON – (1:30p on 12/24 & 4:30p on 12/25 on Classical 90.5)
Join Classical 90.5 for a “Holiday Card to Tucson” at 1:30PM on Wednesday, December 24th and 4:30PM on Thursday, December 25th. The University of Arizona's annual musical gift to the community features the School of Music's combined choral forces, joined by the Tucson Boys Chorus and the Tucson Girls Chorus. The program includes traditional favorites, new compositions, and discoveries from Latin America. Hosted by Classical 90.5’s James Reel. Join us for Holiday Card to Tucson at 1:30PM on Christmas Eve and 4:30PM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
CHRISTMAS WITH MADRIGALIA – (3p on 12/24 on Classical 90.5)
Celebrate 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 with “Christmas with Madrigalia” at 3P on December 24th. Recorded live at Asbury United Methodist Church in Rochester, New York, the chamber choir, Madrigalia, and Artistic Director Cary Ratcliff present a concert of traditional carols, anthems and new arrangements to celebrate the winter solstice, Chanukah and Christmas around the world. Featuring "The Fiddle Witch" Alyssa Rodriguez, clarinetist Peggy Quackenbush and pianist Amanda von Rathonyi during, “Christmas with Madrigalia” at 3PM on December 24th on Classical 90.5.
ARIZONA ENCORE HOLIDAY PROGRAM – 4p on 12/24 & 6PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Celebrate Christmas and 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 with Arizona Encore’s Holiday Program at 4PM on December 24th and 6PM on December 25th. Featuring seasonal favorites during festive performances by the Phoenix Girls Chorus, Helios, True Concord, Phoenix Children’s Chorus, and Canadian Brass. Listen for Arizona Encore’s Holiday Program at 4PM on Christmas Eve and 6PM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
A MEXICAN BAROQUE CHRISTMAS WITH THE ROSE ENSEMBLE (airs 5PM on Wednesday 12/24 on Classical)
Hear a vibrant retelling of the Christmas story with ancient music during “A Mexican Baroque Christmas with The Rose Ensemble.” Mexico in the 17th century was a time of great cultural and musical diversity. Those crosscurrents produced church music that was infused with indigenous rhythms and dances that is the centerpiece of this Christmas special by the Rose Ensemble. Listen for “A Mexican Baroque Christmas with The Rose Ensemble” at 5PM on Christmas Eve on Classical 90.5.
A JANE AUSTEN CHRISTMAS MUSICALE (airs 6PM on Wednesday 12/24 on Classical)
Celebrate 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 as book lovers celebrate the 250th birthday of Jane Austen during “A Jane Austen Christmas Musicale” at 6PM on Wednesday, December 24th. Step into the Regency era for an immersive Regency England Christmas experience, through the lens of writer and music lover Jane Austen. The program features carols Austen’s heroines would have enjoyed, along with music from her own collection as well as descriptions of the holiday, from Austen’s own letters and novels, to set the scene. Listen for “A Jane Austen Christmas Musicale” at 6PM on Christmas Eve on Classical 90.5.
WELCOME CHRISTMAS (airs 9PM Wed 12/24 on Classical)
Celebrate Christmas and 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 with “Welcome Christmas,” at 9PM on Wednesday, December 24th. “Welcome Christmas” is a perennial Christmas favorite with traditional carols and new discoveries from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles, conducted by Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz. Hosted by Bonnie North. Listen for “Welcome Christmas” at 9PM on Christmas Eve on Classical 90.5.
A ROCHESTER FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS (airs at 10PM Wed, 12/24 on Classical)
This Christmas Eve at 10PM on Classical 90.5, listen to the Christmas story through words and music during “A Rochester Festival of Lessons and Carols.” The program was recorded at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York under the direction of organist/choirmaster James Kealey, and consists of traditional readings selected by King’s College Dean Eric Milner White in 1918, and music by Boris Ord, C V Stanford, Sir John Rutter, and Morten Lauridsen. Hear “A Rochester Festival of Lessons and Carols” at 10PM on Classical 90.5.
A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS (airs 11p on Wed 12/24 on Classical)
This holiday season, Celebrate Christmas and 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 with “A Chanticleer Christmas” at 11PM on December 24th. Vocal ensemble Chanticleer performs original arrangements of well-known tunes drawn from Classical, Jazz, and popular traditions to create an evening of wonder and joy. Listen for “A Chanticleer Christmas,” at 11PM on Christmas Eve on Classical 90.5.
SAINT OLAF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL (airs 6a-8a Thurs 12/25 on Classical)
Welcome Christmas with the “Saint Olaf Christmas Festival” starting at 6AM on December 25th on Classical 90.5. Listen to hear 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 features more than 500 student musicians in five choirs and the Saint Olaf Orchestra. Listen for the “Saint Olaf Christmas Festival,” 6AM to 8AM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
WINTER HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD WITH BILL MCGLAUGHLIN (airs 8AM on Thursday 12/25 on Classical)
Winter holidays are celebrated around the world with wonderful music for all traditions. Join Classical 90.5 for “Winter Holidays around the World with Bill McGlaughlin” at 8AM on Thursday, December 25th. Bill’s spirited selection starts in the 12th century with Nova Stella, medieval Italian Christmas music from Saint Francis of Assisi’s staging of the nativity; jazz pianist Dave Brubeck’s classical composition La Fiesta de la Posada, evoking a Mexican Christmas celebration; and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols. Listen for “Winter Holidays around the World with Bill McGlaughlin” at 8AM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5
THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: IN CELEBRATION OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE (airs 9a-11a Thurs 12/25 on Classical)
Join Classical 90.5 at 9AM on December 25th for “The Christmas Revels.” This musical celebration of the winter holidays including Advent, Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day and Twelfth Night features traditional carols, wassails, hymns, spirituals, and folk dance-tunes from live Christmas and Midwinter Revels stage productions presented across the country. Join us for “The Christmas Revels” at 9AM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
CHANTICLEER AT CHRISTMAS (airs 11AM Thurs 12/25 on Classical)
Celebrate Christmas and 50 years of classical music on Classical 90.5 during “Chanticleer at Christmas” at 11AM on December 25th. Hear works ranging from the English Renaissance to today, by members of Chanticleer past and present, beginning with two familiar Christmas carols, each arranged by a member of Chanticleer singing with the group. Presented by WQXR in New York and hosted by Jeff Spurgeon. Listen for “Chanticleer at Christmas” at 11AM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
CAROLS, CUSTOMS AND CANDLELIGHT: A CELTIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION (airs 12PM Thurs 12/25 on Classical)
The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage. During “Carols, Customs and Candlelight: a Celtic Christmas Celebration,” at 12PM on December 25th on Classical 90.5, Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals. Featuring classical ensembles and soloists like “Apollo’s Fire” and Bryn Terfel, and traditional instruments like harp, fiddle and mandolin. Listen for “Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration” at noon on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS (airs 1p-3p on Thurs 12/25 on Classical)
Celebrate Christmas and 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 during “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” starting at 1PM on Christmas Day. Since 1918, the festival has offered a service of biblical readings, carols and related seasonal classical music. This special event is presented by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and is performed in the college’s 500-year-old chapel. Listen for “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” starting at 1PM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
ARIZONA REPERTORY SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERT – (12PM on 12/24 & 3PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5)
Join Classical 90.5 for the Arizona Repertory Singers' holiday concert at 12PM on Wednesday, December 24th and 3PM on Thursday, December 25th. Titled "Oh, Wondrous Night," the program is highlighted by a blend of the familiar and the fresh, what conductor Ryan Phillips calls "songs that you will recognize, or WANT to recognize." Hosted by Classical 90.5’s James Reel. Hear the Arizona Repertory Singers Holiday Concert, at 12PM on Christmas Eve and 3PM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
HOLIDAY CARD TO TUCSON – (1:30PM on 12/24 & 4:30PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5)
Join Classical 90.5 for a “Holiday Card to Tucson” at 1:30PM on Wednesday, December 24th and 4:30PM on Thursday, December 25th. The University of Arizona's annual musical gift to the community features the School of Music's combined choral forces, joined by the Tucson Boys Chorus and the Tucson Girls Chorus. The program includes traditional favorites, new compositions, and discoveries from Latin America. Hosted by Classical 90.5’s James Reel. Join us for Holiday Card to Tucson at 1:30PM on Christmas Eve and 4:30PM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
ARIZONA ENCORE HOLIDAY PROGRAM – 4PM on 12/24 & 6PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Celebrate Christmas and 50 years of music on Classical 90.5 with Arizona Encore’s Holiday Program at 4PM on December 24th and 6PM on December 25th. Featuring seasonal favorites during festive performances by the Phoenix Girls Chorus, Helios, True Concord, Phoenix Children’s Chorus, and Canadian Brass. Listen for Arizona Encore’s Holiday Program at 4PM on Christmas Eve and 6PM on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
NEW YEAR’S DAY LIVE FROM VIENNA 2026 (airs at 9AM on 1/1/26 on Classical)
Join Classical 90.5 at 9AM on Thursday, January 1st for “A New Year’s from Vienna.” The ever-popular annual New Year’s Day Concert will be performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. Hosted by WBUR's Lisa Mullins. “A New Year’s from Vienna” starting at 9AM on New Year’s Day on Classical 90.5.
2025 AZPM JAZZ HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING
HOLIDAY JAZZ WITH DEE ALEXANDER (at 6PM on Wed 12/24 on AZPM Jazz)
Usher in the holidays with AZPM Jazz during “Holiday Jazz with Dee Alexander” Wednesday, December 24th at 6PM. With support from: Chicago radio luminary Richard Steele, pianist Miguel de la Cerna, bassist Junius Paul, and drummer Yussef Ernie Adams, beloved Chicago vocalist (and WFMT Radio Network Jazz host) Dee Alexander entertains and enchants with songs, while reminiscing of holidays past. Hear “Holiday Jazz with Dee Alexander,” at 6PM on Christmas Eve on AZPM Jazz 89.1 HD2 or listen online at radio.azpm.org/jazz.
A JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS – (at 12PM on Thurs 12/25 on AZPM Jazz)
Hear jazz infused renditions of favorite holiday classics during “A Jazz Piano Christmas” at 12PM on Thursday, December 25th on AZPM Jazz. The annual sell-out event features the season’s most-loved tunes performed by pianists Kris Davis and Jahari Stampley, and Cuban sensation Roberto Fonseca. A Jazz Piano Christmas Presented by The Kennedy Center and NPR, at 12PM on Christmas Day on AZPM Jazz 89.1 HD2 or listen online at radio.azpm.org/jazz.
VINCE GUARALDI’S CHRISTMAS GIFT TO JAZZ WITH JANA LEE ROSS (at 3pm on Thurs 12/25 on AZPM Jazz)
Celebrate the holidays with “Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas Gift to Jazz” at 3PM on Thursday, December 25th on AZPM Jazz. Host Jana Lee Ross presents a special filled with warm-hearted holiday classics that will bring the family together including: “Skating,” “Linus and Lucy,” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” Plus, explore interpretations of Vince Guaraldi’s tunes by Cyrus Chestnut, Dianne Reeves and David Benoit and hear from Vince Guaraldi himself during, “Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas Gift to Jazz” at 3PM on Christmas Day on AZPM Jazz 89.1 HD2 or listen online at radio.azpm.org/jazz.
TOAST OF THE NATION (8p-Mid on Wednesday 12/31 on AZPM Jazz)
Join AZPM Jazz from 8PM to Midnight on Wednesday, December 31st for “Toast of the Nation.” 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 featuring performances by Nicole Zuraitis, Kassa Overall, Sofía Rei, Tupac Mantilla, JC Maillard, Marcus Gilmore, Marshall Allen and Ghost Horizon. Hosted by Christian McBride. Hear “Toast of the Nation” starting at 8PM on New Year’s Eve on AZPM Jazz 89.1 HD2 or listen online at radio.azpm.org/jazz.