Holiday Programming
GLT’s 2018-2019 schedule will include many holiday specials. All times below are noon and 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Hanukkah Lights: A perennial NPR favorite with all new Hanukkah stories. Hosted by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.
Wednesday, Dec. 19
GLT’s Center Stage, 7-9 p.m. Host Ariele has holiday tunes from classic and new classic movies, including "White Christmas," "A Christmas Story," and "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
Friday, Dec. 21
Tinsel Tales: These extraordinary Christmas stories will transport you to unexpected places. NPR's past and present staff tell stories of the season in this hourlong special. Some tales are funny; some are touching; some are insightful or irreverent or nostalgic or surprising.
Saturday, Dec. 22
Bullseye, 11 a.m. to noon: It’s the holiday spectacular. Listen as host Jesse Thorn welcomes The Monkees, the McElroy Brothers, R&B singer Sy Smith, holiday movie expert Alonso Duralde and more.
This American Life, noon-1 p.m. Hear stories about the intersection of Christmas and retail, including the full version of David Sedaris' story "Santaland Diaries," which was first broadcast on NPR's Morning Edition many years ago in a much shorter version.
Sunday, Dec. 23
GLT’s Acousticity, 9 p.m. to midnight: Host Bruce Bergethon presents the annual traditional “wall-to-wall” acoustic holiday program, with seasonal favorites from Patty Loveless, John Fahey, and the Seeger Family.
Monday, Dec. 24
The Big Tiny Desk Holiday Special: Celebrate the season with amazing holiday performances from The Tiny Desk Concert series including Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Steve Martin, Hanson, The Polyphonic Spree and more! Hosted by NPR Music frenemies Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson.
This American Life, 7-8 p.m. Hear stories about the intersection of Christmas and retail, including the full version of David Sedaris' story "Santaland Diaries," which was first broadcast on NPR's Morning Edition many years ago in a much shorter version.
Bullseye, 8-9 p.m. It’s the holiday spectacular. Listen as host Jesse Thorn welcomes The Monkees, the McElroy Brothers, R&B singer Sy Smith, holiday movie expert Alonso Duralde and more.
Tuesday, Dec. 25
All Songs Considered for the Holidays: John Legend, Aloe Blacc, Lucius and more join hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton to share holiday memories and play a mix of the seasonal songs they love most.
American Routes, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy holiday platters from the many sonic flavors of the season: Chicano rockabilly from Los Straitjackets; “Sugar Rum Cherry” concocted by Duke Ellington; and dream of a white Christmas thanks to Booker T. & the MGs.
Thursday, Dec. 27
GLT’s Acousticity, 7-9 p.m. It’s a survey of the best new recordings of 2018, with longtime favorite artists like John Prine and Kathy Kallick, along with new discoveries such as Vivian Leva and The Jellyman’s Daughter.
Sunday, Dec. 30
GLT’s Acousticity, 9 p.m. to midnight. Hear a retrospective of musicians lost in 2018. Host Bruce Bergethon brings you music from Liam O’Flynn to Roy Clark.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019
Capitol Steps: Politics Takes a Holiday New Year’s Edition: Now is your chance to finally enjoy the headlines you were too scared to read. After all, the Capitol Steps won’t tell you any actual useful information, but they will tell you what rhymes with Beta O’Rourke and Omarosa. You’ll hear this musical comedy satire group perform new songs found on their latest release “Make America Grin Again.”
Schedule will be updated as program information becomes available.