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Holiday Programs 2022

Holiday special programs and performances air all month long on WNMU-TV PBS. From live performances from Josh Turner and The Tabernacle Choir, to new and local favorites like Buttons: A Christmas Tale and Snowflake, our holiday specials offer quality entertainment for the whole family. Scroll down to learn about December's featured programs. Shows are organized by date. All programs are on 13.1 unless otherwise noted.

Don't forget: Go Public! 22 Fundraiser airs November 26-December 6. 

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December 1-3

America's Forests with Chuck Leavell: US Capitol Christmas Tree

America's Forests with Chuck Leavell
US Capitol Christmas Tree
The journey of the Capitol Christmas tree from Colorado to DC.  

Thursday, December 1 at 3:30 pm ET.  Repeats 12/24 at 8:30 pm ET., & 12/26 at 3:30/2:30c.

Arthur's Perfect Christmas

Arthur's Perfect Christmas
Everyone’s favorite aardvark gives kids a spin on seasonal traditions in this special, showing children many ways to celebrate “the holidays.”  

Friday, December 2 at 6:30a/5:30c. Repeats 12/15 at 10a/9c, 12/19 at 12p/11c, 12/24 at 6:30a/5:30c.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

Curious George A Very Monkey Christmas
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat go through Christmas present confusion.   

Friday, December 2 at 8/7c.  Repeats 12/8 at 1/12c.

Wild Kratts Creature Christmas

Wild Kratts Creature Christmas
It’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. 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.   

Friday, December 2 at 10a/9c.

Nature Cat: A Nature Carol

Nature Cat A Nature Carol
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.  

Friday, December 2 at 1/12c.  Repeats 12/9 at 6:30a/5:30c.

Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker

Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker
A celebration of multicultural communities puts a modern spin on the 19th-century fairy tale.  

Sunday, December 2 at 8/7c on WNMU-TV PLUS Channel 13.3. Repeats 12/3 at 1/12c.

December 4-10

Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2

Join the stellar cast to celebrate the beloved musical that became a worldwide phenomenon.

Part of Go Public! 22.   Sunday, December 4 at 7/6c.

Josh Turner: King Size Manger

Josh Turner King Size Manger
Multi-platinum-selling recording artist Josh Turner heralds in the holiday season with his first Christmas special.   

Sunday, December 4 at 11/10c.  Repeats 12/13 at 3/2c.

The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!

The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!
The Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally take a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home in time for Christmas.  

Monday, December 5 at 6a/5c.  Repeats 12/23 at 12p/11c, & 12/25 at 6:30a/5:30c.

A Chef’s Life Holiday Special

Join Vivian as she prepares foods that draw on her Southern heritage and Ben's Chanukah traditions.  

Tuesday, December 6 at 1:30a/12:30c.

Peg + Cat + Holidays

Peg + Cat + Holidays
This holiday special features Peg + Cat in three holiday-themed stories: "The Christmas Problem," "The Hanukkah Problem," and "The Penguin Problem."   

Wednesday, December 7 at 8:30a/7:30c.  Repeats 12/23 at 9:30a/8:30c.

Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas with Vanessa Williams

The American Pops Orchestra presents an evening celebrating the album of holiday classics.

Saturday, December 10 at 1a/12c. 

Christmas at Belmont 

Christmas at Belmont features Belmont University students performing holiday songs.

Saturday, December 10 at 2a/1c.  Repeats 12/12 at 4a/3c.

December 11-17

How to Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O'Connell

Irish chef Rory O'Connell returns with a collection of new recipes and helpful techniques for the holiday season.  

Monday, December 12 at 11:30/10:30c.

Christmas With The Tabernacle Choir

Christmas Day in the Morning

The Grammy and Emmy Award winning Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Orchestra at Temple Square, and Bells at Temple Square join Tony Award winning star Kelli O'Hara and renowned actor Richard Thomas to celebrate the holidays with a nostalgic program that exudes the warmth and peace that the season can bring.   

Tuesday, December 13 at 1a/12c.

Christmas With The Tabernacle Choir

O Holy Night

Kristin Chenoweth performs "O Holy Night" with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.

Tuesday, December 13 at 8/7c. 

Luna's Christmas Around the World

Luna's Christmas Around the World
When the Circo gets stuck at the South Pole on Christmas eve, Leo, Andy, and Carmen are convinced that Santa will never find them. With the help of their friend Luna, the kids endeavor to save Christmas, learning about holiday traditions from around the world along the way.  

Friday, December 16 at 6:30a/5:30c. Repeats 12/20 at 8:30a/7:30c and 12/25 at 7:30a/6:30c.

December 18-24

The Tidings

The Tidings is a Christmas concert that deepens our experiences of hope, healing, and joy.

Sunday, December 18 at 7/6c.

Antiques Roadshow

Naughty or Nice

ROADSHOW makes a list and checks it twice, enlivening the year-end holiday season.  

Monday, December 19 at 8/7c.  Repeats 12/20 at 3/2c.

Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas

Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas
Join the beloved British home cook as she shares tips for the ultimate Christmas feast.   

Monday, December 19 at 9/8c. Repeats 12/20 at 1:30a/12:30c.

CLOWN by Quentin Blake

CLOWN by Quentin Blake

An animated special that brings to life the adventures of a little toy clown who has been thrown away. On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on an exciting journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.  

Monday, December 19 at 11:30/10:30c. Repeats 12/25 at 8:30a/7:30c and 6/5c.

USAF Band of Mid-America Presents: Spirit of the Season 2022

USAF Band of Mid-America Presents Spirit of the Season 2022
During this concert you will hear many of your holiday favorites played by groups ranging in size and genre from United States Air Force Band of Mid-America’s large concert band to their rock band and jazz ensembles.  

Tuesday, December 20 at 1 am ET.  Repeats 12/24 at 8 pm ET.

Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas

Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas
Discover the surprising Tudor origins of some favorite Christmas traditions.  

Tuesday, December 20 at 10/9c. Repeats 12/21 at 2a/1c, and 12/23 at 1a/12c.

WNMU Presents

Snowflake

Gale LaJoye's theatre performance helps viewers turn sorrow into joy.

Thursday, December 22 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/23 at 3/2c.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Alan Cumming recounts the origin story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker.

Saturday, December 24 at 1a/12c.

Buttons: A Christmas Tale

Buttons A Christmas Tale
Follow the heartwarming journey of two orphan girls whose only wish is to find a home for Christmas. With a little help from their guardian angels (Dick Van Dyke and Dame Angela Lansbury), they discover miracles can happen when you believe.  

Saturday, December 24 at 5:30/4:30c.  Repeats 12/25 at 6:30/5:30c.

All is Bright! A Concordia Christmas

All is Bright! A Concordia Christmas
The musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends treat you to a festive collection of music that brings light, hope, and joy to the season.  

Saturday, December 24 at 9/8c. Repeats 12/25 at 2/1c.

December 25-31

The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!

The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!
The Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally take a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home in time for Christmas.  

Monday, December 25 at 6:30a/5:30c. Repeats on WNMU-TV PLUS (Channel 13.3) at 9a/8c.

Luna's Christmas Around the World

Luna's Christmas Around the World
When the Circo gets stuck at the South Pole on Christmas eve, Leo, Andy, and Carmen are convinced that Santa will never find them. With the help of their friend Luna, the kids endeavor to save Christmas, learning about holiday traditions from around the world along the way.  

Friday, December 25 at 7:30a/6:30c. Repeats on WNMU-TV PLUS (Channel 13.3) at 10:30a/9:30c. 

CLOWN by Quentin Blake

CLOWN by Quentin Blake

An animated special that brings to life the adventures of a little toy clown who has been thrown away. On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on an exciting journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.  

Monday, December 25 at 8:30a/7:30c and 6/5c.

Nature Cat: A Nature Carol

Nature Cat A Nature Carol
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.  

Friday, December 25 at 11:30a/10:30c on WNMU-TV PLUS (Channel 13.3).

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

Curious George A Very Monkey Christmas
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat go through Christmas present confusion.   

Friday, December 25 at 12:30p/11:30c on WNMU-TV PLUS (Channel 13.3).

Wild Kratts Creature Christmas

Wild Kratts Creature Christmas
It’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. 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.

Friday, December 25 at 1:30p/12:30c on WNMU-TV PLUS (Channel 13.3).

Arthur's Perfect Christmas

Arthur's Perfect Christmas
Everyone’s favorite aardvark gives kids a spin on seasonal traditions in this special, showing children many ways to celebrate “the holidays.”  

Friday, December 25 at 4:30p/3:30c on WNMU-TV PLUS (Channel 13.3).

Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife Holiday Special Marathon

Binge classic Call the Midwife Holiday Specials from 2018-2020

Friday, December 25 starting at 4:30p/3:30c on WNMU-TV PLUS (Channel 13.3).

All Creatures Great and Small

The Perfect Christmas

James and Helen question their future together as Christmas approaches. 

Sunday, December 25 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/26 at 1a/12c.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 22

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 22

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.  Monday, December 25 at 9/8c. Repeats 12/26 at 2a/1c.

Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker

Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker
A celebration of multicultural communities puts a modern spin on the 19th-century fairy tale.  

Sunday, December 25 at 10:30/9:30c.

London's New Year's Day Parade 2023 Welcome Back To London
Bring in the New Year with fun performances at iconic locations throughout the U.K. capital. This year, 24 marching bands and 1,000 cheerleaders from schools and colleges across the United States will perform through the streets of London, marching alongside dignitaries and performers from around the world.  

Wednesday, December 28 at 1a/12c. 

United in Song 2022: Ringing in The New Year Together

United in Song 2022 
Ringing in The New Year Together  
Ring in the New Year with music that celebrates our nation's diversity, from folk to rock to opera. 

Saturday, December 31 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/31 at 9:30/8:30c.

Great Performances

NY Philharmonic Reopening of David Geffen Hall Preview

Celebrate the New York Philharmonic's return to its revitalized home.

Saturday, December 31 at 11/10c.