Whether you revel in the holiday season or simply endure it, KUAC has a fabulous lineup of television and radio programming to brighten the dark winter nights and days. There’s shows for ages 1 to 100, so pick your favorites and enjoy heartwarming holiday programming with your loved ones this season!
This post will be updated with more holiday programming over time.
The Splendid Table’s Turkey Confidential
Thursday, November 27 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
Turkey Confidential is The Splendid Table’s annual Thanksgiving show. Francis Lam takes calls and comes to the rescue of Thanksgiving cooks, kitchen helpers, and dinner guests during the biggest cooking day of the year.
The Turducken
Thursday, November 27 from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. on KUAC 89.9 FM
Three of the biggest and most beloved family shows are coming together for a holiday celebration this November. Sit down for an hour-long family dinner with Terrestrials, Wow! in the World, and Circle Round as we dig into our very own Turducken: three stories stuffed deliciously inside of each other, just like the chicken, inside the duck, inside the turkey. Follow the story of a chicken who ran away and spent two months navigating the wilds of Germany to find her way back home. Meet researchers aboard a vessel listening for whale songs in the middle of the Arctic Ocean who heard something a little strange. Is that a duck in the Arctic? And let’s go back to the time of legend when Turkey couldn’t talk, and find out where “gobble gobble” came from.
Our Common Nature — Two Versions
Thursday, November 27 from 2:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
The first version, starting at 2:00 p.m., will focus more on the music, the second, starting at 6:00 p.m., will focus more on the discussion.
After a career spent inside concert halls and recording studios, Yo-Yo Ma had never spent much time in nature. That changed four years ago as he began travelling across the United States, inspired by the idea that our music, stories, and traditions — our culture — can remind us that we are part of nature and reunite us in pursuit of a common future. In Our Common Nature, host Ana González – who accompanied Yo-Yo on many of his travels – explores the sounds, stories, and communities they encountered that remind us that, in Yo-Yo’s words, “we are part of nature … to love each other is to love our planet.” Through a fusion of music, personal narratives, and local histories with rich ambient sounds of running water, mountain winds, melting glaciers, whale and birdsong, Our Common Nature affirms our connections to the natural world, our own humanity, and each other.
Reframing The Holidays: Toward Justice and Peace
Thursday, November 27 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
Peace Talks Radio explores efforts to rename and reclaim holidays like Thanksgiving, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day. Guests Mahtowin Munro (Oglala Lakota) and Rory Fanning discuss how these commemorations can conceal painful truths — and how re-framing them can open space for justice, healing, and peace.
Every Good Thing
Thursday, November 27 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
This Thanksgiving, host Andrea Blain and classical music fans from all around the country take time to give thanks and celebrate one of life’s most meaningful gifts: music. It’s Every Good Thing — an hour of stories and music to celebrate Thanksgiving. Encore from 2024.
Massasoit’s Peace Pact with the Pilgrims: Peace Talks Radio
Friday, November 28 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
Massasoit was the leader of the Wampanoag Confederacy when English settlers landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. He and his people kept the Pilgrims from starving in the early years of their settlement, attended the first Thanksgiving and forged a peace treaty with the English that lasted 40 years until his death. We’ll talk with American Indian scholars Darius Coombs and Bob Charlesbois who’ll fill in the details of this Native American leader’s attempt to make peace for his people and with the new strangers. Also, Native American film director Chris Eyre on his portrayal of Massasoit for the 2009 PBS television series We Shall Remain.
Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
Friday, December 5 at 10:30 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Things start to fall apart when Arthur and his family make preparations for gifts and traditions.
Episode repeats Wednesday 12/24 at 11am, Thursday 12/25 at 5:30am, and Friday 12/26 at 12pm.
Debbie Gibson Holiday: A Soundcheck Special
Thursday, December 11 at 10:30 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Debbie Gibson wows with her holiday special complete with a guest appearance by Joey McIntyre.
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
Friday, December 12 at 5:30 a.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
The Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are disappearing around the globe!
Episode repeats Wednesday 12/24 at 12pm and Thursday 12/25 at 11am.
A Celebration of Hannukah
Sunday, December 14 at 6:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
In the heartwarming and nostalgic program, A Celebration of Hannukah, host Geoffrey Baer takes viewers on a fun exploration of the time-honored traditions of this joyous Jewish holiday, sharing how Hanukkah came to be, the significance of the season’s cherished dishes, and the ways families continue to celebrate together across generations. Along the way, Geoffrey provides an overview of Hanukkah in popular culture, weaving in his holiday memories through childhood home movies. And, because food plays such a meaningful part of every Hanukkah observance, he also heads into the kitchen with experts to try his hand at creating seasonal culinary delights – including latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (filled donuts) – while explaining how these dishes connect to Hanukkah’s history.
Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!
Monday, December 15 at 11:00 a.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally travel around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thinga-ma-jigger breaks down, and they depend on a variety of animals–from African bush elephants to bottlenose dolphins to red crabs–and their remarkable abilities to help them make an amazing journey home.
Hope of the Season: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Monday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
This Christmas, the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square joins with Tony Award®-winner Ruthie Ann Miles and Hollywood veteran Dennis Haysbert in the unforgettable holiday spectacular, “Hope of the Season.” Packed with classic carols, holiday favorites and an inspirational portrait of real life, this 90-minute concert features songs and stories of hope for audiences of all ages.
Come and See! A Concordia Christmas
Monday, December 15 at 9:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Concordia University Irvine’s fifth annual made-for-TV special includes vocal and instrumental performances of contemporary and classic holiday songs and features original works by Concordia alumni and students to celebrate the holiday season.
Christmas with the Morehouse and Spellman Glee Clubs
Tuesday, December 16 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
One of the great holiday traditions in America, the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges — two of the most prestigious historically black institutions in the nation — get together to present a spine-tingling concert program. This year’s program features the best works of the last several years. It’s a joyous celebration of the schools’ tradition of singing excellence, with their trademark mixture of spirituals and carols. Korva Coleman hosts.
Great Performances — “Nutcracker from English
National Ballet”
Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Experience the holiday classic in a new light, featuring over 100 dancers and musicians performing at the London Coliseum. Against an Edwardian London backdrop, this Nutcracker is reimagined to centralize Clara throughout the story. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the film features choreography by English National Ballet artistic director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award winner Arielle Smith.
“Our Nutcracker respects the traditions and narrative beats of the classic story, but we’ve elevated it further,” said co-choreographer Arielle Smith. “There are twists and turns and new elements to keep the performers and audiences on their toes. We wanted to challenge what we perceive Nutcracker to be. I hope audiences will feel that it’s something new and fresh.”
Welcome Christmas
Wednesday, December 17 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
The perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups. An hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.
Listenin’ with Mace: The Annual “A Very Merry Grisman”
Wednesday, December 17 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
The hour features Dawg style music – a hybrid of strings delivered in wall of registers – pioneered by innovator David Grisman – the style has indelibly influenced generations. Certainly not the typical holiday festival. But… I’m pretty sure you will hear a jazz tune or two that Snoopy and his pals would skate to. Listenin’ with Mace – A Very Merry Grisman; never the same – yet alway familiar!
Nature — “Santa’s Wild Home”
Wednesday, December 17 at 8:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Green lights dance across a star-filled sky, and snowflakes sparkle on the trees. It is little wonder Lapland is famous as a realm of elves and flying reindeer, the magical home of Santa Claus. However, this northernmost region of mainland Europe is a real place with real animals, such as reindeer, great gray owls, eagles, wolves, musk oxen and brown bears, who live out their lives in the tundra and forest. Get an intimate look into life in Lapland through the changing seasons, long after the Christmas lights are taken down, where only the toughest survive.
Peg + Cat + Holidays
Thursday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
“The Christmas Problem,” “The Hanukkah Problem” and “The Penguin Problem” feature math for kids.
Episode repeats Monday, December 22 at 12:00 p.m. and Thursday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m.
All Is Bright: Contemplative Music for Christmas
Thursday, December 18 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
One hour of gorgeous, contemplative music related to the Christmas season and its symbolism. Hosted by Lynne Warfel (Encore from 2023)
Design Alaska Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 20 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on KUAC 89.9 FM
Rick Steves European Christmas
Sunday, December 21 at 12:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Rick celebrates Christmas in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
Episode repeats Wednesday, December 24 at 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Craft in America — “Celebration”
Sunday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Craft artists, objects and traditions of various holidays are explored.
Christmas in New England
Sunday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Join host Lindsay Paris as she explores traditions and events in New England.
Magic of Christmas in Alsace
Sunday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Christmas in the Alsace region of France is best experienced in the small towns and villages where each community has its own unique holiday traditions, celebrations, food, and of course wine. The Alsatian landscape is covered with medieval towns, castle ruins and vineyards that overflow with charm and history. And at Christmas, the townspeople go all out in decorating each of their towns to outdo the next in celebration of the season, and their Christmas markets are a truly magical take on this uniquely French celebration of Christmas. With Christmas being a magical time for children, the music accompaniment to this show are French carols sung by a The Maine Girls Chorus, which will delight the child in all of us. From old world crafts including glass blowing and a traditional wine maker who uses horses to work in the fields, to a local celebrities including children’s t.v. personality and a visit to the Christmas party of a renowned local singer, the small-town local flair is the charm of the holiday celebrations in the region.
Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas and Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas
Monday, December 22 at 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
At 8:00 p.m., spend Christmas in Scotland with Mary Berry and enjoy some traditional delights.
At 9:00 p.m., join the beloved British home cook as she shares tips for the ultimate Christmas feast.
Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Tuesday, December 23 at 8:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Illuminate your holidays with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Tuesday, December 23 at 9:30 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
Letters to Santa
Wednesday, December 24 at 7:30 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Ever wondered where your letters to Santa go after you drop them in the mail? They go to North Pole,
Alaska.
St. Thomas Christmas: Love Divine
Wednesday, December 24 at 10:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
A St. Thomas Christmas concert is a winter tradition for the entire University of St. Thomas community. This special celebrates the Advent and Christmas season by drawing from both the familiar traditional carols and innovative contemporary selections. Produced in partnership with the University of St. Thomas.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special
Thursday, December 25 at 1:30 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Two weeks before Christmas, delicate situations cause uncertainty for the midwives.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special — “Holiday Special 2024″
Thursday, December 25 at 3:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
It’s Christmas 1969, and the funfair and carol concert add color to frosty Poplar. Yet, the festive spirit at Nonnatus House is dampened by the spread of influenza alongside growing fears of an escaped prisoner after a spate of break-ins.
European Christmas Markets
Thursday, December 25 at 5:00 p.m. on KUAC TV 9.1
Join us on our discovery of Europe’s Christmas Markets, where the town center, market square or just the narrow, cobblestone streets of the cities and towns of Europe come alive in winter with festively decorated wooden stalls offering all sorts of treats and delights. As we travel along the rivers that connect Germany, France and Switzerland (the Mosel, Rhine and Main rivers), we visit cities and towns and learn of their history, see their major sights, and visit their charming markets. Besides being a visual treat, the show is also a musical treat, as the Kingston Trio provides special folk arrangements of traditional Christmas carols to add to the magic and enchantment of the medieval and castle towns we visit. In our visits to Bernkastel-Kues we see the town hall decorated as an advent calendar, and learn of the traditional beverage of the markets, the Gluhwein. In Nuremberg we visit the imposing castle, and one of the most famous of all the Christmas markets. You can almost smell the roasting sausages and gingerbread sold in the stalls. In Rothenburg we learn of the traditional wooden Christmas decorations from the son of the founder of the Kathe Wolfhart Christmas store, and wander along the ramparts the the fairy tale village. Then we have a quick stop in the wine town of Rudesheim. A unique visit is made to the ancient town of Michelstadt and its Christmas market. And then into France, to see how the French celebrate the season in Strasbourg. We conclude our travels in Switzerland, with the sights and sounds of the holidays in Basel and and the alpine city of Lucerne. This show is a true Christmas treat, as we experience Europe at a time of community, conviviality and color. It will fill your senses with the warmth and the fun of the holiday season, with some geography and history lessons to boot!
