Jonathan Winters’ A Christmas Carol
Saturday, 5 a.m.-6 a.m.
A public radio tradition hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Also featuring Mimi Kenn.
Tinsel Tales 4: NPR Christmas Stories Told Through Song
Saturday, 6 a.m.-7 a.m.
For many of us, Christmas is about family and traditions. For others it's a stressful or even a sad time. No matter how good or bad your holiday is, it’s quite likely to include music. This year, Tinsel Tales includes stories of the season told thru music with interviews from the NPR Archives. Kenny Rogers, Katie Melua, Sting, Amy Grant and Jon Batiste talk about the power of music at Christmas. Hosted by Lynn Neary.
Hanukkah Lights 2022
Saturday, 6 a.m.-7 a.m.
A perennial NPR favorite, Hanukkah Lights features all new Hanukkah stories. Read by hosts Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz. Murray and Susan looked back into the show's 30 year archive and picked their favorite stories: "Hanukkah Gelt" by Sholem Aleichem, "Gifts of the Last Night" by Rebecca Goldstein, "How To Spell The Name Of G-d" by Ellen Orleans, "Of Love and Latkes" by Lia Pripstein, and "Erev Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore, translated by Marie Jaffe.
Selected Shorts: Holidays with Mom
Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Selected Shorts guest host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about being home for the holidays and how you can count on your Mom to be there for you – and possibly to complicate things. First, memoirist Augusten Burroughs recalls a disastrous – and hilarious – childhood cooking project. Reader Michael Cerveris relishes every bite. Then, in “Live Wires” by Thomas Beller, a young man invites his girlfriend to his mother’s annual Hanukkah party.
The Thistle & Shamrock Presents ‘A Child's Christmas In Wales'
Saturday, 11 a.m.-Noon
Cerys Matthews is a Welsh musician and patron of the Dylan Thomas Society. In this program, originally broadcast in 2015, she narrates excerpts from the Dylan Thomas holiday classic, set to music that she created and recorded with her collaborator Mason Neely. One reviewer wrote: "Dylan’s words are so deliciously descriptive to begin with, and Matthews’ lilting Welsh accent, and deep understanding of the culture illuminates them further. Her love of Dylan’s poetry shines throughout, and serves to make it accessible to a wide audience." Hosted by Fiona Ritchie.
Tinsel Tales: NPR Christmas Stories
Saturday, Noon-1pm
This year a radio tradition continues - stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas. David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk--these and other NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season.
Tinsel Tales 2: NPR Christmas Stories
Saturday, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.
NPR fills millions of homes each holiday with humor, warmth, and a host of festive voices. Continuing with the tradition of first Tinsel Tales program, this is another collection of the best and most requested holiday stories. Joy, hope, and childhood memories overflow as NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.
Tinsel Tales 3: NPR Christmas Stories
Saturday, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Listeners tune to NPR for extraordinary Christmas stories that transport you to unexpected places. Baxter Black ponders the meaning of Christmas for Cows, Bailey White sneaks into her neighbor’s yard in search of an elusive hemlock tree; Julie Zickefoose serenades her neighbors on the coldest night of the year.
A World Cafe Holiday
Saturday, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
World Cafe is celebrating 30 years by revisiting special holiday performances from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Los Lobos, Andrew Bird, The Bird and The Bee, Pink Martini, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and more. Hosted by Raina Douris, this musical gift will provide a full hour of hip holiday cheer.
Jazz with David Basse: Holiday 2022
Saturday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Our holiday programming has something for everyone, with beloved, classic songs alongside new voices in jazz. From vocalese to vibraphone, it’s perfect for your public radio celebration.
Sounds of the Season: Holiday Jazz from KSDS
Saturday, Midnight-5 a.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.-Midnight; Sunday, Midnight- 6 a.m.
KSDS presents jazz from swing-era recordings by Count Basie and Duke Ellington to recent releases by Bill Cunliffe and Straight No Chaser.