Get in the Holiday Spirit with WTTW’s Festive Programming

The holidays are here, and WTTW is here to help get you in the festive spirit with a line-up of holiday programming. Cozy up by a fire and grab a plate of cookies to enjoy Mary Berry holiday specials, musical performances, Christmas markets around the world, and much, much more. Watch performances from ensembles around the globe and specials that examine traditional and contemporary customs of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. 

This year features new programming including a new Call the Midwife holiday special, an American Masters on Brenda Lee, a Kennedy Center performance starring Sara Bareilles, and other new musical specials. Plus, in a new special, A Celebration of Hanukkah, Geoffrey Baer explores the joyful traditions of the Jewish holiday with the help of Chicago-area Jewish and interfaith families and children.

Be sure to check the schedule links below for additional air times.

Music and Performance

American Masters – Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around

Monday, December 16 at 9:00 pm on WTTW
Discover the story behind Brenda Lee’s iconic songs, and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll, and country. Known for her holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today.

Joy: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00pm on WTTW
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square team up with Broadway’s Michael Maliakel and Downton Abbey's Lesley Nicol for this heartwarming Christmas special. Enjoy stirring renditions of classic and popular Christmas music, and a true story about French novelist, poet, and dramatist, Victor Hugo at Christmastime.

Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah

Tuesday, December 17 at 8:30 pm on WTTW
Handel’s 18th century masterpiece has been reimagined by conductor Marin Alsop with colleagues Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson. Handel’s arias, choruses, and orchestration have been infused with gospel, jazz, and R&B, creating an uplifting reinterpretation of this Christmas and Easter favorite. This performance from London’s Royal Albert Hall marks the European premiere of a piece that has been a seasonal fixture across the United States since it premiered in New York in 1993. 

A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Friday, December 20 at 8:00 pm on WTTW 
Blacklisted by the BBC after ruining Peter Pan, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are not taking their ban lying down and force themselves back on the BBC by hijacking the jewel of the Christmas schedule, a “live” stage production of A Christmas Carol. 

Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker

Saturday, December 21 at 10:30 pm on WTTW Prime
Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker, a celebration of multi-cultural communities, puts a modern spin on the 19th-century fairy tale and transports viewers to an enchanted world not unlike their own. Drawing upon classical ballet, urban tap, hip-hop, swing, flamenco, step and jazz, the performance uniquely retells a Christmas classic. 

Purdue 90th Anniversary Christmas Show

Tuesday, December 24 at 7:00 am on WTTW Prime
The ensembles of Purdue Musical Organizations perform holiday favorites in Purdue University's Elliott Hall of Music, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Holiday Handbells: The Raleigh Ringers

Tuesday, December 24 at 8:00 am on WTTW Prime
The Raleigh Ringers, an internationally acclaimed community handbell choir based in Raleigh, North Carolina, present the sequel to their critically acclaimed holiday special, One Winter Evening at Meymandi. Holiday Handbells runs the gamut of song selections from old yuletide favorites to Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas score and other sounds of the season. 

St. Thomas Christmas: Reflections of Gratitude

Tuesday, December 24 at 9:00 am on WTTW Prime
A St. Thomas Christmas Tradition is a winter tradition for the University of St. Thomas community. This year's concert theme is "Reflections of Gratitude." The program celebrates the Advent and Christmas season by drawing from both familiar traditional carols and innovative contemporary selections. 

Christmas at Concordia: Gather Us In, O Child of Peace

Tuesday, December 24 at 10:00 am on WTTW Prime
In this music special, Concordia College re-imagines the Christmas message with music embracing peace and reconciliation. Under the artistic leadership of world renowned composer and conductor Rene Claussen, four hundred student musicians perform in front of an original mural measuring nearly 200 feet wide.

Thrill of Hope: A Concordia Christmas

Tuesday, December 24 at 11:00 am on WTTW Prime
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends invite you to a festive collection of music that celebrates, rejoices, and finds hope in the gifts of Christmas. Featuring the songs "Silent Night," "Wexford Carol" (a traditional Irish Carol), "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Riu, Riu Chiu'"(a traditional Spanish Carol), "Hope Has an Answer (Psalm 65)" featuring performer Kip Fox, and more.

Navidad: A Concordia Christmas

Tuesday, December 24 at 12:00 pm on WTTW Prime
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine invite you to a festive collection of music that brings light, hope, and joy to the season, influenced by the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas.

20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

Tuesday, December 24 at 1:00 pm on WTTW Prime
Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Choir and Orchestra for this two-hour 20th anniversary retrospective with performances from Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Gladys Knight, Angela Lansbury, Hugh Bonneville, Renee Fleming and more.

A Christmas with Sir John Rutter at Preston Hollow

Tuesday, December 24 at 3:00 pm on WTTW Prime
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas presents A Christmas with Sir John Rutter at Preston Hollow. The featured guest star of the production is world renowned composer/conductor John Rutter, who was recently knighted by King Charles of the UK. The production will include Rutter favorites "Star Carol" and "I Saw Three Ships" as well as many of his beloved settings of familiar carols including "Away in a Manger," "Go Tell It on the Mountain," and "Silent Night."

O Holy Night: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

Tuesday, December 24 at 8:00 pm on WTTW 
Tony Award-nominee Megan Hilty and television and film actor Neal McDonough join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for this Irish-inspired edition of this heartwarming annual celebration of music and holiday traditions.

Season of Light: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir

Wednesday, December 25 at 1:30 am on WTTW 
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square join with award winning artists Lea Salonga and Sir David Suchet for this festive and uplifting Christmas special. This concert will illuminate your holiday experience with timeless carols, treasured songs, and a story of heroic service.

Celebrate & Sing! Glory to the Newborn King!

Wednesday, December 25 at 3:00 am on WTTW
This spectacular Christmas concert of secular and sacred music is performed by the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church's Sanctuary Choir, orchestra, and organist Bradley Hunter Welch. Traditional favorites included in the program include “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “Carol of the Bells.”

A Classic Christmas with the Bach Festival Society: Joyful Sounds

Wednesday, December 25 from 4:00 am on WTTW 
From the beautiful Knowles Memorial Chapel on the campus of Florida’s Rollins College, the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, along with guest soloists Mary Wilson and Stephen Mumbert as well as the Bach Festival Children's Choir, performs custom arrangements of treasured holiday classics.

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

Tuesday, December 31 at 7:00 pm on WTTW 
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, with special guest Rufus Wainwright and others. 

Travel, Cooking, and Culture

Rick Steves’ European Christmas

Sunday, December 1 at 1:00 pm on WTTW 
From manger scenes and mistletoe to wintry wonderlands, Rick celebrates the Christmas season throughout the European continent.

Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas

Sunday, December 1 at 3:00 pm on WTTW 
Mary Berry spends Christmas soaking up her Scottish heritage and enjoying traditional festive delights with familiar faces, as well as cooking up some of her own indulgent dishes.

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas

Saturday, December 21 at 7:00 pm on WTTW Prime
This irreverent documentary tells the story of the unlikely Jewish immigrants who, enamored with Broadway and Hollywood, wrote some of the most popular songs in America: Christmas music. The documentary features rarely-seen archival footage, musical performances, and interviews.

Holiday How-To Marathon

Sunday, December 22 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on WTTW 
Prepare for Christmas gatherings with this all-day marathon of holiday-themed programs from WTTW’s most popular how-to series, including New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton, New Scandinavian Cooking, A Chef’s Life, Cook’s Country, America’s Test Kitchen, Sara’s Weeknight Meals, and more.

The Magic of Christmas in Alsace

Sunday, December 22 at 4:30 pm on WTTW 
Christmas in the Alsace region of France is best experienced in the small towns and villages where each community has its own unique holiday traditions, celebrations, food, and, of course, wine.

Christmas on the Danube

Sunday, December 22 at 5:00 pm on WTTW
Traveling the majestic Danube river as it passes through stunning European landscape, history, and culture, visit cities along the way that are particularly spectacular at Christmas. 

European Christmas Markets

Sunday, December 22 at 10:30 pm on WTTW
Take a voyage of discovery of Europe's Christmas Markets, where the town center, market square, or just the narrow, cobblestone streets of the cities and towns come alive in winter with festively decorated wooden stalls offering all sorts of treats and delights.

A Celebration of Hanukkah

Monday, December 23 at 8:00 pm on WTTW 
Geoffrey Baer tells the story of Hanukkah, exploring the time-honored traditions of this joyous Jewish holiday, making a few surprising discoveries along the way. With the help of Chicago-area Jewish and interfaith families and children, musicians, and religious leaders, Geoffrey also sets out to answer some age-old questions, and more.

Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas

Monday, December 23 at 9:00 pm on WTTW 
Join the beloved British home cook and three special friends as they prepare her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings. From the traditional turkey to her classic Christmas pudding, it's the perfect recipe for a deliciously festive holiday. 

Karamu: Feast for the 7th Day

Thursday, December 26 at 9:30 pm on WTTW 
Lifestyle expert Sira Williams explores the history, principles, and symbols of Kwanzaa and celebrates the culinary traditions of West Africa, featuring dishes from Mali, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa

Sunday, December 29 at 1:00 pm on WTTW
This documentary explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories of impact that reveal how each principle plays a role in the Black community, enhanced by cultural elements of dance, storytelling, music, and spoken word.

British Comedy and Drama

All Creatures Great and Small: Christmas in the Dales

Sunday, December 1 at 5:00 pm on WTTW 
Celebrate the heartwarming series set in the stunning Yorkshire Dales with clips and behind-the-scenes memories of its Christmas finales. 

A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Friday, December 20 at 8:00 pm on WTTW 
Blacklisted by the BBC after ruining Peter Pan, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are not taking their ban lying down and force themselves back on the BBC by hijacking the jewel of the Christmas schedule, a “live” stage production of A Christmas Carol. 

Sister Boniface Mysteries: The Star of the Orient

Saturdays, December 21 and December 28 at 8:00 pm on WTTW
Sister Boniface's faith in The Almighty is matched only by her passion for forensics. When a precious jewel is stolen from a snowbound train, the crime-solving nun turns detective – uncovering murder, ancient curses, and dark family secrets.

Death in Paradise Christmas Special

Saturday, December 21 and December 28 at 9:00 pm on WTTW 
It's Christmas in the Caribbean and Neville’s larger-than-life mother is in town. Elsewhere, a wealthy business owner called Gerry is found dead at the bottom of a ravine. It could just be an accident, but Gerry's ominous last words – “It’s behind you” – suggest something more is going on. 

Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean

Sunday, December 22 at 10:00 pm on WTTW 
While Christmas shopping, Mr. Bean purchases a string of tree lights before making a shambles of a department store toy section. He later attempts to conduct a Salvation Army band and has a surprise in store for his long-suffering girlfriend.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2021

Wednesday, December 25 at 1:00 pm on WTTW 
Christmas 1966 promises to be a memorable one. The Nonnatus House team are faced with their busiest Christmas Day ever as the Maternity Home is filled with expectant moms and challenging cases. Luckily, Mother Mildred is on hand to support the team. Recap the special.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2022

Wednesday, December 25 at 2:30 pm on WTTW 
With Christmas approaching, the midwives move to their maternity clinic and are delighted when their first patient is a familiar face. Life in Poplar returns to normal after the tragic train crash, and everyone unites for a festive talent show. Recap the special.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2023

Wednesday, December 25 from 4:00 pm on WTTW
Two weeks before Christmas, delicate situations cause uncertainty for the midwives. With the upcoming Apollo 8 launch and the festivity preparations starting, a treacherous heavy snowfall may complicate the holiday celebrations for everyone. Recap the special.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2024

Wednesday, December 25 at 7:00 on WTTW
In this all-new holiday special set at Christmas 1969, 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.

Kids 

Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas

Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 am on WTTW 
It's Christmas time, but when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!

Wednesday, December 4 at 12:00 pm on WTTW 
This adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick, and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas.

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas

Friday, December 6 at 6:00 am on WTTW 
Plans are underway for the best holidays ever as Arthur, D.W., their family and friends make preparations for a perfect Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

Peg + Cat + Holidays

Monday, December 9 at 11:30 am on WTTW 
This special holiday episode of Peg + Cat features “The Christmas Problem,” “The Hanukkah Problem,” and “The Penguin Problem.”

Nature Cat: A Nature Carol

Tuesday, December 10 at 10:30 am on WTTW
In the tradition of the Dickens holiday classic, Nature Cat is visited by the spirits of Nature Past (Daisy), Present (Squeeks), and Future (Hal) on Christmas Eve.

Let’s Go Luna! Luna’s Christmas Around the World

Thursday, December 12 at 6:00 am on WTTW
Leo, Andy, and Carmen enlist Luna to help them save Christmas, learning about holiday traditions around the world along the way.