Welcome to December, Vermont. The days are short, the nights are chilly, and it’s officially prime time to get cozy with Vermont Public’s monthlong lineup of holiday specials on radio and TV. Bookmark this post so you won’t miss a moment of the festive fun.
And if you’re ready to dive into winter festivities, Music for the Season is back! Our all-holiday online station offers nonstop music, hand-curated by Vermont Public Classical hosts — the perfect soundtrack for decorating, baking, road-tripping, or simply settling in on a snowy night. Listen anytime, day or night, now through early January, and add a little extra joy to your season.
Jump to: Radio Specials | TV Specials
Radio Holiday Specials
The following programs are listed by date and will air on either Vermont Public’s main radio station or Vermont Public Classical, as noted. Find your station or listen live.
Chanticleer Christmas
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Vermont Public Classical
Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer — known as the “orchestra of voices” — brings a brand-new Christmas program featuring original arrangements of well-known tunes drawn from classical, jazz, and popular traditions. They effortlessly weave diverse musical styles into an evening of wonder and joy.
Vermont Public Holiday Concert with the Champlain Trio
Thursday, Dec. 11, 12 p.m., Vermont Public Classical
Celebrate the season with our annual Holiday Concert live broadcast. This year, the Champlain Trio joins us to perform heartfelt arrangements of holiday classics, including music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, selections from Handel’s Messiah, and toe-tapping jazzy takes on winter favorites.
Hanukkah Lights
Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m., Vermont Public
This NPR favorite returns with a curated selection of stories from the archives.
Chanukkah in Story & Song
Sunday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m., Vermont Public Classical
Sung by The Western Wind and narrated by Leonard Nimoy, this collection brings together 25 eclectic selections — from Ladino songs of Spanish Jews and Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe to modern Israeli tunes, plus the group’s original version of “I Have a Little Dreydle.” The acclaimed sextet performs both a cappella and with instruments including violin, accordion, bass, and guitar. Narration by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik adds context and insight into the holiday’s customs and rituals.
Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Vermont Public Classical
Host Andrea Blain explores music and customs rooted in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals. Enjoy performances by classical ensembles and soloists like Apollo’s Fire and Bryn Terfel, along with traditional instruments such as harp, fiddle, and mandolin.
Vermont Edition’s Annual Music Show
Friday, Dec. 19, 12 p.m., Vermont Public
Join Mikaela Lefrak and Jon Ehrens for two hours of your favorite music from the past year.
The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 p.m., Vermont Public Classical
Christmas Revels performances blend country, ritual, and courtly dances; wassails; carols; ballads; spirituals; hymns; storytelling; poetry; and drama. Drawing on sacred and secular folk traditions from cultures worldwide, they honor solstice celebrations and winter festivals dating back to pre-Christian times.
Favor Johnson
Wednesday, Dec. 24, during the 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. hours, Vermont Public
Join us for a beloved holiday tradition with Willem Lange’s 'Favor Johnson' — a Christmas classic featuring a hound named Hercules, Doc Jennings, homemade fruitcake, and the true spirit of the season. Listen to the story anytime.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m., Vermont Public Classical
Share in a live, world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast featuring Biblical readings, carols, and seasonal classical music performed by the famed choir of men and boys at the 500-year-old Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge.
A Christmas Carol with Willem Lange
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., Vermont Public
Settle in for Willem Lange’s classic reading of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Listen to the story anytime.
Now Playing’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Vermont Public
Ring in the new year with a special edition of Now Playing! DJ Llu takes over the airwaves with live remixes, house, and dance beats from 9–11 p.m. Start your new year dancing on the radio dance floor.
Toast of the Nation
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11 p.m., Vermont Public
Since the 1970s, NPR has delivered festive New Year’s Eve jazz to help ring in the year in style.
New Year’s Day Live From Vienna
Thursday, Jan. 1, 11 a.m., Vermont Public Classical
Celebrate the new year with the Vienna Philharmonic’s 2026 New Year’s Concert, conducted by Maestro Riccardo Muti at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
Local Holiday Music Sampler with Mary Engisch
Thursday, Jan. 1, 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., Vermont Public
Enjoy Vermont Public’s annual showcase of local holiday music —from new takes on classics, like 'Blue Christmas' and 'Auld Lang Syne' - to original holiday tunes, we'll share an hour's worth of holiday cheer from Vermont artists.
Kids Share: What’s on Your Bucket List?
Friday, Jan. 2, 12 p.m., Vermont Public
Kick off the new year with the hopes and dreams of young people everywhere. In But Why’s end-of-year special, kids around the world answer the question: What’s on your bucket list?
TV Holiday Specials
These programs are listed by date and will air on our main TV channel. Find your station or watch live.
Hope of the Season: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Monday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m., Vermont Public Television
This program features a 360-member choir and a 150-member orchestra, joined by world-renowned guest artists and narrators sharing the songs and stories that make Christmas memorable for millions.
Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m., Vermont Public Television
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic set in Edwardian-era London. Clara embarks on a fantastical adventure with her enchanted nutcracker, featuring over 100 dancers in a magical, dreamlike realm. Choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2025
Thursday, Dec. 25, 8 p.m., Vermont Public Television
When senior members of Nonnatus House travel to Hong Kong on a mercy mission, the younger midwives must manage on their own. As the story shifts between the sunlit Far East and a snowy East End, Sister Julienne finds new inspiration in embracing change and seeing what love can do.
Great Performances: From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2026
Thursday, Jan. 1, 8 p.m., Vermont Public Television
Ring in the new year with the Vienna Philharmonic at the world-famous Musikverein. Hugh Bonneville returns as host, with performances by the Vienna City Ballet filmed at stunning landmarks across the city.
