Holiday favorites from Arizona PBS

Get into the holiday spirit with Arizona PBS! From festive music and heartwarming performances to seasonal specials and family favorites, our holiday programming brings joy, tradition and celebration to viewers of all ages.

Explore the episodes below, which feature local and new content, then view more holiday stories and celebrations online.

Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir: Hope of the Season

This December, Tony Award®-winner Ruthie Ann Miles and iconic actor Dennis Haysbert inspire in this holiday special that combines classic Christmas carols with a contemporary story of how giving back and uplifting communities is the true meaning of the season.

Playlist 48: Teri Tobin

Get into the holiday spirit with Teri Tobin! Born in Mesa, Arizona, and raised in Southern California, Tobin shares the joy of the season with her holiday song, “Christmas Child.” Tobin’s album features the original title track and timeless classics like “O, Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger” and “O, Come All Ye Faithful.”

A tribute to family traditions and her musical roots, Tobin’s performances, from church pews to Arizona PBS Studios, bring warmth, nostalgia and festive cheer to every note.

Playlist 48: J. White – Holiday Classics on Sax

Arizona saxophonist J. White, an internationally recognized Billboard artist, songwriter and producer, fills the season with soulful, festive melodies. From his early start in school bands to performing at major jazz festivals, White’s heartfelt renditions of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O, Holy Night” showcase his warm, melodic sound and passion for connecting with listeners.

Watch an interview with White on “Arizona Horizon,” then stream his holiday-themed episode of “Playlist 48” above.

A Celebration of Hanukkah

In this heartwarming program, host Geoffrey Baer embarks on a fun exploration of the time-honored traditions of this Jewish holiday as he shares how it came to be, the season’s cherished foods and fun and how families continue to celebrate together.

Arizona Encore: Arizona Holiday Program

The special episode of “Arizona Encore” unwraps the origins of beloved Christmas music, from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” and English folk-inspired works by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten to Bach’s unexpectedly recycled “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

You’ll also discover the surprising stories behind classics like “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Featuring performances from outstanding musicians and ensembles including the Phoenix Chorale, True Concord, Salt River Brass and more, this musical journey offers a fresh look at the holiday soundscape we hear year after year.

Arizona Encore: A Chorale Christmas – 2024

Get into the holiday spirit with the Phoenix Chorale’s annual tradition, “A Chorale Christmas.”

Recorded live at Brophy Chapel and Trinity Cathedral, this festive program blends music from across the centuries. Enjoy Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,” new works by Kerensa Briggs and Melissa Dunphy, a traditional Spanish carol and favorites like “Jingle Bells.”

Don’t miss the audience singalong of “O, Come All Ye Faithful,” a perfect mix of old and new to brighten your holiday season.

Arizona Encore: A Chorale Christmas – Navidad

Catch the Emmy®-award winning holiday program “A Chorale Christmas: Navidad,” recorded live at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church during their Valley tour.

This episode of “Arizona Encore” celebrates Arizona’s Hispanic roots featuring festive selections and insights from Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas.

Take Note: Hanukkah

On this episode of “Take Note,” we celebrate Hanukkah with a blend of tradition and joyful sound. Listen to the podcast online, and enjoy a traditional Hanukkah blessing followed by lively Klezmer tunes that capture the spirit of the season.

Take Note: Santa Lucia Day

On this episode of “Take Note,” we’re celebrating Santa Lucia Day, the cherished winter holiday observed in Sweden, Norway and parts of Finland. Listen to the podcast online for a musical tribute to this luminous Scandinavian tradition.