Holiday

Experience this annual beloved concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss.

Great Performances “From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2025” airs Wednesday, January 1 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Ring in 2025 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in this beloved annual concert. PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville hosts the traditional concert for the eighth consecutive year, commemorating the 200^th birthday of Johann Strauss. Showcasing the talents of the orchestra accompanied by on-location dance sequences with the Vienna State Ballet, the program also takes audiences on a tour of The Leopold Museum, the grand Südbahn Hotel, the mountains of the Semmering Hirschenkogel ski resort and more. Conducted by Riccardo Muti for the seventh time, PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville returns to host.

It’s Christmas 1969, and the funfair and carol concert add color to frosty Poplar. 

Call The Midwife Holiday Special 2024 airs Wednesday, December 25 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Yet, the festive spirit at Nonnatus House is dampened by the spread of influenza alongside growing fears of an escaped prisoner after a spate of break-ins.

Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece “The Messiah” is reimagined and infused with Gospel, Jazz, and R&B.

Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah airs Sunday, December 22 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece “The Messiah” is reimagined by Conductor Marin Alsop and colleagues Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson. Handel’s arias, choruses, and orchestration are infused with Gospel, Jazz, and R&B, creating an uplifting reinterpretation of this seasonal favorite. “Too Hot To Handel: The Gospel Messiah” has been seen regularly across the United States since its premiere in New York in 1993. This performance in front of nearly 5,000 people at London’s Royal Albert Hall marks its European premiere. Presented by choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone, the program sees The BBC Concert Orchestra joined by The BBC Symphony Chorus and The London Adventist Chorale, along with soloists Vanessa Haynes and Zwakele Tshabalala.

Photo: Singer Vanessa Haynes on stage/Credit: Michael O’Halloran, BBC Studios

The Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra performs a beloved Central Florida Tradition.

A Classic Christmas with the Bach Festival Society airs Tuesday, December 24 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

A Classic Christmas is a beloved Central Florida tradition. From the beautiful Knowles Memorial Chapel on the campus of Rollins College, the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, along with guest soloists Mary Wilson and Stephen Mumbert, as well as the Bach Festival Children’s Choir, perform custom arrangements of treasured holiday classics created specifically for this joyous celebration.

Much loved home cook Dame Mary Berry travels to her mother’s homeland, Scotland, for a magical winter break. 

Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas airs Monday, December 23 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Much loved home cook Dame Mary Berry travels to her mother’s homeland Scotland for a magical winter break. Inspired by her own family holidays, she cooks up an array of sumptuous dishes. She’s joined by friends Andy Murray, Iain Stirling and Emeli Sandé to cook indulgent Christmas dishes that can be enjoyed anytime over the holidays.

Mary begins her journey on a steam train, heading off into the beautiful Highlands.

After settling into her cozy holiday kitchen, Mary kicks things off creating a spectacular Christmas Cranachan wreath, combining the traditional Scottish dessert with a pavlova twist.

Mary takes a trip to tennis player Andy Murray’s hotel in Dunblane to catch up with him and his Granny, where they cook classic breakfast dish Kedgeree and tease Andy about his culinary skills.

Back at the cottage, Mary rustles up the perfect festive canape for any time of day with smoked salmon and guacamole, followed by her Fennel and red onion tarte tatin accompanied with a raw winter veg slaw.

Iain Stirling attempts to herd some reindeer while Mary rustles up an indulgent Christmas fondue with a twist; it uses the classic leftovers from the big day – proving her theory that everything tastes better with melted cheese, especially pigs in blankets. Back at the cottage, Mary makes her ‘Happy Christmas Pie’ with Aberdeen Angus beef and pickled walnuts. Then it’s off to a traditional ceilidh, where she makes her classic mulled wine for the revelers.

Inspired by her years spent working in the alps as a chalet girl, Mary makes her festive stollen, perfect at any time over the season.

Aberdeenshire-raised singer, Emeli Sandé, pops in to help Mary make her classic Buche de Noel, before surprising her with some visitors – a carol singing choir, performing outside the cottage in the snow.

Celebrate the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Ragtime with this once-in-a-lifetime reunion concert.

Ragtime, The Musical: All Star Reunion Concert airs Saturday, December 7 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Featuring original cast members, including Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Peter Friedman, joined by Kelli O’Hara.

Photo: Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell/Credit: Jenny Anderson

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress Sara Bareilles takes the stage at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening of song and celebration in this New Year’s Eve special.

NEXT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER “Sara Bareilles: New Year’s Eve with the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends” airs Tuesday, December 31 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

From her first smash hit “Love Song” to her Broadway songwriting and later performing debut with the musical “Waitress,” Bareilles’ amazing artistry has been recognized with multiple Grammy and Tony awards and nominations. She will be joined by special guests Rufus Wainwright, Emily King, and David Ryan Harris for this career-spanning night. 

Photo: Sara Bareilles performing with the National Symphony Orchestra/Credit: Mauricio Castro