This December spend the holiday season with Classical 101 and an assortment of specials and daily local selections to make your holidays merry and bright.
Highlights this year include the return of the beloved Hanukkah special Candles Burning Brightly on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer’s A Chanticleer Christmas, Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. and the VocalEssence ensemble’s collage of traditional holiday carols and new festive gems on Welcome Christmas, Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m.
No holiday season would be complete without Handel’s Messiah, and this year you can enjoy it in a performance by our very own Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m.
Be sure to join Classical 101 for the annual Christmas favorites A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols—live from King’s College, Cambridge University, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-noon, and the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, Thursday, Dec. 25 at 8 a.m.
And get 2026 off to a great start with superstar conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Vienna Philharmonic and a fun mix of festive favorites from one of the music capitals of the world on New Year’s Day from Vienna—Live, Thursday, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Classical 101 brings you the perfect soundtrack for your holidays. And if you’re traveling, listen to Classical 101 on the WOSU Public Media mobile app or online.
Hanukkah Music
Sunday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.: Candles Burning Brightly
Christmas Music
Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m.: A Chanticleer Christmas
Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m.: Welcome Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m.: Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration
Friday, Dec. 19 at 9 p.m.: In Winter’s Glow
Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m.: Handel’s Messiah
Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m.: The Sound of Cinnamon
Wednesday, Dec. 24
- 10 a.m.-noon.: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols—Live
- 8 p.m.: Welcome Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 25
- 8 a.m.: St. Olaf Christmas Festival
- 10 a.m.: Columbus Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
New Year’s Day
Thursday, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.: New Year’s Day from Vienna—Live
All listings are subject to change.
