The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, share food, and enjoy some great programs. From music and dance to cooking to storytelling, GBH will brighten your December with events to attend and programs to tune into.
Family Feasts
A Celebration of Hanukkah
Enjoy this heartwarming, nostalgic, and humorous exploration of Hanukkah, hosted by Geoffrey Baer. Learn the story of the holiday, the role of its most important foods, and how families continue to celebrate.
Wed (12/17) at 8pm on GBH WORLD and on the PBS app
A Chef’s Life: The Holiday Special
Chef Vivian Howard serves up the best of her Southern cooking as well as her husband’s Hanukkah traditions. Enjoy corned ham, oyster dressing, Hoppin’ John, and red velvet cake.
Sat (12/20) at 10pm on GBH Create and on the PBS app
Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas and Ultimate Christmas
Dame Mary Berry travels to Scotland for a magical winter break. Inspired by her own family holidays, she cooks up indulgent holiday favorites with her friends. Then, she is joined by chefs Angela Hartnett and Monica Galetti to prepare the ultimate holiday feast.
Mon (12/22) at 9pm, 10pm on GBH 2 and on the PBS app
Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa
Learn the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa. Through dance, storytelling, music, and spoken word, honor the heritage, unity, and culture of the Black community in the United States.
Mon (12/29) at 7pm on GBH WORLD and on the PBS app
Hear Those Sleigh Bells Jingling
Illuminate Bach: A Holiday Celebration!
Celebrate the season with this festive concert from GBH Music, showcasing the radiant spirit of J.S. Bach’s music. Hear sacred works that evoke the wonder and reverence of the holidays, including Part Five of his Christmas Oratorio, the Oboe Concerto in D Minor, and “Winter Breviary.” Led by Emmanuel Music Artistic Director Ryan Turner and hosted by Brian McCreath, host of The Bach Hour on CRB Classical 99.5. Reservations required.
Wed (12/3) at 7:15pm. In-person at GBH Studios, Boston.
The program will also be broadcast on Fri (12/19) at 9pm on GBH 2, as well as on NEPM and CRB Classical 99.5.
Let It Snow! with the Rasa Quartet at the Boston Public Library
In Sanskrit, the word “rasa” means the indescribable power of art to move, inspire, and connect us. This quartet is sure to live up to that name with this free holiday concert. Hosted by CRB Classical 99.5 midday host Edyn-Mae Stevenson, the program will feature folk tunes, holiday classics, and hits from the most wonderful time of the year.
Thu (12/4) at 5:30pm. In-person at the GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library
Hope of the Season: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
The world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will be joined by Tony Award-winner Ruthie Ann Miles (The King and I, Sunday in the Park with George) and Hollywood veteran Dennis Haysbert (The Unit, Waiting to Exhale) for this annual holiday spectacular. Enjoy songs and stories of hope.
Mon (12/15) at 8pm on GBH 2 and on the PBS app
Encore: Mon (12/15) at 9:30pm on GBH 2 and 12/24 at 8pm on GBH 2
Too Hot to Handel — The Gospel Messiah
This reimagining of Handel’s 18th-century classic brings together gospel, jazz, and rhythm and blues. This performance was recorded at the European premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Wed (12/24) at 9:30pm on GBH 2 and on the PBS app
Ten Lords A-Leaping, Nine Ladies Dancing...
Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet
In this production which features more than 100 dancers and musicians, Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic is set in Edwardian-era London, as Clara meets an enchanted nutcracker doll at Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium. Recorded at the London Coliseum in 2024.
Tue (12/16) at 8pm on GBH 2 and on the PBS app
Encore: Tue (12/23) at 9pm on GBH 2
Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker
A modern spin on the holiday classic. The essence of Tchaikovsky blended with classic ballet, urban tap, hip hop, step, and jazz. Immediately following, tune into Beyond the Stage: The Urban Nutcracker, Community & The Arts for behind-the-scenes footage and commentary.
Thu (12/18) at 9pm on GBH 2 and on the PBS app
American Masters: Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around
Learn the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs. Her life of poverty and early fame influenced her as she created pop, rock, and country hits. Would it even be Christmas without “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”?
Tue (12/23) at 8pm on GBH and on the PBS app
Stories, Folklore, and Keepsakes
Stories from the Stage: What a Gift at GBH Studios
Some gifts come wrapped joyfully in ribbon — exactly what you need! While others come packaged in disappointment, anger, or shock — and nothing you wanted! Whether the perfect or the worst present — come tell your true, memorable stories about the gifts that changed you, challenged you, cracked you up, or caught you completely off-guard. Reservations required.
Wed (12/10) at 6:30pm. In-person at GBH Studios (One Guest Street)
Craft in America: Holiday
Celebrate handmade traditions with ceramic, glass, and paper artists and visit the National Gingerbread House Competition.
Sun (12/14) at 10pm on GBH Create and on the PBS app
Christmas in New England
Enjoy the unique magic of Christmas in New England from Maine’s coast to the Berkshires. Host Lindsay Paris visits eight regional designations and highlights what the holidays offer here.
Sat (12/20) at 8:30pm on GBH WORLD and on the PBS app
Rick Steves’ European Christmas
Rick travels through England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy to discover unique holiday customs and practices.
Sun (12/21) at 10:30pm on GBH Create and on the PBS app
