Happy Holidays — Special Programming, Dec. 19-25
Published on
Sunday, Dec. 19
2:30 AM PBS Western Reserve
Christmas on the Danube
This special is a true holiday treat that will fill your senses with warmth, touch your heart and provide your mind with geography and history. Traveling the majestic Danube River as it passes through stunning European landscape, history and culture, CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE visits these cities along the Danube, which are particularly spectacular at Christmas.
3 AM PBS Western Reserve
The Great British Baking Show, Christmas Masterclass, Season 5
Join judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood as they detail how to make perfect mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake, and introduce some tasty treats for the holiday season.
4 AM PBS Western Reserve
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.
Noon PBS Western Reserve
Nature, Santa’s Wild Home
Get an intimate look into life in Lapland, fabled land of Santa Claus and actual home of tenacious wildlife such as reindeer, wolverines, brown bears and more.
1 PM PBS Western Reserve
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.
4 PM PBS Western Reserve
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.
5 PM PBS Western Reserve
St. Olaf Christmas Festival: A New Song of Grace and Truth*
For many people, spanning several generations, the celebration of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany begins with the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, a century-old tradition of the college located in Northfield, Minn. This special features a rich repertoire of classic Advent and Christmas compositions, familiar carols, hymns from around the world and contemporary pieces from a diverse range of composers and cultures. It offers music that celebrates the history of the college while also highlighting beautiful works from around the globe.
5 PM Fusion
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.
7 PM Fusion
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, Alan Cumming recounts the origin 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 are doing today.
8 PM PBS Western Reserve
Super Why! ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through Storybrook Village, not a creature was stirring...except for Whyatt, who has an important question for Santa! So the Super Readers catch up with Santa and his reindeer as they gallop from rooftop to rooftop and unravel the mystery of Santa's childhood, discovering along the way how to help spread the magic of the holiday.
8:30 PM PBS Western Reserve
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the gang's holiday play. Can he overcome his friends' preference for dancing over acting, find the "perfect" tree, and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
9 PM Fusion
A Polka Christmas with The Chardon Polka Band*
PBS Western Reserve is the presenting station for this new and 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.
9:30 PM Fusion
All Is Bright! A Concordia Christmas*
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends invite you to join us for a festive collection of music that brings light, hope, and joy to the season.
10 PM Fusion
Purdue 87th Anniversary Christmas Show*
This special features musical highlights from all five Purdue Musical Organizations ensembles including University Choir, Purdue Bells, Heart & Soul, the Purduettes and the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. The program begins with a behind the scenes look at the adjustments made by PMO and Purdue University in accordance with the Protect Purdue pledge in order to create this virtual production called, “A Different Kind of Christmas.”
Monday, Dec. 20
Midnight PBS Western Reserve
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.
4 AM PBS Western Reserve
Holidays at Murray State 2021*
The Murray State University concert choir, wind ensemble and jazz orchestra, plus featured soloists, highlight this annual seasonal special. It is a sojourn in sight and sound through Murray State University and the Purchase area of western Kentucky.
7 AM PBS Western Reserve
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
When the Wild Kratts 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?
9 PM PBS Western Reserve
Christmas at Belmont*
The 2021 Christmas at Belmont concert features alumnus and country gospel singer Josh Turner plus Belmont University students. Taped in Belmont's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the show includes holiday favorites and songs from Turner's new Christmas album.
10 PM PBS Western Reserve
The Great British Baking Show, Christmas Masterclass, Season 2
Mary and Paul share favorite recipes for Christmas classics including stollen, mincemeat streusel and a gingerbread house. They also share some lesser-known bakes: Scottish black bun, Tunis cake and Boxing Day pie—the perfect way to use trimmings from the day before.
8:30 PM Fusion
America’s Forests: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree*
In search of the perfect Christmas tree for the U.S. Capitol, Chuck Leavell travels to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests to follow the journey—from selection and cutting to ornament making and community celebrations—of what will become the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from Colorado to Washington DC.
9 PM Fusion
Crane Candlelight Concert, Homeward Bound for the Holidays
In a concert tradition that began in the 1930s, the Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra come together to present a very special holiday concert. The 2019 concert was conducted by Jeffrey Francom and highlights the best songs performed at candlelight from over the past 10 years. Making this year even more special, the Crane Chorus was joined by the Holy Name of Jesus Academy Chorus, a local youth choir, for a few songs.
Tuesday, Dec. 21
2 AM PBS Western Reserve
Christmas at Belmont*
The 2021 Christmas at Belmont concert features alumnus and country gospel singer Josh Turner plus Belmont University students. Taped in Belmont's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the show includes holiday favorites and songs from Turner's new Christmas album.
3 AM PBS Western Reserve
The Great British Baking Show, Christmas Masterclass, Season 2
Mary and Paul share favorite recipes for Christmas classics including stollen, mincemeat streusel and a gingerbread house. They also share some lesser-known bakes: Scottish black bun, Tunis cake and Boxing Day pie—the perfect way to use trimmings from the day before.
1 PM PBS Western Reserve
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.
8 PM PBS Western Reserve
In Performance at the White House: Spirit of the Season*
This dazzling music special celebrates the holidays and highlights the seasonal décor at the White House. Featuring special remarks by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden, actress Jennifer Garner will serve as the program host, which will also include performances by Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli, Virginia Bocelli, Camila Cabello, Eric Church, Jonas Brothers, Norah Jones, Pentatonix, Billy Porter, Northwell Health Nurse Choir, Voices of Service, and the United States Marine Band.
8 PM Fusion
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, Alan Cumming recounts the origin 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 are doing today.
10 PM Fusion
St. Olaf Christmas Festival: A New Song of Grace and Truth*
For many people, spanning several generations, the celebration of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany begins with the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, a century-old tradition of the college located in Northfield, Minn. This special features a rich repertoire of classic Advent and Christmas compositions, familiar carols, hymns from around the world and contemporary pieces from a diverse range of composers and cultures. It offers music that celebrates the history of the college while also highlighting beautiful works from around the globe.
10:30 PM PBS Western Reserve
All Is Bright! A Concordia Christmas*
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends invite you to join us for a festive collection of music that brings light, hope, and joy to the season.
Wednesday, Dec. 22
1 AM PBS Western Reserve
In Performance at the White House: Spirit of the Season*
This dazzling music special celebrates the holidays and highlights the seasonal décor at the White House. Featuring special remarks by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden, actress Jennifer Garner will serve as the program host, which will also include performances by Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli, Virginia Bocelli, Camila Cabello, Eric Church, Jonas Brothers, Norah Jones, Pentatonix, Billy Porter, Northwell Health Nurse Choir, Voices of Service, and the United States Marine Band.
3:30 AM PBS Western Reserve
All Is Bright! A Concordia Christmas*
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends invite you to join us for a festive collection of music that brings light, hope, and joy to the season.
8 AM PBS Western Reserve
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.
5 PM PBS Western Reserve
Nature, Santa’s Wild Home
Get an intimate look into life in Lapland, fabled land of Santa Claus and actual home of tenacious wildlife such as reindeer, wolverines, brown bears and more.
Thursday, Dec. 23
8 AM PBS Western Reserve
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.
5 PM PBS Western Reserve
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 Fusion
A Polka Christmas with The Chardon Polka Band*
PBS Western Reserve is the presenting station for this new and 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.
7:30 PM Fusion
The Magic of Christmas in Alsace
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.
9 PM PBS Western Reserve
Call the Midwife Holiday Special, 2020
Everyone at Nonnatus House looks forward to a traditional holiday, but nothing goes quite to plan. Meanwhile, the circus arrives in Poplar, bringing new friendships, new experiences and an exciting adventure for Nurse Crane.
Friday, Dec. 24
2 AM PBS Western Reserve
Call the Midwife Holiday Special, 2020
Everyone at Nonnatus House looks forward to a traditional holiday, but nothing goes quite to plan. Meanwhile, the circus arrives in Poplar, bringing new friendships, new experiences and an exciting adventure for Nurse Crane.
6:30 AM PBS Western Reserve
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.
7:30 AM PBS Western Reserve
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
When the Wild Kratts 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?
Noon PBS Western Reserve
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 to help them make an amazing journey home.
1 PM PBS Western Reserve
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.
5 PM PBS Western Reserve
A Polka Christmas with The Chardon Polka Band*
PBS Western Reserve is the presenting station for this new and 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
The Magic of Christmas in Alsace
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.
9 PM PBS Western Reserve
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.
11 PM PBS Western Reserve
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.
Saturday, Dec. 25
Midnight PBS Western Reserve
Bucknell Candlelight Christmas
Rooke Chapel, set on one of Central Pennsylvania's most picturesque campuses, makes for an evocative concert setting. The program opens with the traditional candlelight procession and recounts Christ's birth through Bible readings and anthems from the renowned undergraduate musical ensembles, the Rooke Chapel Choir and Rooke Chapel Ringers. This holiday special also highlights the uplifting power of congregational singing, with performances of sacred music and familiar carols.
2 AM PBS Western Reserve
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.
Noon Fusion
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.
1 PM Fusion
Christmas at Belmont*
The 2021 Christmas at Belmont concert features alumnus and country gospel singer Josh Turner plus Belmont University students. Taped in Belmont's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the show includes holiday favorites and songs from Turner's new Christmas album.
2 PM Fusion
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.
3 PM Fusion
Holidays at Murray State 2021*
The Murray State University concert choir, wind ensemble and jazz orchestra, plus featured soloists, highlight this annual seasonal special. It is a sojourn in sight and sound through Murray State University and the Purchase area of western Kentucky.
4 PM Fusion
Bucknell Candlelight Christmas
Rooke Chapel, set on one of Central Pennsylvania's most picturesque campuses, makes for an evocative concert setting. The program opens with the traditional candlelight procession and recounts Christ's birth through Bible readings and anthems from the renowned undergraduate musical ensembles, the Rooke Chapel Choir and Rooke Chapel Ringers. This holiday special also highlights the uplifting power of congregational singing, with performances of sacred music and familiar carols.
5:30 PM Fusion
Call the Midwife Holiday Special, 2020
Everyone at Nonnatus House looks forward to a traditional holiday, but nothing goes quite to plan. Meanwhile, the circus arrives in Poplar, bringing new friendships, new experiences and an exciting adventure for Nurse Crane.
6 PM PBS Western Reserve
In Performance at the White House: Spirit of the Season*
This dazzling music special celebrates the holidays and highlights the seasonal décor at the White House. Featuring special remarks by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden, actress Jennifer Garner will serve as the program host, which will also include performances by Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli, Virginia Bocelli, Camila Cabello, Eric Church, Jonas Brothers, Norah Jones, Pentatonix, Billy Porter, Northwell Health Nurse Choir, Voices of Service, and the United States Marine Band.
7 PM Fusion
A Polka Christmas with The Chardon Polka Band*
PBS Western Reserve is the presenting station for this new and 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.
7:30 PM Fusion
European Christmas Markets
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 through Germany, France and Switzerland, we visit cities and towns and learn of their history, see their major sights and visit their charming markets.
8 PM Fusion
St. Olaf Christmas Festival: A New Song of Grace and Truth*
For many people, spanning several generations, the celebration of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany begins with the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, a century-old tradition of the college located in Northfield, Minn. This special features a rich repertoire of classic Advent and Christmas compositions, familiar carols, hymns from around the world and contemporary pieces from a diverse range of composers and cultures. It offers music that celebrates the history of the college while also highlighting beautiful works from around the globe.
9 PM PBS Western Reserve
Call the Midwife Holiday Special, 2021*
Christmas 1966 promises to be a memorable one. The Nonnatus House team is faced with its busiest Christmas Day ever as the maternity home is filled with expectant moms and challenging cases. Luckily Mother Mildred is on hand to support the team.
9 PM Fusion
Purdue 87th Anniversary Christmas Show*
This special features musical highlights from all five Purdue Musical Organizations ensembles including University Choir, Purdue Bells, Heart & Soul, the Purduettes and the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. The program begins with a behind the scenes look at the adjustments made by PMO and Purdue University in accordance with the Protect Purdue pledge in order to create this virtual production called, “A Different Kind of Christmas.”
10 PM Fusion
Hope College Christmas Vespers
This program is a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas and features some of the most beautiful choral and instrumental music of the season. Over 250 student musicians participate in ensembles that include the Hope College Orchestra, Chapel Choir and College Chorus.
11:30 PM PBS Western Reserve
European Christmas Markets
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 through Germany, France and Switzerland, we visit cities and towns and learn of their history, see their major sights and visit their charming markets.