Happy Holidays

This December, the Washington area will be aglow with lights and the sound of carolers will fill the air.

Here at WETA we are getting into the holiday spirit with special broadcasts on WETA Television and WETA Classical 90.9 FM. So, while you are trimming your tree, lighting your menorah or celebrating some other way, let us share the season with you.

WETA Arts December 2023: Songs of the Season: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Monday, December 8 at 9 p.m. on WETA PBS & 8 p.m. on WETA Metro

Stream on WETA+

Celebrate the holidays with the 6th annual WETA Arts presentation of Songs of the Season! A WETA holiday tradition, this hour-long program offers beautiful vocal performances from 19 area choral groups.

Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir: Hope of the Season: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Monday, December 15 at 8 p.m. on on WETA PBS & WETA Metro

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This December, Tony Award®-winner Ruthie Ann Miles and iconic actor Dennis Haysbert inspire in this holiday special that combines classic Christmas carols with a contemporary story of how giving back and uplifting communities is the true meaning of the season.

Monday, December 15 at 9:30 p.m. on WETA PBS

In A Celebration of Hanukkah, host Geoffrey Baer explores the traditions, history, and cultural significance of this joyous holiday. From cherished family customs and popular culture to cooking classic dishes like latkes and sufganiyot, Geoffrey shares stories and memories that bring Hanukkah to life.

Rhys Antoni Yeomans as the Nutcracker Doll

Tuesday, December 16 at 8 p.m. on WETA PBS & WETA Metro

Enjoy Tchaikovsky's holiday classic set in Edwardian-era London. Clara embarks on a fantastical adventure with her enchanted nutcracker, featuring over 100 dancers and a magical, dreamlike realm. Choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith.

Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah: show-mezzanine16x9

Wednesday, December 24 at 9:30 p.m. on WETA PBS & WETA Metro

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Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece, “The Messiah,” has been reimagined and infused with Gospel, Jazz and R&B. The result is an uplifting reinterpretation of this seasonal favorite, captured at its European premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Thursday, December 25 at 8 p.m. on WETA PBS & WETA Metro

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Senior members of the convent embark on a mercy mission, swapping the snowy East End of London for the sun-drenched terrain of Hong Kong. The rise in hospital births, and wider changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings. But their mission to the Far East is a chance to take flight and work out what really matters. For her part, Sister Julienne suddenly finds herself excited about the Order’s future. After years of battling change, she decides to embrace it and see what love can do.

Enjoy the sounds of the season on WETA Classical 90.9 FM. Seasonal offerings air throughout December, increasing on December 17 and culminating with special programming on December 24-25.

This year’s Christmas Eve specials include:

Christmas Eve Carolfest (6 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge (5 p.m.)
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (7 p.m.)

On Christmas Day, WETA Classical presents:

Christmas Day Carolfest (6 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Christmas in Washington, featuring performances of holiday music by D.C.-area choral and instrumental ensembles (11 a.m.)
Handel’s Messiah (5 p.m.)
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (9 p.m.)

Also tune in to WETA Classical on Sundays at 9 p.m. for Choral Showcase, which is devoted to Christmas music all month.