It is hard to believe that 2020 – this year unlike any other – is about to come to an end. Many of us are probably saying “good riddance”, which is completely understandable. But hopefully the year about to end has also brought us all some greater wisdom about what and who we prioritize in our short time on this earth. Here at WPBS, our broadcast schedule for December reflects some of our priorities: the joy of music, the wonder of the natural world, and the importance of family, community, and service to others. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and able to share in the blessings of the season.
Our December program schedule includes a broad variety of seasonal programming, which we hope brings joy and respite to you and your family. Please take a look at these highlights:
Nature: Santa’s Wild home, Wednesday Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
Get an intimate look at the wildlife of Lapland, a region in northern Finland, the fabled home of Santa Claus and actual home of reindeer, wolverines, eagles, wolves, Brown bears and more
Midsomer Murder: The Christmas Haunting, Wednesday Dec. 2 at 9 p.m.
It’s Christmas and new detective Charlie Nelson moves into Midsomer. He’s thrown straight into an intriguing mystery in the village of Morton Shallows.
Nature Cat: A Nature Carol, Friday Dec. 4 at 8 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Nature Cat is visited by the spirits of Nature Past, Present and Future on Christmas Eve.
Let’s Go Luna!: Luna’s Christmas Around the World, Friday Dec. 4 at 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.
The kids get stuck at the South Pole and learn about holiday traditions from all over the world! Repeats Dec. 7 at 12 p.m., Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 20 at 10 am
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, Friday Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
George and the Man with the Yellow Hat have a great time preparing for Christmas. Repeats Dec. 5 at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Dec. 6 at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.
Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas, Friday Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.
The Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally help a lost reindeer find his way home in time for Christmas. Repeats Dec. 5 at 4 am, Dec 5 at 8 pm, Dec 6 at 4 am, Dec 6 at 8 pm, Dec 7 at 4 am., Dec 20 at 7 am
Peg + Cat + Holidays, Friday Dec. 4 at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m.
“The Christmas Problem,” “The Hanukkah Problem” and “The Penguin Problem” feature math for kids. Repeats Dec 20 at 9 am
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas, Friday Dec. 4 at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are disappearing around the globe. Repeats Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.and Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.
Christmas with Daniel O’Donnell, Sunday Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Join O’Donnell and special guests for a winter wonderland of yuletide carols and seasonal favorites in this concert filmed in Dublin.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2018, Monday Dec. 7 at 12 a.m.
A new nun and four Chinese orphans arrive unexpectedly at Nonnatus House causing both joy and chaos. Repeats Dec. 24 at 9 p.m.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2019, Monday Dec. 7 at 1:30 a.m.
Mother Mildred and the Nonnatus House team go to the Outer Hebrides due to a nursing shortage. Repeats Dec. 21 at 10 p.m.
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Sunday Dec. 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the gang’s holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the “perfect” tree and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Purdue University 86th Anniversary Christmas Show, Sunday Dec. 13 at 12 p.m.
Holiday favorites and sacred music are performed by Purdue University Musical Organizations ensembles.
Urban Nutcracker: Anatomy of a Ballet, Sunday Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.
URBAN NUTCRACKER: ANATOMY OF A BALLET goes behind-the-scenes of Anthony Williams’ daring adaptation of the holiday classic, in which a diverse group of dancers — a rough-edged tap star, a black cavalier and a Latina teen — put their twist on traditional Nutcracker roles.
Christmas on the Danube, Sunday Dec. 13 at 3 p.m.
Visit cities along the Danube River and explore stunning European landscape, history and culture. Repeats Dec. 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Magic of Christmas in Alsace, Sunday Dec. 13 at 5:30 pm
Enjoy a magical Christmas in the small towns and villages of the Alsace region of France. Repeats Sunday Dec. 20 at 1 p.m.
Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir: Christmas Day in the Morning, Monday Dec. 14 at 10 p.m.
In December 2019, The Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, and Bells at Temple Square joined with Tony Award®–winning star Kelli O’Hara and renowned actor Richard Thomas to celebrate this simple, timely message of Christmas—a message of love, selfless service, and gratitude for a Savior who brings peace.
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas with Vanessa Williams, Tuesday Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.
Ella Fitzgerald’s iconic album of holiday classics is presented by the American Pops Orchestra and Vanessa Williams.
Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas, Friday Dec. 18 at 10 p.m.
Lucy Worsley discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas has Tudor origins. Repeats December 21 at 3:00 a.m., December 24 at 8 p.m.
Crane Candlelight Concert, Saturday Dec. 19 at 9 p.m.
In a concert tradition that began in the 1930’s, the Crane Chorus and the Crane Symphony Orchestra come together each year to present a very special holiday concert.
Kingston Trio Holiday Cheers, Sunday Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.
The Kingston Trio featured on this unique concert collection of holiday songs with a Trio twist, historically is also the last recorded concert captured for television and DVD, featuring George Grove, Bill Zorn, and Rick Dougherty. After 60 years, the group is again going through another transition.
illumiNATION, Tuesday Dec. 22 at 9:30 p.m.
A virtual, coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian music and artistic excellence as we usher in the 2020 holiday season. Hosted by Montreal-based singer-songwriter Gregory Charles with guest appearances from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor-General Julie Payette, musician Rufus Wainwright and more.
St. Olaf College Christmas Festival: A New Song of Joy and Hope, Tuesday Dec. 22 at 10:30 p.m.
Experience the St. Olaf College Christmas Festival, one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2018,Thursday Dec. 24 at 9 p.m.
With Christmas preparations in full flow and the midwives busy caring for the expectant mothers of Poplar, unexpected visitors cause joy and chaos in equal measure.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2020, Friday Dec. 25 at 9 p.m.
Everyone at Nonnatus House looks forward to a traditional holiday, but nothing goes quite to plan. Meanwhile, the Circus arrives in Poplar, bringing new friendships, new experiences and an exciting adventure for Nurse Crane.