Happy Holidays — Special Programming Dec. 18-24
Published on
Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022
5 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
A Chef’s Life Holiday Special
Join Vivian Howard as she serves up the best of her Southern cooking heritage and the Hanukkkah traditions of her husband, Ben. From humble Hoppin’ John to elegant red velvet cake, sample a charming and delicious holiday celebration.
10 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Ask This Old House, Happy Holidays from AskTOH!
It is the holiday season at the AskTOH barn! Tom and Kevin build a toy box for Tom's grandson; Kevin travels to UL Laboratories in Chicago to learn about preventing fires from holiday decorations.
3 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas*
This documentary tells the story of the unlikely Jewish immigrants who, enamored with Broadway and Hollywood, wrote some of the most popular songs in America: Christmas music.
3 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Mary Berry’s Country House at Christmas*
Mary Berry visits Harewood House in Yorkshire to meet its army of skilled staff and dedicated volunteers as they prepare the house for Christmas. Mary’s visit culminates in a glittering party for staff and volunteers who gather to preview the house’s spectacular Christmas decorations and celebrate another magical Christmas at Harewood.
4 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas
Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas—from carols to turkey, gift-giving to mistletoe and mulled wine—has surprising Tudor origins, rooted in devotion and charity.
5 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Great Performances at the Met, Bryn Terfel & Friends in Concert
Enjoy a holiday performance from the famed bass-baritone in Wales’ Brecon Cathedral featuring Welsh traditional folk group Calan. The program includes festive favorites, Lerner and Loewe’s “Little Prince” and more.
6 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the choir and orchestra for this two-hour 20th anniversary retrospective with performances from Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Gladys Knight, Angela Lansbury, Hugh Bonneville, Renée Fleming and more.
Monday, Dec. 19, 2022
5 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
America’s Test Kitchen, Home for the Holidays
The entire cast is home for the holidays, and they are sharing their tips and tricks for planning a stress-free gathering, while also recounting personal holiday memories and revealing their all-time favorite holiday recipes from the AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN archives.
Noon PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
Plans are underway in Elwood City for the best holidays ever as Arthur, D.W., their family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even "Baxter Day" (Buster and his mom's special celebration). The only problem is, just like in real life, perfection is hard to attain, and things start to fall apart.
8 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas*
This documentary tells the story of the unlikely Jewish immigrants who, enamored with Broadway and Hollywood, wrote some of the most popular songs in America: Christmas music.
9 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas*
In this seasonal special, renowned chef Mary Berry provides the only guide you will ever need for a foolproof Christmas dinner. Packed with her classic recipes for a delicious three-course feast, she and her friends will also be helping you prep, shop and plan before the big day itself for a stress-free day.
9 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas
Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas—from carols to turkey, gift-giving to mistletoe and mulled wine—has surprising Tudor origins, rooted in devotion and charity.
10 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Mary Berry’s Country House at Christmas*
Mary Berry visits Harewood House in Yorkshire to meet its army of skilled staff and dedicated volunteers as they prepare the house for Christmas. Mary’s visit culminates in a glittering party for staff and volunteers who gather to preview the house’s spectacular Christmas decorations and celebrate another magical Christmas at Harewood.
10 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
How to Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell*
Irish chef Rory O'Connell's presents a collection of recipes and helpful techniques for the holiday season. Witty, erudite and endlessly knowledgeable about food, O’Connell is the ideal host to inspire and entertain you.
10:30 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
A Polka Christmas with The Chardon Polka Band
PBS Western Reserve is the presenting station for this completely different holiday show from The Chardon Polka Band. It is jam-packed with “polka-fied” Christmas carols, delivering hometown holiday charm and the band’s signature wit and humor.
Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022
2 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas*
In this seasonal special, renowned chef Mary Berry provides the only guide you will ever need for a foolproof Christmas dinner. Packed with her classic recipes for a delicious three-course feast, she and her friends will also be helping you prep, shop and plan before the big day itself for a stress-free day.
3 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Mary Berry’s Country House at Christmas*
Mary Berry visits Harewood House in Yorkshire to meet its army of skilled staff and dedicated volunteers as they prepare the house for Christmas. Mary’s visit culminates in a glittering party for staff and volunteers who gather to preview the house’s spectacular Christmas decorations and celebrate another magical Christmas at Harewood.
8:30 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Let’s Go Luna!: Luna’s Christmas Around the World
When the Circo gets stuck at the South Pole on Christmas eve, Leo, Andy and Carmen are convinced that Santa will never find them. With the help of their friend Luna, the kids endeavor to save Christmas, learning about holiday traditions from around the world along the way.
3:30 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Ask This Old House, Happy Holidays from AskTOH!
It is the holiday season at the AskTOH barn! Tom and Kevin build a toy box for Tom's grandson; Kevin travels to UL Laboratories in Chicago to learn about preventing fires from holiday decorations.
8 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Great Performances at the Met, Bryn Terfel & Friends in Concert
Enjoy a holiday performance from the famed bass-baritone in Wales’ Brecon Cathedral featuring Welsh traditional folk group Calan. The program includes festive favorites, Lerner and Loewe’s “Little Prince” and more.
9 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
O Holy Night: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir*
Actress and singer Megan Hilty and actor Neal McDonough join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for this Irish-inspired edition of a heartwarming annual celebration of music and holiday traditions.
9 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the choir and orchestra for this two-hour 20th anniversary retrospective with performances from Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Gladys Knight, Angela Lansbury, Hugh Bonneville, Renée Fleming and more.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022
2 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
O Holy Night: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir*
Actress and singer Megan Hilty and actor Neal McDonough join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for this Irish-inspired edition of a heartwarming annual celebration of music and holiday traditions.
7 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
It’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when they receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission. Our heroes must race against time to thwart their greedy archrivals' most miserly scheme yet! Will they be able to travel to the ends of the earth and return their baby animal friends to their homes in time for the holidays?
5 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
The Tidings*
This holiday special features “A Christmas Concert for Troubled Times,” a cantata composed by Paul Van Ness that reflects on a darker side of the Christmas story. Recorded live at the Cabot Theater in Beverly, Mass., the beautiful musical meditation draws from the story in the Book of Matthew.
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022
5 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
A Polka Christmas with The Chardon Polka Band
PBS Western Reserve is the presenting station for this completely different holiday show from The Chardon Polka Band. It is jam-packed with “polka-fied” Christmas carols, delivering hometown holiday charm and the band’s signature wit and humor.
5:30 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Spirit of the Season*
The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America celebrates the holiday season with festive musical selections ranging from jazz to classical to pop.
Friday, Dec. 23, 2022
7:30 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Nature Cat: A Nature Carol
In the tradition of the Dickens holiday classic, Nature Cat is visited by the spirits of Nature Past (Daisy), Present (Squeeks) and Future (Hal) on Christmas Eve.
9:30 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Peg + Cat + Holidays
This is a special holiday episode of Peg + Cat featuring “The Christmas Problem,” “The Hanukkah Problem” and “The Penguin Problem.” This series is designed to engage preschool children and teach them how to solve math-based problems with Peg, a chatty and tenacious five-year-old, her feline pal, Cat, and her smart, handsome, cool friend Ramone.
10:30 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat are having a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas. There's only one dilemma: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present! In the end, both gift-giving predicaments are simply and beautifully resolved, revealing the true spirit of the holiday season.
Noon PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!
This adventure finds The Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland, in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thingamajigger 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.
7 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas*
In this seasonal special, renowned chef Mary Berry provides the only guide you will ever need for a foolproof Christmas dinner. Packed with her classic recipes for a delicious three-course feast, she and her friends will also be helping you prep, shop and plan before the big day itself for a stress-free day.
9 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Conceived by John Mauceri, this new work is a reimagination of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 book, the production features Alan Cumming recounting the original story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker. Unlike the ballet, we also learn what happens when the young girl grows up—having saved the prince—and what they both are doing today.
10 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
The Night Before Christmas Carol*
This is a historically accurate and highly humorous holiday production by renowned Dickens scholar Elliot Engel. It takes place in 1843 on the night that Charles Dickens dreams up his idea for a ghostly little Christmas book that becomes world famous.
10:30 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Clown by Quentin Blake*
A half-hour animated special that brings to life the adventures of a little toy clown who has been thrown away. On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on an exciting journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.
Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022
2 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Conceived by John Mauceri, this new work is a reimagination of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 book, the production features Alan Cumming recounting the original story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker. Unlike the ballet, we also learn what happens when the young girl grows up—having saved the prince—and what they both are doing today.
3:30 AM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Clown by Quentin Blake*
A half-hour animated special that brings to life the adventures of a little toy clown who has been thrown away. On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on an exciting journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.
1 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas*
In this seasonal special, renowned chef Mary Berry provides the only guide you will ever need for a foolproof Christmas dinner. Packed with her classic recipes for a delicious three-course feast, she and her friends will also be helping you prep, shop and plan before the big day itself for a stress-free day.
1 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the choir and orchestra for this two-hour 20th anniversary retrospective with performances from Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Gladys Knight, Angela Lansbury, Hugh Bonneville, Renée Fleming and more.
3 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Purdue 88th Anniversary Christmas Show
This performance includes high-energy production numbers, traditional choral music and familiar holiday favorites performed by every ensemble within Purdue Musical Organizations including University Choir, Purdue Bells, Heart & Soul, the Purduettes and the Purdue Varsity Glee Club.
4 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas
Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas—from carols to turkey, gift-giving to mistletoe and mulled wine—has surprising Tudor origins, rooted in devotion and charity.
7 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
The Lawrence Welk Show, Christmas Reunion 1985
This special reunited Lawrence and his Musical Family for the first time following their phenomenal 27-year run on National TV. At the time, no one realized it would also be the last time the Musical Family would perform together with their beloved boss. The most emotional moment in this heartwarming program is the singing of the traditional Christmas carols, conducted by Lawrence himself.
7 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Conceived by John Mauceri, this new work is a reimagination of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 book, the production features Alan Cumming recounting the original story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker. Unlike the ballet, we also learn what happens when the young girl grows up—having saved the prince—and what they both are doing today.
8 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
The Kingston Trio, Holiday Cheers
The Kingston Trio performs a unique blend of seasonal tunes, including selections from their 1960 album The Last Month of the Year.
8:30 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Clown by Quentin Blake*
A half-hour animated special that brings to life the adventures of a little toy clown who has been thrown away. On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on an exciting journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.
9 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas, with Vanessa Williams
Enjoy an evening celebrating Ella Fitzgerald's entire iconic album of holiday classics presented by Vanessa Williams and the American Pops Orchestra. Featuring appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Norm Lewis, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Nova Payton, Dave Detwiler and Morgan James.
9 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
O Holy Night: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir*
Actress and singer Megan Hilty and actor Neal McDonough join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for this Irish-inspired edition of a heartwarming annual celebration of music and holiday traditions.
10 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
St. Olaf Christmas Festival, Love Divine
First held in 1912, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States and features more than 450 students from St. Olaf College’s renowned choirs and orchestra. The concert features familiar carols, beloved choral works and exciting new compositions.
10 PM Fusion (WNEO 45.2/WEAO 49.2)
Great Performances at the Met, Bryn Terfel & Friends in Concert
Enjoy a holiday performance from the famed bass-baritone in Wales’ Brecon Cathedral featuring Welsh traditional folk group Calan. The program includes festive favorites, Lerner and Loewe’s “Little Prince” and more.
11 PM PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1/WEAO 49.1)
Celebrate & Sing! Glory to the Newborn King!
This spectacular Christmas concert of secular and sacred music is under the direction of Steven R. Jobman and performed by the church’s renowned 150-voice Sanctuary Choir, orchestra and organist/artist-in-residence Bradley Hunter Welch. The program also features hand bells, bagpipes, jazz ensemble and soloists.