Holiday Specials on WVIA TV
The Swingin' Jazz Nutcracker Suite
Tuesday, December 13th 3pm
Thursday, December 22nd 9pm
Friday, December 23rd 2pm
Saturday, December 24th 10pm
Sunday, December 25th 2pm
The Swingin' Jazz Nutcracker Suite, performed by the 17 piece Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band under the direction of Marko Marcinko.Music by Peter Tchaikovsky and arrangements by Shorty Rogers. Never done before in NEPA, this unique special concert will highlight 17 incredible musicians and narrator/ vocalist The musicians are regular members of the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band with the addition of some special guests. Playing the historically familiar melodies from the Nutcracker Ballet, this jazz big band takes a more modern approach to the familiar. This Nutcracker production tells the classic story through the power of the music and spoken word.
Christmas at Susquehanna: The 50th Anniversary Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 20th 7pm
Wednesday, December 21st 4pm
Saturday, December 24th 9pm
Sunday, December 25th 12am
Experience the beauty of Weber Chapel bathed in the glow of 1,500 candles in CHRISTMAS AT SUSQUEHANNA: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CANDLELIGHT SERVICE. Recorded in December 2016, the program captures the voices of students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and community members joining together on the campus of Susquehanna University in historic Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania to celebrate 50 years of a cherished tradition: Susquehanna University's annual Christmas candlelight service, which was first held on December 15, 1966. The hour-long music special is a wondrous spectacle of candle lighting and carols, as well as traditional readings and songs in celebration of the season. The service also features numerous student musical ensembles, including the University Choir, University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Handbell Choir and Brass Ensemble. Musical highlights include: "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "We Three Kings," "Silent Night" and more.
PA Polka - John Stanky & The Coalminers Christmas Show 2008
Saturday, December 24th 8pm
Sunday, December 25th 3pm
Carpenters: Close to You & Christmas Memories
Thursday, November 24th 8pm
Friday, November 25th 1pm
Saturday, December 3rd 12:30pm
MY MUSIC Presents THE CARPENTERS: CLOSE TO YOU is a music-filled documentary that traces the Carpenters' career through the eyes of Richard Carpenter and the group's friends in the music business, features all of their top recording hits, including "(They Long to Be)Close to You," "Top of the World," "Hurting Each Other," "Only Yesterday," "Rainy Days and Mondays" and "We've Only Just Begun." MY MUSIC Presents THE CARPENTERS: CHRISTMAS MEMORIES is a special holiday program starring beloved brother-sister recording duo Richard and Karen Carpenter, the most successful American recording act of the 1970s. The all-new program focuses entirely on the Carpenters' perennially popular Christmas music offering favorites "The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland," White Christmas" and more.
Happy Holidays with Bing and Frank
Saturday, November 26th 8:30pm
Originally aired on December 20, 1957, Happy Holidays with Bing & Frank is a timeless Christmas favorite, featuring the magical combination of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby in an early color television special. The two legends swap Christmas carols, songs, and stories, pay a musical visit to Victorian England, and duet on Christmas classics. The show finishes in inimitable fashion with “The Christmas Song” and “White Christmas” for pure festive perfection. Directed by Sinatra, with music conducted by Nelson Riddle, the special also features the Ralph Brewster Singers. Songs include: “Mistletoe And Holly,” “Jingle Bells,” “Deck The Halls,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “The First Noel,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “Away In A Manger,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “The Christmas Song” and “White Christmas.”
Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas
Sunday, November 27th 8pm
Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas - from carols to turkey, gift-giving to mistletoe and mulled wine - has surprising Tudor origins, rooted in devotion and charity.
Celtic Woman: Postcards from Ireland (Holiday Edition)
Sunday, November 27th 9:30pm
Join the Grammy-nominated ensemble for a message of love, hope and holiday joy in the form of musical postcards. Bringing a fresh approach to their performances, Celtic Woman takes viewers on a stunning journey across Ireland.
Chef's Life Holiday Special
Monday, December 5th 8pm
Tuesday, December 6th 1pm
Join Vivian Howard as she serves up the best of her Southern cooking heritage and the Chanukah traditions of her husband Ben. From humble Hoppin' John to elegant red velvet cake, sample a charming and delicious holiday celebration.
Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas with Vanessa Williams
Friday, December 9th 9pm
Saturday, December 10th 10pm
Enjoy an evening celebrating Ella Fitzgerald's entire iconic album of holiday classics presented by the American Pops Orchestra. Featuring appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Norm Lewis, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Nova Payton, Dave Detwiler and Morgan James.
Christmas at Belmont
Friday, December 9th 10pm
Sunday, December 11th 10am
Sunday, December 25th 12pm
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.
O Holy Night: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Tuesday, December 13th 8pm
Wednesday, December 14th 1pm
Saturday, December 17th 10pm
Sunday, December 18th 10am
Tuesday, December 20th 9pm
Wednesday, December 21st 2pm
Saturday, December 24th 4pm
Tony Award-nominee Megan Hilty and television and film actor Neal McDonough join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for this Irish-inspired edition of this heartwarming annual celebration of music and holiday traditions.
Christmas with Mary Berry and Friends
Monday, December 19th 9pm
Tuesday, December 20th 2pm
Saturday, December 24th 12pm
Join the beloved British home cook and three special friends as they prepare her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings. From the traditional turkey to her classic Christmas pudding, it's the perfect recipe for a deliciously festive holiday.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Friday, December 23rd 9pm
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.
America's Test Kitchen Special: Home for the Holidays
Saturday, December 24th 10:30am
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. AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN SPECIAL: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS features hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison and the rest of the America's Test Kitchen cast gathered together in a casual behind-the-scenes setting and sharing the warmth of the holidays with viewers. The hour-long special also spotlights five of the Test Kitchen's favorite holiday recipes, including new twists on classic holiday fare such as turkey en cocotte and beef tenderloin with smoky potatoes and persillade relish. Their porchetta recipe offers a flavor-packed alternative to traditional holiday roasts, and elegant holiday desserts such as millionaire's shortbread and gateau breton are sure-fire favorites to consider anytime you're trying to please a crowd. Complete with an outtake reel over the credits, AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN SPECIAL: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a warm, inviting and fun-filled hour of cooking with the whole ATK family that gets you in the holiday spirit.
European Christmas Markets
Saturday, December 24th 11:30am
Join us on our discovery of Europe's Christmas Markets, where the town center, market square or just the narrow, cobblestone streets of the cities and towns of Europe come alive in winter with festively decorated wooden stalls offering all sorts of treats and delights. As we travel through Germany, France and Switzerland we visit cities and towns and learn of their history, see their major sights, and visit their charming markets. Besides being a visual treat, the show is also a musical treat, as T the Kingston Trio provides special folk arrangements of traditional Christmas carols to add to the magic and enchantment of the medieval and castle towns we visit. In our visit to Bernkastel-Kues we see the town hall decorated as an advent calendar, and learn of the traditional beverage of the markets, the Gluhwein. In Nuremberg we visit the imposing castle, and one of the most famous of all the Christmas markets. You can almost smell the roasting sausages and gingerbread sold in the stalls. In Rothenburg we learn of the traditional wooden Christmas decorations from the son of the founder of the Kathe Wolfhart Christmas store, and wander along the ramparts the the fairy tale village. Then we have a quick stop in the wine town of Rudesheim. A unique visit is made to the ancient town of Michelstadt and it's Christmas market. And then into France, to see how the French celebrate the season in Strasbourg. We conclude our travels in Switzerland, with the sights and sounds of the holidays in Basel and the alpine city of Lucerne. This show is a true Christmas treat, as we experience Europe at a time of community, conviviality and color. It will fill your senses with the warmth and the fun of the holiday season, with some geography and history lessons to boot!
Celebrate & Sing! Glory to the Newborn King!
Saturday, December 24th 1pm
This spectacular Christmas concert of secular and sacred music is under the direction of Steven R. Jobman and performed by the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church's renowned 150-voice Sanctuary Choir, orchestra, and Organist/Artist-in-Residence, Bradley Hunter Welch. The program also features handbells, bagpipes, jazz ensemble, and soloists. Traditional favorites included in the program include "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Carol of the Bells."
Repeat the Sounding Joy: A Concordia Christmas
Saturday, December 24th 2pm
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends invite you to join us for a festive collection of music that repeats the sounding joy heard at the first Christmas. Songs include the Latvian folk song "The Christmas Season", "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", "Alabanzas Al Rey", "Joy to the World", "Carol of the Bells", and many more.
Holidays at Murray State
Saturday, December 24th 3pm
The Murray State University Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, a cappella group "EQ Blu," and featured soloists highlight this annual seasonal special, "The Holidays at Murray State," a one hour sojourn in sight and sound through Murray State University and the Purchase area of western Kentucky.
Purdue 88th Anniversary Christmas Show
Saturday, December 24th 5pm
This one-hour condensed version of the 88th Anniversary Purdue Christmas Show features musical highlights from the full two-hour show. This production was originally performed without an audience and was produced solely for video. This performance includes high-energy production numbers, traditional choral music, and familiar holiday favorites performed by every ensemble within Purdue Musical Organizations including University Choir, Purdue Bells, Heart & Soul, the Purduettes and the Purdue Varsity Glee Club.
Lawrence Welk Show - Christmas Reunion 1985
Saturday, December 24th 7pm
Sunday, December 25th 4pm
This is the special that reunited Lawrence and his Musical Family for the first time following their phenomenal 27 year run on National TV. At the time, no one realized it would also be the last time the Musical Family would perform together with their beloved boss. The most emotional moment in this heartwarming program is the singing of the traditional Christmas carols, conducted by Lawrence himself.
Josh Turner: King Size Manger
Saturday, December 24th 11pm
Sunday, December 25th 1pm
Multi-platinum-selling recording artist Josh Turner heralds in the holiday season with his first Christmas special. King Size Manger showcases Turner's unmistakable baritone voice performing new songs as well as nostalgic classics including "Silent Night, Holy Night" and "Joy to the World." Hosted by Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase, this concert features an intimate interview and performances by the Turner family and collaborations with special guests Pat McLaughlin, Rhonda Vincent and more.
Hope College Christmas Vespers
Sunday, December 25th 10:30am
This program is a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas and features some of the most beautiful choral and instrumental music of the season. Over 250 student musicians participate in Christmas Vespers in ensembles that include the Hope College Orchestra, Chapel Choir and College Chorus. A tradition at Hope College since 1941, Christmas Vespers is the perfect way to ring in your holiday season.
All is Bright! A Concordia Christmas
Sunday, December 25th 11:30am
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends invite you to join us for a festive collection of music that brings light, hope, and joy to the season.
Christmas on the Danube
Sunday, December 25th 5pm
Monday, December 26th 3:30pm
Christmas on the Danube is a companion to European Christmas Market. It is a 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, Christmas on the Danube visits these cities along the Danube, which are particularly spectacular at Christmas.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival: Love Divine
Sunday, December 25th 7pm
Monday, December 26th 4pm
First held in 1912, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States, and features more than 450 students from St. Olaf College's renowned choirs and orchestra. Featuring familiar carols, beloved choral works,and exciting new compositions, the theme "Love Divine" is explored through words and music in this cherished, annual tradition.
All Creatures Great & Small - The Perfect Christmas
Sunday, December 25th 8pm
Monday, December 26th 1pm
James and Helen question their future together in the run up to Christmas Day, while things look grave for one of Darrowby's most beloved animals.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special
Sunday, December 25th 9pm & 10:30pm
Monday, December 26th 2pm
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.