Holiday

For one and a half centuries, St. Olaf College has been a hub of connections, knowledge and growth. And for more than a century, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival has been a cherished part of that history. Join us as we celebrate their legacy.

Each December, the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, rings out with the sacred and the exuberant: the sounds of the Christmas season. Enjoy the 2023 program, ‘Love, the Rose, Is on the Way.’

Celebrate the season with song! Steve Staruch hosts this one-hour program of holiday favorites, new and old, presented live in concert by Chanticleer, the two-time Grammy-winning 12-man ensemble known as ‘an orchestra of voices.’

This year’s annual residency by the Voces8 U.S. Scholars at Minnesota Public Radio attained new heights thanks to a special appearance by Lyyra. They joined forces for the holiday classic ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ before the Scholars went solo for a delightful ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman.’ Watch now!

Does that carol sound familiar, but the words are different from the ones you’ve sung forever? Here’s why!

The Celtic lands of Northwestern Europe have an especially rich musical heritage, and many Christmas songs and carols come from Celtic nations. Listen as host Andrea Blain explores music and customs that have roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals.

Christmas With Cantus weaves together holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics. Blending narration and song, the program offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season. Listen now!

On Saturday Cinema, I mentioned in passing that my sons, Peter and Joshua, and I had a list of Christmas films we watched in a certain order. In response to the many listener requests I’ve received, here’s our list, starting with ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’

Join us for ‘Songs of Thanks,’ an innovative new production by Cantus presenting stories and songs celebrating gratitude and community. Listen now — and then tell us why you’re thankful so we can include your feedback in next year’s program.

'Giving Thanks,' hosted by John Birge, celebrated its 25th year on public radio in 2023. Its celebratory show presents the best moments of a quarter century of great guests amid the perfect atmosphere for Thanksgiving. Listen now!