Celebrate the holiday season all month long! Check out our complete list of holiday specials and programming airing and streaming this December.
December 2023
December is full of new and festive programs on WNMU-TV! From historical documentaries, to holiday specials for young and old, to new seasonal live performances from your favorite musicians, this month is packed with programs you won't want to miss.
Tune in to WNMU-TV all month long for quality programming. Programs are also available to stream LIVE from our website, pbs.org or the PBS app.
Scroll down to learn about this month's featured programs. Shows are organized week by week. All programs are on 13.1 unless otherwise noted.
Go Public! '23 Fundraiser
Don't forget, Go Public! '23 fundraiser runs November 25-December 2. There is still time to make your contribution to your public broadcasting station in the Upper Peninsula. Your support makes programs like the ones highlighted below possible. Thank you!
December 1-2
5 Minute Yoga Fix with Peggy Cappy
Combat the effects of aging in five minutes a day with stretching and strength-building. Part os Go Public! '23 Fundraiser.
Friday, December 1 at 7:30a/6:30c.
USAF Band of Mid America:
The Spirit of the Season - Holiday Special
Air Force Band of Mid-America performs holiday concert at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
Friday, December 1 at 9/8c.
Holidays at Hudsons
Return to Detroit holidays gone by, in a televised tribute to the famous Hudson’s Department store, and their lasting holiday legacy. Their elegant yearly displays, parades and devotion to making festivities special for the children of Michigan established Detroit as one of the holiday capitals of America.
Friday, December 1 at 9:30/8:30c.
Carols at the Cathedral
The Cathedral Choir sings beloved Christmas carols and the dean offers a hopeful message.
Friday, December 1 at 10:30/9:30c.
Native BallLegacy of a Trailblazer
A Native American girl uses basketball as a ticket to college and helping others.
Saturday, December 2 at 9a/8c.
Lawrence Welk Holiday Special
Great Moments and Memories
Members of the Lawrence Welk Family reunite to showcase moments and memories from 30 years of holiday shows. Part of Go Public! 23.
Saturday, December 2 at 5:30/4:30c.
High School BowlMackinaw City vs Negaunee
Mackinaw City meets Negaunee in this preliminary round of WNMU-TV's quiz tournament.
Saturday, December 2 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/4 at 3/2c.
Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme: Memories of My Mom and Dad with David Lawrence
Celebrate the decacdes-long careers of the musical duo Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme and the early days of ’50s Rock and Roll, ’60s Pop, Tin Pan Alley, Broadway and The American Songbook. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Saturday, December 2 at 8:30/7:30c.
December 3-9
Classicalia
Enjoy performances by some of the world’s best young classically trained musicians as they participate in this international competition. Spotlighting talented youth, the competition offers the opportunity to win worldwide recognition. Part of Go Public! '23 Fundraiser.
Sunday, December 3 at 6:30/5:30c.
All Creatures Great and Small:
Christmas in the Dales
Experience the kindness, empathy and love in the magical village of Darrowby and the stunning Yorkshire Dales during the holiday season. Part of Go Public! 23 Fundraiser.
Sunday, December 3 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/4 at 1:30 pm.
Straight No Chaser: The 25th Anniversary Celebration
Join the a cappella ensemble to celebrate 25 years of great music with style and spirit. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Sunday, December 3 at 9:30/8:30c.
Inside the Mind of Agatha ChristieCat Among the Pigeons
Discover what made the world's most successful crime writer tick. Lucy explores Agatha Christie’s haunted early life, revealing some hidden secrets.
Mondays at 12a/11c, begins December 4.
Easy Yoga: Strength and Balance with Peggy Cappy
Discover how yoga can aid anyone, of any age, who wants to increase strength and improve balance. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Monday, December 4 at 7:30a/6:30c.
Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas
Mary Berry shares her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Monday, December 4 at 8/7c.
Alone in the Wilderness
Thousands have dreamed of building a cabin in the woods, but Richard Proenneke lived the it in the wilderness of Alaska, with only nature to keep him company. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Monday, December 4 at 9:30/8:30c.
America's Forests with Chuck Leavell: Georgia
Host Chuck Leavell features his home state of Georgia – the number one forestry state in the nation and the state where he got his start in music and tree farming.
Monday, December 4 at 10:30/9:30c.
American ExperienceSandra Day O’Connor: First Woman on the Supreme Court
Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice. Discover the story of the pioneering woman who became the Supreme Court's first female justice.
Tuesday, December 5 at 8/7c.
Frontline
Inside the Uvalde Response
The real-time accounts of the response, missteps and trauma in the Uvalde school shooting.
Tuesday, December 5 at 10/9c.
Christmas in New England
From the coast of Maine to the hills of the Berkshires, New England is a uniquely magical place to celebrate the holidays. Join host Lindsay Paris as she visits eight regional destinations to take a look at the traditions and events that make Christmas in New England so special.
Wednesday, December 6 at 1a/12c.
Debbie Gibson Holiday: A Soundcheck Special
From the coast of Maine to the hills of the Berkshires, New England is a uniquely magical place to celebrate the holidays. Join host Lindsay Paris as she visits eight regional destinations to take a look at the traditions and events that make Christmas in New England so special.
Wednesday, December 6 at 1a/12c.
Sesame Street
The Nutcracker starring Elmo & Tango
The holidays are here on Sesame Street, and Elmo is determined to make it the best Christmas for Tango.
Wednesday, December 6 at 10a/9c. Repeats 12/14 at 10a/9c.
Nature
American Arctic
Follow the planet’s longest land-animal migration on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Wednesday, December 6 at 8/7c.
NOVAGhosts of Stonehenge
A decade of archaeological research uncovers provocative new clues about Stonehenge.
Wednesday, December 6 at 9/8c.
The Great Polar Bear Feast
Investigate the problems facing a unique population of polar bears due to climate change. With no food left, the bears head towards Kaktovic to scavenge during the night.
Wednesday, December 6 at 10/9c.
Ask the DNR
December 2023
Personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers.
Thursday, December 7 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/8 at 3/2c.
Halifax: RetributionEpisode 8
Jane confronts the shooter as he prepares for a final act.
Friday, December 8 at 9/8c.
Christmas at Belmont 2021
Christmas at Belmont 2021 features Belmont University students performing holiday songs.
Saturday, December 9 at 1a/12c.
Two Wars | The Road to Integration
Traces the journey of Black service members' integration into the U.S. Armed Forces.
Saturday, December 9 at 9a/8c.
High School BowlIronwood vs Big Bay de Noc
Ironwood meets Big Bay de Noc in this initial round of WNMU-TV's quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 9 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/11 at 3/2c.
High School BowlWatersmeet vs Pickford
Watersmeet meets Pickford in this round of WNMU-TV's annual quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 9 at 8:30/7:30c. Repeats 12/11 at 3:30/2:30c.
December 10-16
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi: A Song for Everything
This is a story about how tribal expressionism and individualism of members combine with culture as a binding force of community. From re-recognition as a sovereign nation to reclaiming identity in contemporary America, culture and language play their part in defining what it means to be a Pokagon citizen.
Sunday, December 10 at 3/2c.
![Baba Babee Skazala [Grandmother Told Grandmother]](https://dc79r36mj3c9w.cloudfront.net/prod/filer_public/wnmu-bento-live-pbs/program-images/23-12/f6c2c8610e_baba-babee-skazala-grandmother-told-grandmother.jpg)
Baba Babee Skazala [Grandmother Told Grandmother]
The little-known story of Ukrainian children torn from their homes in the crush between the Nazi and Soviet fronts in World War II. Spending their childhood as refugees in Europe, these inspiring individuals later immigrated to the United States, creating new homes and communities through their grit, faith and deep belief in the importance of preserving culture.
Thursday, December 7 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/8 at 3/2c.
A Chef's LifeHoliday Special
Join Vivian as she prepares foods that draw on her Southern heritage and Ben's Chanukah traditions.
Sunday, December 10 at 8/7c.
All Creatures Great and SmallSeason 3, Episode 1: Second Time Lucky
James and Helen prepare to walk down the aisle, but will their wedding day go as planned?
Sunday, December 10 at 9/8c.
All Creatures Great and SmallHoneymoon's Over
James and Helen enter married life, while James settles in as Siegfried’s partner.
Sunday, December 10 at 10/9c.
Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery QueenDestination Unknown
Lucy Worsley investigates Agatha Christie, and the experiences that shaped her fiction.
Sunday, December 10 at 12a/11c.
Liona Boyd: A Winter Fantasy
A magical evening concert performed by world-renowned classical guitarist, Liona Boyd and her protege, Andrew Dolson.
Monday, December 11 at 9/8c.
POV
How to Have an American Baby
An intimate look behind the closed doors of the Chinese birth tourism industry in the US.
Monday, December 11 at 10/9c.
Christmas With The Tabernacle ChoirSeason of Light
Stars Lea Salonga and Sir David Suchet join The Tabernacle Choir for an inspiring concert.
Tuesday, December 12 at 8/7c.
CLOWN by Quentin Blake
On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on a journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.
Tuesday, December 12 at 9:30/8:30c. Repeats 12/16 at 10:30/9:30c.
Frontline
The Discord Leaks
How a young National Guardsman allegedly leaked classified documents onto the Discord chat platform.
Tuesday, December 12 at 10/9c.
Eddy's World
At 102-years-old, Eddy still prototypes new toys in his garage machine shop and creates projects on his 3D printer.
Wednesday, December 13 at 1a/12c.
NatureCanada: Surviving the Wild North
Journey from Canada’s Arctic to the boreal forest and discover how animals survive.
Wednesday, December 13 at 8/7c.
NOVAThe Next Pompeii
In the shadow of Vesuvius and Pompeii, a lesser-known volcano puts Naples at risk.
Wednesday, December 13 at 9/8c.
Great Yellowstone ThawEp. 1
Journey to Yellowstone, where wildlife survives one of the greatest seasonal changes.
Wednesdays at 10/9c, begins December 13.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat go through Christmas present confusion.
Thursday, December 14 at 8:30a/7:30c. Repeats 12/22 at 12p/11c, and 12/25 at 6a/5c.
Ask the Doctors
Behavioral Health
Area medical professionals visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers on topics including behavioral and general health.
Thursday, December 14 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/15 at 3/2c.
Arthur's Perfect Christmas
Everyone’s favorite aardvark shows children many ways to celebrate the holidays.
Friday, December 15 at 1/12c. Repeats 12/20 and 12/25 at 6a/5c.
Jamaica InnEp. 1
Investigate the mystery of the ominous Jamaica Inn in Cornwall in the 1820s.
Fridays at 9/8c, begins December 15.
High School Bowl
West Iron County vs. Westwood
West Iron County meets Westwood in this initial round of WNMU-TV's quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 16 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/18 at 3/2c.
High School Bowl
Superior Central vs. Manistique
Superior Central meets Manistique in this initial round of WNMU-TV's quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 16 at 8:30/7:30c. Repeats 12/18 at 3:30/2:30c.
December 17-23
Karamu: Feast for the 7th Day
Explore the tradition of Kwanzaa, focusing on the final feast that concludes the annual celebration.
Sunday, December 17 at 8:30/7:30c.
All Creatures Great and SmallEpisode 3: Surviving Siegfriend
Siegfried’s First World War experiences resurface as he struggles to save a racehorse.
Sunday, December 17 at 9/8c.
All Creatures Great and SmallEpisode 4: What a Balls Up!
TB testing mistakenly puts a prize cow in danger.
Sunday, December 17 at 10/9c.
Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery QueenUnfinished Portrait
Lucy investigates Agatha Christie's 1926 disappearance, and how it affected her writing.
Monday, December 17 at 12a/11p.
25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee
Lidia Bastianich celebrates 25 years on television with family and celebrity friends.
Monday, December 18 at 8/7c.
Mary Berry's Highland Christmas
Beloved home cook Dame Mary Berry is heading to the Highlands on a winter break, cooking up some truly indulgent dishes that can be enjoyed anytime over the festive season.
Monday, December 18 at 9/8c.
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.
Tuesday, December 19 at 12:30/11:30c.
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas with Vanessa Williams
The American Pops Orchestra presents an evening celebrating the album of holiday classics.
Tuesday, December 19 at 3/2c.
America at a Crossroads with Judy Woodruff
Judy Woodruff works to understand how the American people see their country and whether today’s deep political divisions can be healed.
Tuesday, December 19 at 9/8c.
Frontline
Netanyahu, the U.S. & the Road to War in Gaza
The long struggle between the Israeli leader and multiple U.S. presidents over Middle East peace.
Tuesday, December 19 at 10/9c.
NatureSanta's Wild Home
Journey to Lapland, where tales of Santa Claus mingle with hearty wildlife.
Wednesday, December 20 at 8/7c.
NOVADecoding the Great Pyramid
New archeological evidence shows the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Wednesday, December 20 at 9/8c.
Great Yellowstone ThawEpisode 2
Spring is here and Yellowstone is bursting into life, but the thaw is just beginning.
Wednesday, December 20 at 10/9c.
Wild KrattsChristmas Creatures
The Kratt Brothers introduce us to some amazing Christmas creatures!
Thursday, December 21 at 9:30a/8:30c. Repeats 12/28 at 8a/7c.
Ask the Lawyers
November 2023
Area attorneys answer questions from viewers during this live broadcast.
Thursday, December 21 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/22 at 3/2c.
Jamaica InnEpisode 3
Jem is taken into custody and Mary struggles to know who to trust.
Friday, December 22 at 9/8c.
The Holidays at Murray State 2021
Murray State University proudly presents the annual "Holidays at Murray State," featuring performances by The Murray State Concert Choir, The Murray State Jazz Orchestra, The Murray State University Treble Choir “Vox Lumina,” and a cappella group, EQ Blu.
Saturday, December 23 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/25 at 3/2c.
Crane Candlelight Concert: Let It Shine!
A long-time tradition returns for another year as hundreds of student musicians from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music take to the stage in celebration of the holiday season.
Saturday, December 23 at 9:30/8:30c.
December 24-30
Peg + Cat + Holidays
This holiday special features Peg + Cat in three holiday-themed stories: "The Christmas Problem," "The Hanukkah Problem," and "The Penguin Problem."
Sunday, December 24 at 7a/6c.
TED Explores
A New Climate Vision
A look at climate change today, including areas where encouraging progress is underway.
Sunday, December 24 at 3/2c.
Home for Christmas with Jim McDonough
International Steinway piano artist Jim McDonough performs beloved Christmas songs for a live audience in his Cedar Rapids, IA home, bringing excitement and warm feelings to young and old alike.
Sunday, December 24 at 7/6c.
All Creatures Great and SmallEpisode 5: Edward
Mrs. Hall conquers demons from her past. While she is away, Tristan takes on the chores.
Sunday, December 24 at 8/7c.
All Creatures Great and SmallEpisode 6: For Whom The Bell Tolls
As war comes in September 1939, everyone faces decisions small and large.
Sunday, December 24 at 9/8c.
All Creatures Great and Small
Episode 7: Merry Bloody Christmas
It’s Christmas at Skeldale and Siegfried has a big decision to make.
Call the Midwife
2023 Holiday Special
It is now 1969 and more babies are being born in hospitals than ever before. Pressure on maternity beds remains extremely high across the country but Poplar is coping better than most due to the work of Nonnatus House and the popularity of home births under the auspices of the Sisters.
Monday, December 25 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/29 at 1a/12c.
George Perris - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Join George Perris and his big band as they celebrate the holiday season with a special performance filmed from his home country of Greece.
Monday, December 25 at 9:30/8:30c.
Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker
A celebration of multicultural communities puts a modern spin on the 19th-century fairy tale.
Monday, December 25 at 10:30/9:30c.
The Humble Oyster
Examine the fragility of Northwest Florida’s threatened coastal ecology and the efforts to bring back the health of local bays and a once vibrant commercial industry through oyster restoration.
Tuesday, December 26 at 1a/12c.
Spiritual Audacity: The Abraham Joshua Heschel Story
An engaging profile of Heschel’s life and legacy, one of the 20th century’s most prominent Jewish theologians and philosophers.
Tuesday, December 26 at 3/2c.
Playing Frisbee in North Korea
Filmed inside "the Hermit Kingdom," this film looks at the everyday life of North Koreans.
Tuesday, December 26 at 8/7c.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Alan Cumming recounts the origin story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker.
Tuesday, December 26 at 9/8c.
Rocket Saves the Day
A young pup, Rocket, and his best friend, Little Yellow Bird, travel to Letter Land, Sound Slide and Reading Woods to learn about the wonder of words.
Wednesday, December 27 at 12:30/11:30c. Repeats 12/28 at 6:30a/5:30c.
NaturePenguins: Meet the Family
Meet all 18 species of penguins from around the world.
Wednesday, December 27 at 8/7c.
NOVAAlaskan Dinosaurs
Intrepid paleontologists discover that dinosaurs thrived in the Arctic’s cold and dark.
Wednesday, December 27 at 9/8c.
Great Yellowstone ThawEpisode 3
Soaring temperatures bring wildfires, and something’s forced the beavers to leave home.
Wednesday, December 27 at 10/9c.
Fresh Coast Film Festival Flashback
Check out fan favorite films from past years of Marquette’s popular film festival. Visit our website for a detailed film schedule.
Thursday, December 28 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/29 at 2:30/1:30c.
Little BirdLove is all Around
In 1968 Bezhig Little Bird was taken from her family. Now she questions her adoptive life.
Fridays at 9/8c, begins December 29.
Karamu: 100 Years in the House
The word "Karamu" comes from a Swahili word meaning "a place of joyful gatherings." For the past 100 years, the Karamu House in Cleveland, Ohio — the oldest African-American theater in the United States — has lived up to its name. Learn the story behind this important theater in America's arts and culture history.
Saturday, December 30 at 8/7c.
Life Begins in Wonder, Let It End in Wonder
Portraying ways to master life's adventures.
Saturday, December 30 at 8:30/7:30c.
Special: Naughty or Nice
Roadshow offers appraisals to satisfy everyone's wish list in this special edition.
Saturday, December 30 at 9:30/8:30c.
December 31
Superagers: Getting Old, Living Young
Celebrating SuperAgers—older people who are thriving, thanks to their healthy habits and positive outlook. Including tips from experts with inspiring glimpses into the lives and mindsets of SuperAgers themselves. It will change how you look at aging, and maybe even change your life!
Sunday, December 31 at 11:30a/12:30c.
Cultural Expressions
Kwanzaa
Honoring the heritage, unity, culture, and rich contributions of African Americans, this program explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories of impact.
Sunday, December 31 at 7/6c.
Next at the Kennedy Center
A New Year's Eve Celebration
Ring in the new year with a dynamic mix of artists across hip hop, jazz, modern dance, and more at the Kennedy Center.
Sunday, December 31 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/31 at 11/10c.
Austin Opera
All Star Concert
Celebrate the Arts with this dazzling concert recorded live with some of opera's biggest stars.
Sunday, December 31 at 9/8c.
Austin Opera Presents
Bella Noche De Music
Enjoy a unique blend of opera, mariachi, classical, and ranchera music performed live in Austin, TX.
Sunday, December 31 at 10/9c.
Great PerformancesAnything Goes Preview
Enjoy Cole Porter’s classic musical led by Tony winner Sutton Foster.
Monday, January 1 at 12a/11p.
