A perennial NPR favorite for nearly two decades, acclaimed authors explore Hanukkah stories written expressly for Hanukkah Lights. This year's show features brand new stories by Danit Brown, Michael Blumenthal and Rachel Shukert. Hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

Features a concert from NYC-based 2006 Grammy-award-winning band, the Klezmatics. Hosted by Murray Horwitz.

A returning one-hour Chanukah celebration by The Western Wind, performing Ladino songs of Spanish Jews, Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe, and modern Israeli and American tunes.

Features a concert from NYC-based 2006 Grammy-award-winning band, the Klezmatics. Hosted by Murray Horwitz. (a repeat of Saturday's original broadcast)

A perennial NPR favorite for nearly two decades, acclaimed authors explore Hanukkah stories written expressly for Hanukkah Lights. This year's show features brand new stories by Danit Brown, Michael Blumenthal and Rachel Shukert. Hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

A returning one-hour Chanukah celebration by The Western Wind, performing Ladino songs of Spanish Jews, Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe, and modern Israeli and American tunes.

A 2-hour cheerful, cheeky blend of eclectic music matched to the many moods of Christmas. Enjoy new seasonal sounds with host Gini Mascorro. Selections include "White Christmas." "Blue Christmas," “In The Bleak Midwinter,” and many other traditional and new holiday tunes from musicians like The Ramones, The Ramonas, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Nicole Atkins and the Rev. Horton Heat.

The inside story behind this 1963 album featuring performances by The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans that raised the bar for pop/rock arrangements of classic holiday songs.  The All Music Guide says,  “This is the Christmas album by which all later holiday releases had to be judged,” and Rolling Stone lists it as one of the best albums ever made.  Includes interviews with singers Darlene Love and LaLa Brooks, musicians Nino Tempo, Don Randi and Hal Blaine.  Hosted by Anthony DeCurtis.  

Hear musicians from around the world in NPR's performance studio as they share special holiday moments. Join host Lisa Simeone for ancient harmonies from Trio Medieval, traditional carols from the Riga Dom Boys Choir, and a rarely heard Christmas song by Sibelius, straight from Finland's YL Choir. The Pittsburgh Brass unpacks a pair of 500-pound bells to ring in the holiday, and the members of Trio Voronezh tune up a balalaika or two.

This lively musical program is a perennial broadcast favorite featuring the Minneapolis-based ensemble, VocalEssence. Recognized internationally as one of America's premier choral arts organizations, VocalEssence is led by the visionary Philip Brunelle.

America's premier harpist, Yolanda Kondonassis, celebrates the season with treasures of Christmas music for the harp. Kondonassis specially created this program for American Public Media listeners, spotlighting her heavenly instrument both as a soloist as well as with the accompaniment of Joshua Smith on flute and Cynthia Phelps on viola.

The story "A Child's Christmas in Wales" by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas is a holiday favorite of many but the musical accompaniment by Alfred Burt is rarely heard. Tune in for a local singing troup under the direction of Judy Denton perform these holiday carols while Kevin Purcell reads Thomas' classic story.

Christmas arrangements and original music by Leroy Anderson, this holiday special is hosted by conductor Leonard Slatkin and the composer's son Kurt Anderson, and features recorded performances of Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Music with Leonard Slatkin conducting the BBC Concert Orchestra. Leroy Anderson conducts his “Pops” Concert Orchestra.  You'll also hear Leroy Anderson talking about how he wrote some of his famous Christmas music and what Christmas means to him.

Take time to slow down and experience the season with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s annual Candlelight Concert.  Music by Handel, Haydn and Ferrandini will transport us to Christmases of yesteryear, as we join together for our first Messiah Sing-Along followed by seasonal carols.

A holiday tradition has begun. The not so plump but jolly Santa Bob and his magical elves are in their workshop, checking the list for the best fresh holiday songs. Once they’re done, be ready for naughty and nice takes on an eclectic mix of music by emerging and breakout bands. Check out Bob Boilen and friends as they host the first All Songs Considered holiday special from NPR Music.

A Carolina Christmas is a festive celebration of the Appalachian folk traditions and other styles native to the Carolinas. Center stage will be two-time female vocalist of the year Kathy Mattea singing fresh arrangements from her acclaimed holiday albums the Grammy award-winning Good News as well as Joy for Christmas Day. Joining Kathy Mattea will be the Carolinas’ premiere choral ensemble, VOX, as well as Baroque/Celtic trio The Beggar Boys. You’ll hear African-American spirituals, folk favorites, Celtic jigs, and even the Biltmore’s renowned 1916 E.M. Skinner organ in fresh, evocative performances of music for the season. Hosted by WDAV’s Jennifer Foster.

On this ever-popular program we’ll hear solo performances and duo combos playing original interpretations of our favorite holiday classics. Artists include Dr. Billy Taylor, Ramsey Lewis, Patricia Barber, Eldar, and Robert Glasper. Felix Contreas hosts.

A live performance holiday jazz program hosted by pianist Bob Thompson. Produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting in Charleston, West Virginia for 16 years, the show is performed before a consistently sold-out audience at Charleston’s Culture Center Theater. "Joy To The World" has traditionally been the kickoff to the holiday season in Charleston.

Host Jim Huston presents classical selections for the holidays available at The Lincoln Library, Springfield's public library.

Host Sean Burns rocks out to some of his holiday favorites, like "Run, Run Rudolph" by Chuck Berry, "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy" by Buck Owens, and "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Homer & Jethro with June Carter. Don't miss his annual Hillbilly/Rockabilly Christmas Show!

Host Jennifer Ramm brings you 2 hours of holiday music - bluegrass style! Including some of her personal holiday favorites, like "Christmas Time's A-Coming" by any one of 3 great performers: Larry Sparks, Peter Rowan or Patty Loveless (maybe Jennifer will play all three version for us this year!), "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" by either Ralph Stanley of Emylou Harris, "That White Christmas Song" by Red Knuckles & The Trailblazers, and "Merry Christmas from the Family" by Robert Earl Keen, Jr.

Host Dave Leonatti highlights his holiday favorites like "The Silver Wood/Wintersongs" by Krista Detor, "It's Christmas, Man" by polka group Brave Combo, "December in Vermont" by Diane Ziegler, "Christmas in July" by Judith Owen, "A Very Rosie Christmas" by Rosie Thomas and "Christmas" by Ed Gerhard.

- With the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Mendelssohn Choir -

The holiday season is always a festive time of year at Heinz Hall. A tree is decorated in the grand hall, snow is falling outside, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs one of the season's musical delights.
Let the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Mendelssohn Choir get you in the holiday spirit with Handel's "Messiah." Under the baton of Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and chorus perform the magnificent "Hallelujah Chorus," the jubilant "Ev'ry Valley," and the stirring "Amen." Soloists include Awet Andemicael, soprano; Margaret Lattimore, mezzo soprano; Robert Gardner, baritone; Alan Bennett, bass.
Jim Cunningham hosts this 2-hour concert, delivering his always fresh insight on the music and short interviews with some of the performers.

Hosted by Michael Barone, this is a live, 90-minute stereo music and spoken-word 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.

The story "A Child's Christmas in Wales" by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas is a holiday favorite of many but the musical accompaniment by Alfred Burt is rarely heard. Tune in for a local singing troup under the direction of Judy Denton perform these holiday carols while Kevin Purcell reads Thomas' classic story.

For more than 30 years, The Dale Warland Singers provided magical performances to listeners across the country, gaining acclaim as America's premier choir. The ensemble's signature holiday concert—beloved by public radio listeners nationwide—was the annual Echoes of Christmas program. Drawing upon the group's archive of live performances, Dale Warland together with host Brian Newhouse (SymphonyCast) create a very special musical treat: a collection of the best and most moving choral classics celebrating Christmas.

Set amidst the stunning architectural and natural landscapes of Carmel, Calif., the Carmel Bach Festival, one of America's oldest festivals, is a major international cultural event. This 16-day celebration features concerts performed in the historic Mission Basilica San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, a heritage site visited by thousands each year.
Hosted by Bill McGlaughlin, "Mother of God: A Portrait in Song" shares Marian Christmas-themed repertoire performed by the festival's orchestra and chorale, along with the local symphonic chorus. The composers range from the 12th to the 20th century, from Hildegard of Bingen to Sergi Rachmaninoff, and the compositions span New Spain, Europe, Moscow, England and more. Between the motets are interludes that include celebrated music for solo violin by J. S. Bach, exquisitely performed by The Julliard School's Cynthia Roberts.
"Mother of God" features some of the most beautiful, reflective a cappella music ever conceived for the human voice. It offers an ideal holiday complement to the bustling festivities of the season.

The inside story behind this 1963 album featuring performances by The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans that raised the bar for pop/rock arrangements of classic holiday songs.  The All Music Guide says,  “This is the Christmas album by which all later holiday releases had to be judged,” and Rolling Stone lists it as one of the best albums ever made.  Includes interviews with singers Darlene Love and LaLa Brooks, musicians Nino Tempo, Don Randi and Hal Blaine.  Hosted by Anthony DeCurtis.  

A live performance holiday jazz program hosted by pianist Bob Thompson. Produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting in Charleston, West Virginia for 16 years, the show is performed before a consistently sold-out audience at Charleston’s Culture Center Theater. "Joy To The World" has traditionally been the kickoff to the holiday season in Charleston.

On this ever-popular program we’ll hear solo performances and duo combos playing original interpretations of our favorite holiday classics. Artists include Dr. Billy Taylor, Ramsey Lewis, Patricia Barber, Eldar, and Robert Glasper. Felix Contreas hosts.

Seasonal music from two of the three kings -- of the blues -- tracks from Kenny Ellis's album Hanukkah Swings! (and it does!), McCoy Tyner, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, Otis Redding, B.B. King and more.

For more than 30 years, The Dale Warland Singers provided magical performances to listeners across the country, gaining acclaim as America's premier choir. The ensemble's signature holiday concert—beloved by public radio listeners nationwide—was the annual Echoes of Christmas program. Drawing upon the group's archive of live performances, Dale Warland together with host Brian Newhouse (SymphonyCast) create a very special musical treat: a collection of the best and most moving choral classics celebrating Christmas.

Set amidst the stunning architectural and natural landscapes of Carmel, Calif., the Carmel Bach Festival, one of America's oldest festivals, is a major international cultural event. This 16-day celebration features concerts performed in the historic Mission Basilica San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, a heritage site visited by thousands each year.
Hosted by Bill McGlaughlin, "Mother of God: A Portrait in Song" shares Marian Christmas-themed repertoire performed by the festival's orchestra and chorale, along with the local symphonic chorus. The composers range from the 12th to the 20th century, from Hildegard of Bingen to Sergi Rachmaninoff, and the compositions span New Spain, Europe, Moscow, England and more. Between the motets are interludes that include celebrated music for solo violin by J. S. Bach, exquisitely performed by The Julliard School's Cynthia Roberts.
"Mother of God" features some of the most beautiful, reflective a cappella music ever conceived for the human voice. It offers an ideal holiday complement to the bustling festivities of the season.

Toast of the Nation features live music all night on New Year’s Eve -- a holiday special for your party.
Raise a glass with listeners coast to coast and revelers at five live-jazz locations across the continent. After midnights in New York and the Twin Cities, our West Coast artists give a Happy New Year shout-out to Mountain Timers. Then an hour later it's "Auld Lang Syne" (or something hipper) in Pacific Time, with a "here’s to Alaska and Hawaii" in advance of their midnight hours.

Host Jim Huston presents his "best of 2009" selections from The Lincoln Library - classical music and new literary offerings...

Host Sean Burns reflects on a year of hillbilly/rockabilly and Americana, and presents some of his choice picks from the past year...and looks ahead to 2010.

Jennifer Ramm selects two-hours of the best bluegrass of the year on Bluegrass Breakdown.

Host Dave Leonatti presents his annual "Best of...the Best" Don't miss Dave's Picks of 2009!