Christmas carols: The good, bad and ugly

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. Listen now as the Northfield-based college presents its 2022 program, “Promise of Peace,” from Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, with host Valerie Kahler, in this one-hour special.

The Minneapolis youth choir Known MPLS is making an impact in song and in community. ‘Known MPLS first and foremost exists to consistently provide a safe space for youth to thrive,’ director Courtland Pickens says. Find out more about these remarkable singers, and watch their performance of ‘Up Above My Head.’

Over three days in mid-November, the Voces8 Scholars, the U.S.-based training ensemble for the U.K.’s esteemed Voces8, recorded two Christmas songs prepared exclusively for YourClassical MPR listeners as part of our Carol Countdown. Watch now!

YourClassical MPR’s live broadcast of 'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College, Cambridge, with host Michael Barone, has ended and on-demand audio is no longer available. Join us on Christmas Eve 2025 for another unforgettable service.

‘Christmas With Cantus’ is a beloved holiday tradition for YourClassical MPR listeners featuring the eight voices of the male vocal ensemble live in concert.

'All Is Bright', with host Lynne Warfel, offers an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.

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.’

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!

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!

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.