WNIJ Holiday Specials
WNIJ 2025 Holiday Highlights
Items in RED indicate local programming.
Find WNIU Holiday Specials!
Tuesday 12.16 — Hanukkah Lights 2025
This NPR favorite returns with new stories plus gems from the archive. Hosted by Murray Horwitz with Susan Stamberg.
Sunday 12.21 — Tinsel Tales NPR Favorites
This program features stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas. David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk -- these and other NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. A real gem, hosted by Lynn Neary.
Wednesday 12.24 — Acoustic Bridges Holiday
Music is at the heart of many holiday celebrations, and this year Spencer Tritt features “merry” folk, Americana and acoustic favorites. As you wind down your Christmas eve festivities, turn the radio up!
Wednesday 12.24 — WNIJ + Stage Coach Players, A Christmas Carol
Performed and recorded in the WNIJ studios in 2024, join us for this special encore performance featuring DeKalb’s own STAGE COACH PLAYERS.
Wednesday 12.24 — A World Café Holiday
World Cafe celebrated 30 years by revisiting special holiday performances from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Los Lobos, Andrew Bird, The Bird and The Bee, Pink Martini, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and more. Hosted by Raina Douris, this musical gift will provide a full hour of hip holiday cheer.
Christmas Day — Sessions from Studio A
Spencer Tritt has the perfect holiday mashup this Christmas with Chicago’s CLASSICAL BLAST. Gather round for this special hour where Christmas favorites weave in with pop and rock music – all recorded live in WNIJ’s Studio A.
Christmas Day — Joy To The World – A Holiday in Pink
The internationally acclaimed “little orchestra" Pink Martini hits the airwaves with festive holiday songs from across the globe. From timeless classics to rarely heard gems, you’ll hear a multi-denominational, multi-cultural jubilee, overflowing with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family. Hosted by All Things Considered’s Ari Shapiro.
Wednesday 12.31 - New Year’s Eve — Acoustic Bridges
WNIJ helps you ring in the new year with the sounds of folk, country, and Americana on a special edition of Acoustic Bridges. Spencer Tritt shares songs that reflect on the past year and welcome in the new one. Featuring everyone from Lorretta Lynn and Kacey Musgraves, to Nina Simone and Tom Waits.
Wednesday 12.31 - New Year’s Eve — Toast of the Nation
Bassist, composer and arranger Christian McBride treats WNIJ listeners to a super fun and festive jazz party to help you ring in the New Year! An NPR tradition since the 1970’s, join in all four hours beginning at 8pm!
NEW YEAR’S DAY — 2025 Remembered from THE CURRENT
Join Minnesota Public Radio’s THE CURRENT in honoring the life, music and legacy of artists lost this year. It’s a 2-hour musical tribute and celebration of everything from indie to influential – and the perfect way for music lovers to unite in paying homage to the artists who have shaped music history.