This Thanksgiving holiday, settle in with Vermont Public for a lineup of programs made to match the season. Whether you’re cooking, traveling, or settling into a post-turkey lull, we’ve got a lineup full of curiosity and comfort: stories behind our food system, a behind-the-scenes look at the Macy’s Parade, kitchen wisdom from favorite culinary voices, and music and performances that capture the warmth of the season. Tune in, slow down, and enjoy the holiday with us.
And if the winter holidays can’t come soon enough for you, good news: Music for the Season is already streaming! Our online radio station is dedicated entirely to holiday music, hand-curated by Vermont Public Classical hosts. Listen anytime day or night, now through early January, and let the perfect festive soundtrack bring extra joy to all your holiday moments.
Thanksgiving Specials
The following programs are listed by date and will air on Vermont Public’s main radio station, Vermont Public Classical, or our main TV channel, as noted. Find our full program schedules here.
Marketplace: Feeding the Family
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., Vermont Public Radio
Marketplace brings you a collection of stories on the business and economics of food. From rising grocery bills to farm fields, we’re breaking down what’s really shaping the meals on your table.
But Why: How big is a Macy's parade balloon?
Thursday, Nov. 27, 8:30 a.m., Vermont Public Radio
Fifty million people watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV each year, and more than three million throng the streets to see it in person. For the team working on parade floats, balloons and choreography, the parade is the culmination of two years of work. Our kids podcast, But Why, was invited to go behind the scenes to see how it all comes together. And we learned what it takes to be a balloon handler. Listen live in the last half hour of Morning Edition, or anytime at butwhykids.org and on your favorite podcast player.
Turkey Confidential
Thursday, Nov. 27, 12 p.m., Vermont Public Radio
Join us for Turkey Confidential from The Splendid Table, our must-listen annual Thanksgiving Day broadcast! This year’s guests include:
- Samin Nosrat, author of the blockbuster Salt, Fat Acid, Heat and her latest, Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love.
- Yossy Arefi, best-selling author of Snacking Bakes.
- Vivian Howard, chef and host of PBS's brand-new series Kitchen Curious
- Evan Kleiman, host of KCRW’s Good Food and beloved voice of public radio.
- And of course, our charming Francis!
Shadowglow
Thursday, Nov. 27, 5 p.m., Vermont Public Classical
As you bask in the afterglow of Thanksgiving dinner, celebrate the radiance of autumn with Shadowglow. Enjoy music inspired by starlight and firelight and the golden glow of beloved Thanksgiving treats fresh from the oven. Music of Michael Torke, Randall Thomson, and Kenji Bunch feature on this Thanksgiving special.
The Folk Show with Kate McNally, Thanksgiving Edition
Thursday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Vermont Public Radio
Celebrate Thanksgiving with The Folk Show and host Kate McNally! Enjoy an evening of warm, heartfelt folk music — songs of gratitude, gathering, and home. It’s the perfect soundtrack for winding down your holiday with friends, family, and great tunes.
We (Heart) Public Television
Thursday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Vermont Public Television
A star-studded cast will honor 55 remarkable years of public television - America’s trusted, free public media service that reaches every city, town, and rural community across the nation. Featuring music director Rickey Minor and appearances by Josh Groban, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ziggy Marley, Lucy Dacus, Noel Paul Stookey, Rick Steves, Sheléa and so many more, this fundraising special will include a variety of live musical performances, celebrity appearances and viewer testimonials, plus archival material from iconic public television shows.
Songs of Thanks
Friday, Nov. 28, 5 p.m., Vermont Public Classical
Songs of Thanks is an innovative new production by vocal ensemble Cantus. Through their signature narrative programming, the acclaimed octet will weave together stories and songs celebrating gratitude and community. This special broadcast is designed to uplift the human spirit and honor the season.
Celtic Tenors: Live at the Empire
Friday, Nov. 28, 9 p.m., Vermont Public Television
Featuring the acclaimed Irish-based trio of Matthew Gilsenan, George Hutton and Daryl Simpson, The Celtic Tenors: Live at the Empire showcases the tenors performing opera, classical, Irish traditional and pop music in their signature harmony-rich style. Tune in for a special local ticket opportunity!
