After another uncertain year, immerse yourself in holiday traditions on VPR and VPR Classical for good company and good cheer. Tune in orstream for new, local productions, plus beloved and traditional holiday programs.
Listen on-demand to VPR's Christmas classic Favor Johnson by Willem Lange. It's the story of a hound named Hercules, a flatlander doctor, homemade fruitcake and the real spirit of Christmas. You can also stream more holiday classics, including Willem Lange's Rona & Alice and Christmas On The Party Line, Lange's reading of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, as well as The Loudest Voice read by Grace Paley.
Listen online: 'Favor Johnson' & other holiday classics.
On-Air Holiday Specials Schedule
Sunday, Dec. 19:
The Light Show — VPR News from 7 -10 p.m.
Celebrate the Solstice with All The Traditions. This annual celebration features songs of light. Catch it on the Replay stream for 2 weeks after initial broadcast.
Tuesday, Dec. 21:
The Paul Winter Consort — VPR News at 8 p.m.
The long-standing tradition continues with celebrations in song for the Solstice.
Friday, Dec. 24:
Favor Johnson — VPR News at 8:51 a.m.
The story of a hound named Hercules, a flatlander doctor, homemade fruitcake and the real spirit of Christmas.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols — VPR Classical at 10 a.m.
King's College Cambridge's iconic Christmas service.
A Christmas Carol — VPR News at 12 p.m.
As read by Willem Lange.
Saturday, Dec. 25:
The Big Tiny Desk Holiday Special — VPR News at 12 p.m.
Celebrate the season with holiday performances from Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Steve Martin, Hanson, The Polyphonic Spree and others.
Messiah — VPR Classical at 1 p.m.
A special presentation of parts 1 and 2 of Handel’s oratorio, Messiah.
Sunday, Dec. 26:
A Season's Griot — VPR News at 12 p.m.
Public radio's nationally syndicated Kwanzaa program. A one-hour celebration in story and song.
Friday, Dec. 31:
Toast Of The Nation — VPR News at 11 p.m.
Swing into the New Year with this public radio tradition and tune in to jazz, all night from coast to coast.
Saturday, January 1 —
New Year’s Day Live From Vienna — VPR Classical at 11 a.m.
The Vienna Philharmonic presents its ever-popular annual New Year's Day concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. You'll hear your favorite waltzes, polkas, and more - a festive way to start off the New Year.
One Small Step — VPR News at 12 p.m.
Throughout the fall VPR has partnered with StoryCorps for a project called One Small Step, helping facilitate conversations between Vermonters who disagree politically. This special features a look back on the project, and the voices of Vermonters connecting across political divides.
