2024 Holiday Schedule & Highlights
Kick off the holiday season with festive programming airing on CET starting Monday, December 9! We have a variety of specials filled with seasonal songs and spirit airing this month, including the annual holiday special from Call the Midwife Holiday Special and New Year’s Eve celebration from Next at the Kennedy Center.
Check out the list below for ten of our favorite programs airing this December to help you get in the holiday spirit. You can also look for other holiday programs and specials to watch at any time on the PBS App or visit https://watch.cetconnect.org/.
Navidad: A Concordia Christmas
Saturday, December 14, at 8pm on CET
Sunday, December 15, at 10pm on ThinkTV14
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine and friends present a festive collection of music that brings light, hope and joy to the season. This 2023 performance is influenced by the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas, a celebration that takes place the nine days before Christmas to commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Learn more: https://cetconnect.org/navidad-a-concordia-christmas/.
Craft in America: Holiday
Thursday, December 12, at 9pm on CET
Embrace traditions, both familiar and new – all part of our American experience with the handmade – in this episode of Craft in America. Watch as ceramic artist Susan Garson paints a bird menorah, Grove Park Inn pastry chefs Robert Alger and Iain Jones build and decorate a gingerbread house and more! Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/craft-america-episode-xi-holiday/.
The Holidays at Murray State 2024
Friday, December 13, at 10pm on CET
Friday, December 20, at 10pm on ThinkTV14
This annual special returns for another evening of seasonal delights. Enjoy a one hour sojourn in sight and sound through Murray State University and the Purchase area of western Kentucky, featuring the musical talents of The Murray State University Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, acappella group “EQ Blu” and featured faculty soloists. Learn more: https://cetconnect.org/the-holidays-at-murray-state-2024/.
Joy: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Tuesday, December 17, at 8pm on CET
Tuesday, December 24, at 9:30pm on CET
The treasured Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir special returns to PBS for the 21st year, featuring Broadway star Michael Maliakel and beloved British actress Lesley Nicol of Downton Abbey. This rich and moving celebration weaves Christmas classics with the true story of Victor Hugor, illustrating that the real meaning of Christmas is opening our hearts to all. Learn more: https://cetconnect.org/joy-christmas-with-the-tabernacle-choir/.
Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah
Tuesday, December 17, at 9:30pm on CET
Tuesday, December 24, at 8pm on CET
Conductor Marin Alsop has reimagined Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece, “The Messiah,” and infused it with Gospel, Jazz and R&B. The result is an uplifting reinterpretation of a seasonal favorite since 1993, captured at its European premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Featured performers include Vanessa Haynes, the BBC Symphony Chorus, the London Adventist Chorale and more. Learn more:https://cetconnect.org/too-hot-to-handel-the-gospel-messiah/.
A Classic Christmas with the Bach Festival Society: Joyful Sounds
Tuesday, December 17, at 10pm on ThinkTV14
Saturday, December 21, at 9pm on CET
From the beautiful Knowles Memorial Chapel on the campus of Rollins College, A Classic Christmas is a beloved Central Florida tradition. Join the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, guest soloists Mary Wilson and Stephen Mumber and the Bach Festival Children’s Choir as they perform custom arrangements of treasured holiday classics created specifically for this joyous celebration. Learn more: https://cetconnect.org/a-classic-christmas-with-the-bach-festival-society-joyful-sounds/.
A Christmas with Sir John Rutter at Preston Hollow
Thursday, December 19, at 10pm on CET
Sunday, December 22, at 10pm on ThinkTV14
Join Sir John Rutter as he conducts the famous Preston Hollow Sanctuary Choir, the Boys Choir of St. Mark’s School of Texas, soloists Josefina Maldonado and Erin Hannigan, and a professional orchestra in a selection of his most popular work at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas. Learn more: https://cetconnect.org/a-christmas-with-sir-john-rutter-at-preston-hollow/.
Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2024
Wednesday, December 25, at 8pm on CET
Celebrate Christmas day with your favorite friends at Nonnatus House this year! It’s Christmas of 1969 – the most wonderful time of the year – and the funfair and carol concert add color to frosty Poplar. Yet, the festive spirit is dampened by the spread of influenza alongside growing fears of an escaped prisoner after a spate of break-ins. Learn more: https://cetconnect.org/holiday-special-call-the-midwife/.
As we count down the days for this special’s premiere, you can watch previous Call the Midwife Holiday Specials with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/call-midwife/collections/watch-classic-call-the-midwife-holiday-specials.
Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa
Thursday, December 26, at 10pm on CET
In this one-hour documentary, airing on the first day of Kwanzaa, explore the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa through seven real-life stories of impact. These stories reveal how each principle plays a role in the Black community, enhanced by cultural elements of dance, storytelling, music and spoken word. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/cultural-expressions-kwanzaa-CHHZAw/.
Next at the Kennedy Center: Sara Bareilles – New Year’s Eve with the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends
Tuesday, December 31, at 8pm and 9:30pm on CET
Wrap up the holiday season as acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress Sara Bareilles takes the stage with a full orchestra for an enchanting evening of song and celebration in this New Year’s Eve special. Bareilles, known for her smash hit “Love Song” and her Broadway songwriting and performing debut “Waitress,” will be joined by special guests Rufus Wainwright, Emily King and David Ryan Harris for this career-spanning night. Learn more: https://cetconnect.org/next-at-the-kennedy-center-sara-bareilles-new-years-eve-with-the-national-symphony-orchestra-friends/.
