Texas Public Radio celebrates the season with holiday programming to get you into the spirit, or simply offer a moment of reflection. Join us on KPAC 88.3 FM, KSTX 89.1 FM, and all of TPR's stations for a cornucopia of programs, including music, spoken word, and more.
On KPAC 88.3 FM
Thanksgiving, November 26, 1pm-3pm, Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks brings music and stories together for thoughtful reflection on the meaning of the holiday. Whether you're up early in the kitchen, on the road to a family gathering, or relaxing after the feast, Giving Thanks provides the perfect atmosphere for Thanksgiving: the warmth of great music, and truly memorable words.
Thursday December 10, 3pm, Candles Burning Brightly
Mindy Ratner hosts this holiday favorite, in celebration of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. "Candles Burning Brightly" explores Chanukah foods and traditional activities - and plenty of music.
Thursday December 24, 9am-11am: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Michael Barone presents this live service of spoken-word and music (choral and organ) broadcast from the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, England. The 30-voice King's College Choir performs the legendary Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service of Biblical readings and music.
Thursday December 24, 3pm: Lift Every Voice
Julie Amacher and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu host this uplifting Christmas special that features Black music and composers. Including choral music, gospel, spiritual and jazz-inspired styles, this special celebrates and explores non-idiomatic Black classical music and choral traditions. Preview the show at this link!
Thursday December 24, 7pm: “Messiah” with the San Antonio Mastersingers
Excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah” with orchestra, recorded live at University United Methodist Church in December, 2019.
Friday December 25, 1pm: St. Olaf Christmas Festival
This service in song and word 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 featuring more than 500 student musicians in five choirs, and the St. Olaf Orchestra. Host Valerie Kahler shares the sights and sounds of this choral favorite.
January 1, 10am-noon: New Year’s Day from Vienna
The Vienna Philharmonic presents its ever popular annual New Year's Day Concert under the baton of Maestro Riccardo Muti. You'll hear your favorite waltzes, polkas and more -- a festive way to start off 2021! Hosted by Lisa Mullins.
KSTX/TexNet:
Thanksgiving, November 26, 11am-1pm: Turkey Confidential
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 inner guests during the biggest cooking day of the year.
Featured Guests:
Jacques Pepin, chef and author
Samin Nosrat, best-selling author
Mike Solomonov, Philadelphia chef
Sohla El-Waylly, chef and restaurateur
Nora McInerny, host of Terrible Thanks for Asking
Broadcast of "Turkey Confidential" this year is made possible by Fickle Pickles, and The Lawton Family of Restaurants: Cappy’s, La Fonda on Main, and Cappyccino’s.
Sunday, December 13, 3pm: Hanukkah Lights 2020
A perennial NPR favorite with all new Hanukkah stories. Authors TBA. Hosted by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.
Saturday, December 19, 7pm: Christmas at Jazz, TX
TPR’s Nathan Cone and jazzman Doc Watkins listen back to some of their favorite holiday performances recorded at Jazz, TX, and look forward to 2021. The program opens with Doc performing solo piano at the TPR studio. You can also preview this program with the audio player below!
Saturday, December 19, 8pm: Christmas Around the World with Deirdre Saravia
TPR’s Deirdre Saravia shares holiday favorites from around the world on her weekly program, “World Music.”
Thursday, December 24, 10pm, All Songs Considered for the Holidays: The Return to the Cabin
For the first All Songs Considered holiday extravaganza in 2012 (at a snow-covered cabin in the woods), nearly all of the invited guests canceled. The party was a lovable flop, but it launched a tradition that’s continued since, including trips to Bermuda, the north pole and even outer space.
For this holiday party, Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton return to the cozy cabin where it all began. The special guests include Taylor Swift, Jenny Lewis, Tarriona "Tank" Ball, Lucy Dacus and more. What could possibly go wrong?
Thursday, December 24, 11pm, Peabo’s 20th Christmas Holiday Special (Final Title TBA)
Peabo, the self-proclaimed unofficial TPR mascot, stars in his 20th annual Christmas Eve special with his handlers, Nathan Cone and David Furst. At two decades, is Peabo the rooster getting long in the beak, or just getting started? Count down to Santa’s arrival at midnight with music, merriment, and madness.
Friday, December 25, 7pm, Jonathan Winters’ A Christmas Carol
An updated version of a public radio tradition hosted by NPR’s Susan Stamberg. The late Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens’ holiday classic.