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.
11/25/24
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25
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.
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.
10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20
5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25
9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23
10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24
9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24
10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24
11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24
I would love to get your thoughts, suggestions, and questions in the comments below. Thanks for sharing!
PBS Wisconsin is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
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Kathy Wall
Will you air Christmasfest from St. Olaf College in Minnesota this year?
Alyssa Beno
Hi Kathy – we do not currently have any broadcasts of The St. Olaf Christmas Festival scheduled.
J R & Nancy Jones
Disappointing that once again the first half of December is for the most part programming that has been on many times for pledge drives. That only leaves a few days for Christmas specials which we always look forward to.
Joan Day
Please air St Olaf Christmas concert next year. Also missed hear the St Thomas choir.
Thomas Mills
Hi Alyssa I know why you arent showing St. Olaf program. I had talked to someone at the station and I know why. Things like that make me more determined to support WPT. Try to make as many programs for the public good as possible. Merry Christmas Alyssa
Alyssa Beno
Thank you for your kind words, Thomas. Merry Christmas to you!
Dawn
Thank you for the Christmas programs you offer. I think that you have more Christmas programming than many other channels do. I appreciate that!
Sharon Larson
Looking for the Nutcracker ballet.
Alyssa Beno
Hi Sharon – you might enjoy this video featuring the Scranton Civic Ballet Company:
https://video.pbswisconsin.org/video/the-nutcracker-presented-by-scranton-civic-ballet-company-lmihxl/