Winter Holiday Programs

Stream now with the PBS App + Encores, Friday, Dec. 8 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2, Dec. 18 at 10 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. & 11 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 25 at 5 a.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.

Premieres Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. on KPBS Kids, 10:30 a.m. on KPBS TV, and 1:30 p.m. on KPBS Kids (see full schedule). "Harvest Day is being ruined by fog! Can the Wombats save the day by locating Mr. E’s fog goggles, buried in a box somewhere? / It’s time to make the Treeborhood Thankfulness Stew. Can Zeke create a stew that meets Mr. E’s high standards?

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 at 8 a.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now on YouTube + Encore Monday, Nov. 20 at 8 a.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 8 a.m. on KPBS TV. The Wild Kratts are on a mission to defend the honor of the wild turkey and to stop Gourmand, who is hunting for the largest, fattest turkey in the forest.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at 3 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport! Pati and her family celebrate Thanksgiving in the Jinich house. Pati cooks for and hosts the Jinich family traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all of the essentials - turkey, stuffing, veggies, the works - all with a Mexican twist, of course.

Encores Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Create TV + Stream now with YouTub. 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 Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at 2 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport! Test cook Erin McMurrer makes host Bridget Lancaster Roast Whole Turkey Breast with Gravy. Gadget critic Lisa McManus shares her favorite mops. Test cook Dan Souza and host Julia Collin Davison unlock the secrets to perfect Oatmeal Dinner Rolls.

Premieres Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 at 7 p.m. Create TV. Award-winning television chef, cookbook author and home design expert Christy Rost plans a festive Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends in her holiday special. Christy deftly weaves her cooking tips, seasonal recipes, table-setting ideas and more into an exploration of the storied history and renovation of her new home, the 19th-century Colorado mountain estate known as "Swan’s Nest."

Monday, Nov. 20 at 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on KPBS TV, Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on KPBS Kids, Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on KPBS TV, Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on KPBS Kids, Thursday, Nov. 23 at 6 a.m. on KPBS TV, and Thursday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on KPBS Kids. Arthur and his family are getting ready for Thanksgiving! Dad’s whipping up his famous turkey dinner extravaganza, the Lakewood elementary kids are preparing for the annual Thanksgiving parade (complete with a giant flying turkey balloon named Gobbler), and Aunt Minnie is coming to spend the holiday with the Reads.

Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at 6:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on KPBS 2. This films tells the story of what some historians might call the first “official, English-speaking” Thanksgiving held in the Americas. Through dramatic re-enactment and interviews from Graham Woodlief, a descendant of Capt. John Woodlief, Karla K. Bruno, author and biographer of Dr. Lyon Tyler, Chief Stephen Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe, and several other individuals, it challenges the long-held belief that America's first Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Mass., and chronicles how the discovery of the Nibley papers led to a friendly rivalry between Virginia and Massachusetts about who can rightfully lay claim to the birth of America's Thanksgiving holiday.

Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at 3 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport! 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.

Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec 16 at 5:30 p.m. on KPBS Kids + Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7 a.m. on KPBS TV + Sunday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on KPBS Kids. 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.

Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m.. Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14 at 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. on CREATE TV. Tis the season to be jolly as Christmas comes to the farm and P. Allen Smith gets some decorating help from flower expert, J. Schwanke

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 at 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10 at Noon on KPBS TV and Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2 / 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.

Encore Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. on KPBS 2 / 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.

Friday, Dec. 8, Saturday, Dec. 9, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on KPBS Kids, Friday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. on KPBS TV, Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on KPBS Kids, Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 a.m. on KPBS TV, Thursday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22 at Noon on KPBS Kids, Saturday, Dec. 23 at 8:30 a.m. on KPBS TV, Sunday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. on KPBS Kids, Monday, Dec. 25 at 6 am. on KPBS TV. 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”

Stream now on YouTube / Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 at 7 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 14 at 8:30 a.m. on KPBS TV, Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Noon on KPBS Kids, Friday, Dec. 22 at Noon on KPBS TV, Sunday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 25 at Noon on KPBS Kids and Dec. 25 at 8:30 a.m. on KPBS TV. 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!

Stream now on YouTube / Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. on KPBS Kids + Monday, Dec. 11 at 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 22 at 9 a.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24 at 9:30 a.m. on KPBS TV. 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!

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at 4 p.m. on KPBS 2 (Not available 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.

UPDATED: To be rescheduled due to illness. 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.

Premieres Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS App + Encore Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2. 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.

Tuesday Dec. 12, 2023 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App. 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.

Saturday, Dec.16, 2023 at 3 p.m. on KPBS TV / 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.

Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport + Encore Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2. 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."

Premieres Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV and the PBS App / Stream now with KPBS Passport! 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 KPBS Passport! Test cook Lan Lam makes host Bridget Lancaster Easy-Braid Challah. Testing expert Jack Bishop gives a flour primer. Test cook Erin McMurrer and host Julia Collin Davison make Crescent-Shaped Rugelach with Raisin-Walnut Filling.

Stream now with YouTube + Tuesday, Dec. 19 and Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at at 7 a.m. on KPBS Kids. 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.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App + Encore Monday, Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2. 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.

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 at 1 p.m. on KPBS TV / 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.

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 at 2 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport! Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison make the ultimate Caramel-Espresso Yule Log. Lisa reviews mini muffin tins.

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. on KPBS TV and 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 and Sunday, Dec. 24 at 5:30 a.m. on KPBS TV (Not available in the PBS App). Join the world's best-selling soprano for her first-ever Christmas special. Breathing new life into holiday classics and festive fan favorites of the season, Sarah is joined by guests Andrew Lloyd Webber, Aled Jones and choir Gregorian.

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. on KPBS TV / 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").

Premieres Monday, Dec. 25, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS App + Encore Sunday Dec. 31 at 1:30 p.m. on KPBS TV. 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.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! 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! Celebrate the holidays with a timeless special, featuring the magical combination of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. In this early color broadcast from 1957, the two legends swap Christmas songs and stories and duet on some favorite holiday classics.

Stream now with KPBS Passport! Join Alan Cumming for the real story of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King with the beloved music of Tchaikovsky. Featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the direction of John Mauceri, this new version is a rare holiday treat.

Monday, Dec. 25, 2023 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV / 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.

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App + Encores Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 30 at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday, Dec. 31 at 10:30 a.m. on CREATE TV. 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.

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / 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.

Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App + Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 at 4 p.m. on KPBS TV. 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.

Premieres Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS App. 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.

Premieres Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 at 7 a.m. on KPBS TV / 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.

Premieres Monday Jan. 1, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS App. Celebrate the New Year with waltzes by Strauss and more performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra led by guest conductor Christian Thielemann. PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville returns to host.

Thursday, Nov. 24, 2023 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 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, chef Kristen Kish, Top Chef’s newest judge, Michigan chef and award-winning writer Abra Berens author of Pulp, A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit, Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes, Dan Pelosi aka “Grossy Pelosi” the exuberant author of Let’s Eat, 101 Recipes to Fill Your Heart and Home and of course, our charming Francis!

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.

Sunday, Dec. 2, 2023 at 7 p.m. on KPBS FM

Enjoy Old World holiday traditions from Europe, and meet some of Santa’s cousins, as we hear about Christmas season events that range from the sublime to the quirky on Travel with Rick Steves. Rick’s friends explain how they observe the holidays in Germany’s Bavaria, on the island of Sardinia, in Croatia, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Rome. We’ll also get a taste of a tropical Christmas in Costa Rica. Pick up a few international Christmas customs to brighten up your holidays.

Thursday, Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. (in place of 1A) +
Sunday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.  (in place of IBAM)

This NPR favorite returns with the best of the best Hanukkah Lights stories plus a special musical performance by The LeeVees. Hosted by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

A perennial NPR favorite, "Hanukkah Lights" features all new Hanukkah stories. Read by hosts Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

Murray and Susan looked back into the show's 30 year archive and picked their favorite stories: "Hanukkah Gelt" by Sholem Aleichem, "Gifts of the Last Night" by Rebecca Goldstein, "How To Spell The Name Of G-d" by Ellen Orleans, "Of Love and Latkes" by Lia Pripstein, and "Erev Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore, translated by Marie Jaffe.

Thursday, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. (in place of 1A) on KPBS FM

This year, Solstice Live! warms up the longest night of the year with a taste of the tropics. This one-hour Winter Solstice special brings a starry array of Brazilian guests, including Ivan Lins, Renato Braz, and Luciana Souza, with the Paul Winter Consort at the annual solstice concerts in New York’s Cathedral of St John the Divine. John Schaefer hosts.

Sunday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. on KPBS FM: (in place of Ted Radio Hour)

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three unexpected stories that let us see the holidays’ associations—family, friends, food, gifts, and goodwill—in different ways. Selections from Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Sherrie Flick, and John Cheever will be read by Jayne Atkinson, James Naughton, Adina Verson and Teagle F. Bougere.

Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. (in place of IBAM)

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.

Monday, Dec. 25 at Noon: (in place of Midday Edition) Encore Presentation

Christmas is a time of traditions, and over the years, NPR has created a few traditions of its own. In this hourlong special, wistfulness, joy, doubt, hope — all the emotions we feel at this time of year — are summoned up in memorable stories from the NPR broadcast archives.

NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Perhaps you remember these tales fondly. Or maybe you'll fall in love with them for the first time.

Featured Stories:
Santa Claus, Private Eye (Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre of San Francisco)
Pass The Fois Gras: Christmas Menu Hard To Digest (Firoozeh Dumas)
A 'Silent Night' That Brought Healing (Steve Banko)
The Christmas Club (Bill Harley)
All I Wanted For Christmas (NPR staffers)
Christmas Gift Records (The Ban-Smo Label)
The Night Before Christmas, Latin Style (Read by NPR's Claudio Sanchez)
The Designated Celebrator (Melinda Shoaf)
Christmas Truce (Historian Douglas Brinkley)
Wolf Christmas (Daniel Pinkwater)

Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 9 p.m. (in place of 1A) and
New Year’s Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. (in place of Ted Radio Hour)

During the aftermath of the Watts Uprisings in the 1960s, Dr. Maulana Karenga decided to create a special December holiday designed for Black people to celebrate themselves, their culture, and their future liberation. Today, Kwanzaa is still celebrated by not only Afro-Americans, but Black people around the globe!

In this broadcast, Loki Karuna (formerly Garrett McQueen) offers a background on the history of Kwanzaa and its guiding principles, alongside musical selections that highlight the spirit of the celebration. The show features the compositions of Florence Price, Duke Ellington, Sean O’Loughlin, and special performances by Imani Winds.

Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 at Noon: (in place of Midday Edition)

Join host Jesse Sparks for a holiday edition of The Splendid Table’s sister podcast "The One Recipe." In this hour-long episode, Jesse talks to culinary superstars about their family traditions and their “One,” the recipe that signals the holidays have officially begun! Guests include Britain's queen of Indian home cooking Chetna Makan, Texan chef Tiffany Derry, and influencer and author Matt Adlard. 

Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 at 8 p.m. (in place of Midday Edition)

From Marketplace, host Reema Khrais helps listeners get their financial life together in time for the new year. She’ll unpack some practical tips, share a personal money story that is sure to captivate, and interview a financial therapist to get some useful tips for understanding our relationships with money. This hour will make listeners laugh, gasp, and think about money in a whole new way.