Holiday music is a part of Classical KC's programming between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. Find our full schedule HERE.
As you read, enjoy this 60 minute playlist of fresh, yet familiar, holiday music selected by Classical KC contributor John Schaefer.
Holiday Specials:
UMKC Conservatory Holiday Special
December 20 at 8 pm, December 21 at 4 pm, December 24 at 12 pm and December 25 at 3 pm
Listen to performances by UMKC Conservatory choirs, orchestra and soloists of holiday favorites and new discoveries that capture the festive spirit of the season, encompassing traditions not only from the United States, but also from Latin America and Europe.
The City Come Again 2025
December 21 at 5 pm, December 24 at 1 pm and December 25 at 2 pm
Since 1982 William Jewell College has partnered with Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral to present "The City Come Again" as a gift in music and word to Kansas City. Dr. Ian Coleman, Chair of the Department of Performing Arts at William Jewell College, hosts this program of students and faculty presenting seasonal music, poetry, and more.
The Christmas Musicians
December 23 at 9 am, December 24 at 11 am & 6 pm and December 25 at 8 am & 5 pm
Lawrence violist Mary Tuven and composer and bassist Charles Kelso Hoag often brought their daughter, Andrea Hoag, to their wintertime performances when she was just a small child. Now all grown up, Hoag brings those decades-old memories to life in her short story “The Christmas Musicians.”
Hannukah - Candles Burning Brightly
December 20 at 9 pm
A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! Lots of music from Jewish communities around the world, plus a hilarious lesson on how to prepare a classic Chanukah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home
Sunday Baroque Christmas Program
December 21 7 am to 10 am
Sunday Baroque Christmas Program features a sparkling playlist for celebrating the season — beloved Christmas carols dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque eras, joyful Baroque Christmas concertos, and music that evokes the quiet beauty of the Winter Solstice. It’s warm, meaningful, and perfect for creating a sense of calm during the holidays.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - Handel's Messiah: Joyful Praise
December 21 at 2 pm and December 24 at 8 pm
Handel’s Messiah draws us in time and time again. The storytelling and uplifting messages are captivating, and the intimate arias juxtaposed with exuberant choruses are irresistible. But maybe it is the grandeur of the oratorio that impresses most. Discover which of these strikes a chord as Nicholas McGegan, one of the world’s foremost experts on Handel’s music, conducts the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony Chorus in this beloved holiday tradition.
Pipedreams - Portrait for the Nativity
December 21 at 8pm
Host Michael Barone presents a collection of choral and solo organ works that inspire imaginative images for the Christmas festival.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
December 24 at 9 am
An annual and beloved Christmas tradition, "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" is an extraordinary and memorable service of word and music from the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival
December 25 at 1 pm
The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is a chance for listeners across the country and around the world to participate in one of the nation’s most treasured holiday celebrations. Programming includes sacred choral and instrumental music from many traditions: beloved hymns, classical masterworks, folk songs from around the world, and African-American spirituals.
From the Archives - Christmas through the ages
December 27 at 11 am and December 28 at 6 pm
Host Frank Byrne curates a Christmas playlist with music from the 16th to the 20th century. It’s like a musical progressive dinner! Enjoy while you baste, sip, and wrap.
Winter Holidays Around the World with Bill McGlaughlin
December 28 at 2 pm
Winter holidays are celebrated around the world, and their music is wonderful to hear, regardless of which tradition you observe. Bill’s spirited selection starts in the 12th century with Nova Stella, medieval Italian Christmas music from Saint Francis of Assisi’s staging of the nativity; jazz pianist Dave Brubeck’s classical composition La Fiesta de la Posada, evoking a Mexican Christmas celebration; and Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols. We will enjoy this time of year in Paris with music from Debussy, then travel to Polynesia for a traditional hymn, Anau Oia Ea. And then ends with an excerpt from Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors from the original television production. Turn on your speakers, pour a cup of tea, cozy up to a warm fire, and enjoy the music!
The Sounds of Kwanzaa
December 28 at 3 pm
In this broadcast, Garrett McQueen offers a background on the history of Kwanzaa and its guiding principles, alongside musical selections that highlight the spirit of the celebration. The show features the compositions of Florence Price, Duke Ellington, Sean O’Loughlin, and special performances by Imani Winds.
Pipedreams - Holiday Treats
December 28 at 8pm
Host Michael Barone presents a bounty of splendid musical gifts for organs and choirs to enhance the season of Good Tidings.
New Year's Day from Vienna LIVE
January 1, 2026 at 10 am
The ever popular annual New Year’s Day Concert will be performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. Hosted by WBUR's Lisa Mullins.
