Winter Holiday Programs

Stream now with KPBS Passport! Get an intimate look into life in Lapland, fabled land of Santa Claus and actual home of tenacious wildlife such as reindeer, wolverines, Brown bears and more.

Broadcast schedule begins Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at 7 p.m. on KPBS Kids - Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 10:30 a.m. on KPBS TV. This is a special holiday episode of Peg + Cat featuring "The Christmas Problem," "The Hanukkah Problem," and "The Penguin Problem. "

Broadcast schedule begins Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at 8 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. on KPBS KIDS / Stream now with YouTube. In this 30-minute holiday musical episode, the Neighborhood is celebrating Snowflake Day! Daniel has a very important role as the snowflake in the Neighborhood's Snowflake Day Show and he can't wait to say his lines! The Enchanted Garden is full of excitement and winter cheer as everyone pitches in to make the celebration a true Neighborhood success!

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 6:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on CREATE / Stream now with KPBS Passport! Andreas visits Savalen in Eastern Norway, where he makes some of his Christmas favorites. He serves his best porridge with pinnekjott, a special holiday dish made with salted and dried goat ribs and served with almond potatoes. Andreas also prepares and savors the most common Norwegian holiday food: pork ribs, cooked twice.

Broadcast schedule runs Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 7 a.m. on KPBS TV - Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 9:30 a.m. on KPBS KIDS. 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.

Broadcast schedule begins Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at Noon on KPBS TV - Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 7:30 a.m. on KPBS KIDS. A holiday family tradition, this adventure follows the Cat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home in time for Christmas.

Broadcast schedule begins Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. on KPBS KIDS - Tuesday, Dec. 24, 11:30 p.m. on KPBS KIDS. 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.

Broadcast schedule begins Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 at 6 a.m. on KPBS TV through Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 10:30 a.m. on KPBS KIDS. Plans are underway in Elwood City for the best holidays ever as Arthur, D.W., their family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even “Baxter Day”

Broadcast schedule begins Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at 7 p.m. on CREATE - Tuesday, Dec. 24, 11 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with YouTube. Join Rick Steves for a colorful, musical celebration of Christmas across Europe. From England to Wales, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, you'll see the bright Christmas markets, hear local choirs, share holiday traditions with families…and even play in the snow.

Broadcast schedule begins Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 8:30 a.m. on KPBS KIDS. Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat are having a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas. There’s only one dilemma — neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present!

Broadcasts begin Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at 9 p.m. - Wednesday, Dec. 25, 11:30 a.m. on KPBS KIDS and KPBS TV / Stream now with YouTube. 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.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS app through Dec. 24 + Encores Monday, Dec. 30 at 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on CREATE. Happy little church tucked into a bed of snow, evergreens and mountains; another fine Bob Ross classic.

Broadcast schedule begins Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at 6 p.m. on KPBS TV - Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 11:30 p.m. on CREATE. We visit eight enchanting medieval and castle towns in Germany, France and Switzerland. We learn of the history of the town, see their Christmas markets, and celebrate the magic of the season. The show is made all the more delightful by the special folk arrangements of traditional Christmas carols performed by the Kingston Trio.

Stream now with the PBS app + YouTube + Broadcast schedule begins Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at 7 p.m. on CREATE channel. Featuring ceramic artist Susan Garson, Garcia Art Glass, paper artist Kathleen Trenchard, ceramic artist Veronica Castillo, National Gingerbread House Competition at Grove Park Inn, Biltmore House, woodcarver Harley Refsal, and John C. Campbell Folk School.

Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS app. We locate San Diego's little-known official Christmas Tree. Check out how the holidays were celebrated in San Diego in years gone by, and go back to see the first electrically illuminated tree anywhere in the Country. Discover the rocky beginnings of what came to be called "December Nights" in Balboa Park.

Premieres Monday, Dec.16, 2024 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport + Encore Sunday, Dec. 22 at Noon on KPBS TV. Discover the story behind Brenda Lee and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her music, including the classic “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” The film features interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and more.

Broadcast Schedule begins Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at 6 a.m. - Sunday, Dec. 22 at 11 p.m. on CREATE. "Christmas on the Danube" is true holiday treat that will fill your senses with warmth, touch your heart, and provide your mind with geography and history, as well. Traveling the majestic Danube river as it passes through stunning European landscape, history and culture, we visit cities along the Danube, which are particularly spectacular at Christmas.

Premieres Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS app. The treasured “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir” special returns to PBS for the 21st year. Broadway star Michael Maliakel and beloved British actress Lesley Nicol (from DOWNTON ABBEY series) join the iconic Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a stunning 90-minute theatrical program, illustrating that the real meaning of Christmas is opening our hearts to all.

Premieres Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Not available in the PBS app. Dorothy Black invites you to join her and her family for Christmas Eve at 1222 Oceanfront. The festive evening features all of the Black family’s traditions including an abundance of delicious food, dancing, skits, and the singing of new, original holiday songs mixed with re-imagined carols. And lots of love, because it’s family.

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at 11:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS app. Take a look behind the curtain at San Diego’s most iconic theatrical production, “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at The Old Globe. Hear from cast members and artistic director Barry Edelstein on their experiences with the production.

Broadcast schedule begins Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 at 7 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 1:30 p.m. on CREATE. 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. The Alsatian landscape is covered with medieval towns, castle ruins and vineyards that overflow with charm and history.

Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with the PBS app + Encore Monday, Dec. 23 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV. Revel in dazzling musical performances from the White House in celebration of the holiday season, featuring President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., host Jennifer Garner, Andrea Bocelli, Camila Cabello, Eric Church, Jonas Brothers, Billy Porter and more.

Broadcasts begin Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. on CREATE. Hosted by lifestyle expert Sira Williams, this special explores the tradition of Kwanzaa, focusing on the final feast that concludes the annual celebration. The half-hour program explores the history, principles, and symbols of Kwanzaa while celebrating the culinary traditions of West Africa.

Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 at 9 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 10:30 a.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with YouTube. Buddy and his Pteranodon family ride the Dinosaur Train to the North Pole - where it's cooler out and the skies are dark all winter long! The kids get to play in the snow and slide on a frozen pond for the first time. The whole Pteranodon family have fun celebrating Mom's favorite holiday, Winter Solstice. They learn about large conifer (evergreen) trees and help decorate them at a holiday party.

Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport + Encore Wednesday, December 25 at 10:30 a.m. on KPBS TV. Mary Berry spends Christmas in her mother's homeland of Scotland to enjoy a winter break soaking up her Scottish heritage and enjoying traditional festive delights with familiar faces, as well cooking up some of her own indulgent dishes.

Stream now with YouTube. Mary's visit culminates in a glittering party for staff and volunteers who gather together to preview the house?s spectacular Christmas decorations and celebrate another magical Christmas at Harewood.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! In collaboration with the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, the American Pops Orchestra presents an evening celebrating the entire iconic album of holiday classics. This 60-minute performance stars host and vocalist Vanessa Williams with appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Norm Lewis, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Nova Payton, Dave Detwiler and Morgan James.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! The holiday season has arrived at The Savoy and staff are pushed to the breaking point as they welcome hundreds of residential guests and diners across Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Go behind-the-scenes at the hotel during the holiday festivities as the first luxury hotel in Britain delivers the glamour, elegance, history and character their guests truly wish to experience. Narrated by Celia Imrie ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel").

Stream now with KPBS Passport! Tony® Award-winning Disney and Broadway star Lea Salonga and renowned actor Sir David Suchet shine in this holiday special that weaves together inspirational music with a hope-filled story from World War II to welcome the spirit of the season.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! An episode dedicated to one of Mexico’s most iconic foods: tamales. Pati will cook a few variations of tamales, both savory and sweet, then her girlfriends stop by for a tamal party - a tamaliza! Recipes include Cooked Salsa Verde, Chicken in Salsa Verde Tamales, Sweet Corn Tamales, Tamara’s Fresh From The Garden Green Rice and Mexican Masa Chocolate Drink.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! Highlights include: a Temperance lithograph illustrating the evils of imbibing spirits; a letter from Gerald Ford to his kindergarten teacher who called him "naughty little Gerry Ford;" and a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the film "Some Like It Hot."

Stream now with KPBS Passport! Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison make the ultimate Caramel-Espresso Yule Log. Lisa reviews mini muffin tins.

Stream now with YouTube. The entire cast is home for the holidays, and they're sharing their tips and tricks for planning a stress-free gathering, while also recounting personal holiday memories and revealing their all-time favorite holiday recipes from the Test Kitchen archives.

Premieres Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS app. Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece “The Messiah” is reimagined by Conductor Marin Alsop and colleagues Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson. Handel’s arias, choruses, and orchestration are infused with Gospel, Jazz, and R&B, creating an uplifting reinterpretation of this seasonal favorite.

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024 at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS app + Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV. Share the joy and emotions of the season through stellar performances by some of San Diego's most talented choirs. This year's special features the San Diego Children's Choir, Encore Vocal Ensemble, the Jewish Men's Choir, the San Diego Master Chorale, Promotora de las Bella Artes, Sacra/Profana, and the San Diego Chorus, sharing renditions of seasonal favorites.

Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream with YouTube (not in the PBS app). The film focuses on the ancient and obscure Christian prayer first recited by the Apostles more than 2,000 years ago in the Egyptian desert. Originally passed down verbally from one generation to the next, monks eventually transcribed the sacred words into instruction manuals originally intended only for those dedicated to a life of isolation.

Premieres Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS app + Encore Saturday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. on KPBS TV. 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.

Encore Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. on KPBS TV. Ahead of the Season 14 CALL THE MIDWIFE Holiday Special broadcast premiere on Dec. 25, 2024, there is catch-up streaming for the previous four holiday specials with KPBS Passport beginning on Nov. 25, 2024. Free Video On Demand streaming for these previous holiday specials is available for 30 days beginning on Dec. 25, 2024. 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.

Encore Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. on KPBS TV. Ahead of the Season 14 CALL THE MIDWIFE Holiday Special broadcast premiere on Dec. 25, 2024, there is catch-up streaming for the previous four holiday specials with KPBS Passport beginning on Nov. 25, 2024. Free Video On Demand streaming for these previous holiday specials is available for 30 days beginning on Dec. 25, 2024. 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.

Ahead of the Season 14 CALL THE MIDWIFE Holiday Special broadcast premiere on Dec. 25, 2024, there is catch-up streaming for the previous four holiday specials with KPBS Passport beginning on Nov. 25, 2024. Free Video On Demand streaming for these previous holiday specials is available for 30 days beginning on Dec. 25, 2024. Christmas 1966 promises to be 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.

Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with KPBS Passport! The show puts a modern spin on the 19th Century fairy tale. Strains of Duke Ellington dovetail with the buzz of neon, driven by the heartbeat of Tchaikovsky, blending classic ballet, urban tap, hip hop, step and jazz into something special. You could say it is a fusion of modern and classical dance....but it's more! It's a celebration of our multi-cultural community!

Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport! Mary Berry shares her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings. Friends and Chefs Angela Hartnett and Monica Galetti join her to share favorite festive recipes from their heritage and Mary and TV host Rylan Clark try and convert some kids to Brussels sprouts.

Stream now with the PBS app. The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends invite you to join us for a festive collection of music that celebrates, rejoices, and finds hope in the gifts of Christmas.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! Christmas at Belmont 2021 features Belmont University students performing holiday favorites in the new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. This celebration of the season includes holiday favorites and classic songs.

Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 at 2 a.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with KPBS Passport! Honoring the heritage, unity, culture, and rich contributions of African Americans, Kwanzaa is more than just a celebration; it's a way of life. This documentary explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories of impact. These stories reveal how each principle plays a role in the Black community, enhanced by cultural elements of dance, storytelling, music, and spoken word.

Premieres Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS app. 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.

Premieres Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS app. Experience this annual beloved concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss. Conducted by Riccardo Muti for the seventh time, PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville returns to host.

Stream now with the PBS app. Ken takes us back to see what was making New Year's news in San Diego over past decades; the story of how one of the most familiar landmarks in San Diego came to be; see an East County monument to the glory days of rock and roll, and look at some of the things "About San Diego" that viewers have sent in.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! Cynthia Erivo, enchanting star of the stage and screen, invites you to ring in the New Year with her magnificent friends Ben Platt and Joaquina Kalukango as they bring their powerful voices and favorite songs to the Kennedy Center stage.

Stream the the 2023 Parade now with KPBS Passport! This is a cherished turn-of-year tradition bringing pomp, circumstance, and good old-fashioned fun to the U.K. capital. The event, now in its fifth decade, raises spirits along its iconic parade route through the ancient city of Westminster. Cultural and community groups rub shoulders with leading professional entertainers and the mayors of London. Plus, more than 20 U.S. marching bands and a thousand varsity cheerleaders fill the streets of the U.K. capital for their moment in the global spotlight.

Nov. 28, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Thanksgiving Day) on KPBS FM

It’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and our annual show "Turkey Confidential." We’re looking for great questions to throw our amazing roster of guests. Paola Velez, author of the forthcoming Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store, Joe Yonan author of "Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking," Texan chef of Roots Chicken Shack in Dallas, Tiffany Derry, and James Beard award-winning author and cooking teacher, Andrea Nguyen, and of course Francis!

Nov. 28, 2024 at 8 p.m. (Thanksgiving Day)

Paul Winter and friends celebrate the family of life and our planet home in this NPR Music seasonal special. Winter’s sax and Consort offer a song of gratitude for the land, the sea, and the air - from Grand Canyon to Ukraine, with some works recorded on location. Audience favorites like "Sun Singer" and "Icarus" herald the grand musical embrace of "And the Earth Spins."

Dec. 24, 2024 at 8 p.m. (Christmas Eve) + Dec. 25, 2024 at Noon (Christmas Day)

We love the holidays, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. This seasonal special from SELECTED SHORTS, hosted by Meg Wolitzer, offers three tales about uncommon roads traveled by the celebrants. Writers, including Andy Borowitz, mesh tradition, humor, and family dynamics for the perfect seasonal package.

Dec. 24, 2024 at 9 p.m. on KPBS FM (Christmas Eve)

In "Christmas with Cantus," Cantus weaves together three holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics. Blending narration and song, the program features "Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol" and Christine Lê’s "The Hawai’i Snowman," alongside Mark Twain’s “A Letter from Santa Claus,” offering an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season.

Dec. 25, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS FM (1st day of Hanukkah)

This NPR favorite returns with some of our favorite stories from the archives. We’ll hear “Gifts of the Last Night” by Rebecca Goldstein, “Hanukkah Gelt, Hanukkah Money” by Sholem Aleichem, “Gifts of the Jewish Magi” by Allegra Goodman, "How to Spell the Name of God” by Ellen Orleans and “Geek Week by Rebecca O’Connell.

Dec. 25, 2024 at 9 p.m. (1st day of Hanukkah)

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.

On Demand

This week, we’re getting ready for Thanksgiving with some help from our friends. Cheryl Day joins us to answer your holiday baking questions, Sam Fore cooks Thanksgiving with a Sri Lankan take, J. Kenji López-Alt explains why he eats lobster for Thanksgiving, Dan Pashman tells us how to eat pie the right way, and we learn to make Yogurt-Roasted Carrots with Warm Spices.