Holiday Programming

Sheet music on red notebook in foreground with warm blurred bokeh in background

Family Gatherings

November 23, 2024, 9:00 pm

Bring the family together to give thanks, and maybe give them some grace. Reflections on Native American Heritage Month.  

Lee Murdock & The Dock Wallopers Live from Hinsdale

December 14, 2024, 8:00 pm

The beloved ballad of The Christmas Ship forms the “anchor” for this holiday concert.

Music of the Baroque: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

December 15, 2024, 5:00 pm

Dame Jane Glover leads the Music of the Baroque chorus and orchestra with tenor Gwilym Bowen, soprano Yulia Van Doren, mezzo-soprano Emily Fons, and bass-baritone Michael Sumuel.

Music of the Baroque at the National Museum of Mexican Art

December 18, 2024, 12:00 pm

Live from Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

Music of the Baroque at the National Museum of Mexican Art (Encore)

December 18, 2024, 8:00 pm

An encore presentation of today's live broadcast from Pilsen.

Holidays with Cantus: A Live from WFMT Special

December 19, 2024, 8:00 pm

The gentlemen of Cantus share a warm and inviting mix of music for the holidays.

Christmas Memories (12/22/1961)

December 20, 2024, 11:00 pm

This holiday time capsule, comprising a compendium of voices and memories of childhood Christmases, is a perennial favorite.

Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Celtic Quartet from the Archives

December 21, 2024, 8:00 pm

It was a solstice soiree at Acoustic Renaissance in 2022 when Jennifer Cutting brought the holly-decked Ocean Celtic Quartet to perform live on Folkstage.

Christmas Music

December 22, 2024, 6:00 am

Choral and organ music to celebrate the arrival of the Christ Child.

Apollo’s Fire: Handel’s Messiah

December 22, 2024, 5:00 pm

Jeannette Sorrell leads a stylish performance featuring sopranos Sonya Headlam and Erica Schuller, mezzo-soprano Amanda Crider, tenor Steven Caldicott, and baritone Edward Vogel. Recorded live in concert.

Apollo’s Fire: Handel’s Messiah

December 23, 2024, 8:00 pm

An encore presentation of a stylish performance recorded live in concert.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Live

December 24, 2024, 9:00 am

A beloved Christmas Eve tradition, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols sets a tone for Christmas Eve both contemplative and celebratory.

The 2024 St. Olaf Christmas Festival

December 24, 2024, 6:00 pm

A cherished holiday tradition.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Encore Presentation

December 24, 2024, 10:00 pm

Enjoy an encore presentation of this Christmas Eve tradition, broadcast live from the Chapel of King’s College in Cambridge, England, earlier today.

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker

December 25, 2024, 9:00 am

A concert performance of the complete ballet by the French National Orchestra.

Miracle of Miracles: Music for Hanukkah

December 25, 2024, 6:00 pm

The vocal ensemble Chicago a cappella highlights the creativity and vitality of American Jewish musical traditions.

Music of the Baroque: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

December 25, 2024, 10:00 pm

An encore presentation of the performance led by Dame Jane Glover with soloists Yulia Van Doren, Emily Fons, Gwilym Bowen, Michael Sumuel.

New Year’s Steve – Two! Live from WFMT

December 28, 2024, 8:00 pm

Megon McDonough, Chris Walz, Don Stiernberg, Marc Edelstein and Daniel Nahmod gather to honor  “Chicago Shorty” singing songs by Steve Goodman and his friends.

New Year’s Eve with WFMT

December 31, 2024, 10:00 pm

Ring in the New Year with your favorite WFMT hosts.

Born To Live (07/06/1962)

January 3, 2025, 11:00 pm

A longtime WFMT New Year's broadcast tradition.