Holiday Programming

Celebrate the holidays with these specials from SC Public Radio, airing on all of our Music & News stations December 17, 2025-January 2, 2026.

Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.
Candles Burning Brightly — A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! Lots of music from Jewish communities around the world, plus a hilarious lesson on how to prepare a classic Chanukah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home.

Dec. 17 at 12 p.m.
Welcome Christmas — A perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups, presenting an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.

Dec. 18 at 11 a.m.
A Jazz Piano Christmas — Join us for some of our favorite jazz-infused piano renditions of the season’s most-loved music. Veteran host and jazz critic Felix Contreras hand picks his favorite performances from the rich catalog of cherished Jazz Piano Christmas concerts.

Dec. 18 at 12 p.m.
A Chanukah Celebration with Chicago a capella — Join Jonathan Miller, founding artistic director of Chicago a cappella and a longtime champion of Jewish choral music, for an inspiring and informative show featuring choral music set to Chanukah texts.

Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
Hanukkah Lights — This NPR favorite returns with new stories plus gems from the archive.

Dec. 22 at 11 a.m.
Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas Gift to Jazz — Vince Guaraldi's music to A Charlie Brown Christmas ushers in the sound of the holidays for jazz fans as well as Charlie Brown fans. Songs like "Linus and Lucy," "Skating" and "Christmas Time Is Here" have become holiday classics and have inspired many a jazz player.

Dec. 22 at 12 p.m.
In Winter's Glow — A winter solstice program, with modern classical sounds for the longest night of the year, chosen especially to complement the chilly, starry nights of the season.

Dec. 23 at 11 a.m.
Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration — The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from places like Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and other Celtic nations. Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals.

Dec. 23 at 12 p.m.
Holiday Jazz with Dee Alexander — Chicago’s First Lady of Jazz Dee Alexander brings all her warmth, charm, luscious voice and exquisite technique to this special. Accompanied by her trio, Alexander takes us on a musical holiday journey through such beloved standards as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Coventry Carol,” and cherished spirituals.

Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (Live) — An annual and beloved Christmas Eve tradition, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is an extraordinary and memorable service of word and music from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, England. [Note: This program will re-air that evening at 7:00 p.m., pre-empting SymphonyCast.]

Dec. 24 at 12 p.m.
ColaJazz Presents: Jingle Bell Jazz — Swing into the holiday spirit with this local production. ColaJazz Presents host Mark Rapp and other South Carolina jazz artists perform an hour of seasonal tunes recorded live at venues around the state.

Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival — A service in song and word that has become one of the nation’s most cherished holiday celebrations. The festival includes hymns, carols, choral works, as well as orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity and featuring more than 500 student musicians in five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.

Dec. 26 at 11 a.m.
The ‘All Songs Considered’ Holiday Extravaganza — Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson set off on another adventure in their annual attempt to throw a holiday party for the ages. This year, we’ve got a very tolerable mix of songs for the season and, as always, some very special guests.

Dec. 29 at 11 a.m.
The Film Score: Music for the Winter Holidays — Join host Michael Phillips for an hour-long special devoted to holiday and wintertime movie music, from Alexandre Desplat’s folk-inspired score for “The Grand Budapest Hotel” to Bernard Herrmann’s bracing sleigh ride accompaniment composed for the Orson Welles drama “The Magnificent Ambersons.”

Dec. 29 at 12 p.m.
Winter Holidays Around the World with Bill McGlaughlin — Winter holidays are celebrated around the world, and their music is wonderful to hear, regardless of which tradition you observe.

Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2025 Remembered from The Current — Join The Current in honoring the life, music, and legacy of artists we lost this year with 2025 Remembered from The Current. This two-hour musical tribute is a celebration of all sounds - from indie to influential - and the perfect way for music lovers to unite in paying homage to the artists who have shaped music history.

Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Toast of the Nation — An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation is the perfect audio complement for the occasion.

Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
New Year's Day from Vienna (live) — This ever-popular annual New Year’s Day Concert will be performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Riccardo Muti in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna.

Jan. 2 at 11 a.m.
The Sound of Cinnamon - What does hygge mean to you? Maybe it means friendship, laughter, or more concrete things like warmth, light, seasonal food and drink. It might make you think of sitting by the fire on a cold winter night, wearing your favorite oversized sweater, reading a book, and sipping cinnamon tea. Host Jake Armerding invites you to experience coziness and contentment with a hygge soundtrack perfect for finding your favorite pair of slippers and putting your feet up.