Your 2024 guide to PBS Wisconsin holiday programs

November 25, 2024 Alyssa Beno Leave a Comment

Celebrate the songs and spirit of the holidays with these new programs and encore broadcasts airing on PBS Wisconsin and streaming on the free PBS app.

New

A Christmas with Sir John Rutter at Preston Hollow

10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16

Sir John Rutter conducts the famous Preston Hollow Sanctuary Choir, the Boys Choir of St. Mark’s School of Texas, soloists Josefina Maldonado and Erin Hannigan, and a professional orchestra in a selection of his most popular works.

Joy: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17

Broadway star Michael Maliakel and beloved actress Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) inspire in this holiday special that weaves Christmas classics with the story of Victor Hugo to show that opening our hearts to all is the true meaning of the season.

Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah

8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17

Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece, “The Messiah,” has been reimagined and infused with gospel, jazz and R&B. The result is an uplifting reinterpretation of this seasonal favorite, captured during its European premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Christmas at Longleat

10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18

Follow the dedicated team of Longleat, one of Britain’s grandest estates, as they prepare for the holiday season.

Go behind the scenes as the estate is transformed into a Christmas wonderland in time for the busiest month of the year that includes stately dinner festivities and one of Europe’s largest lantern festivals.

Roald and Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse

8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24

Set in 1922, this comedy-drama is inspired by the true story of a young Roald Dahl, future author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” as he sets off on an adventure to meet his favorite author, Beatrix Potter. Their encounter proves to be a life-changing moment for them both.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2024

During the 2024 holiday season

It’s Christmas 1969, and the funfair and carol concert add color to frosty Poplar. Yet, the festive spirit at Nonnatus House is dampened by the spread of influenza alongside growing fears of an escaped prisoner after a spate of break-ins.

Next at the Kennedy Center: Sara Bareilles – New Year’s Eve with the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends

8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress Sara Bareilles takes the stage at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening of song and celebration in this New Year’s Eve special. Bareilles will be joined by special guests Rufus Wainwright, Emily King and David Ryan Harris for this career-spanning night.

Encore Presentations

20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20

The Lawrence Welk Show: Christmas

5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21

Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas

8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25

Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas

9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23

The Savoy at Christmas

10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23

Holiday Concert from UW-Eau Claire

7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24

A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24

A Christmas Carol (1977)

10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24

Santa School

11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24