PBS Premieres Local Southern California Holiday Specials and Star-Studded Concert Lineup from Across the Globe to Celebrate the Season Starting Thanksgiving Weekend
Press Contact
Chelsea Grosbeck
cgrosbeck@pmgsocal.org
747.201.5202
pbssocal.org/holidays and kcet.org/holidays
Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App. Members of PBS SoCal | KCET get extended access through PBS Passport.
Los Angeles, Calif. – Nov. 22, 2022 – PBS SoCal and KCET, Southern California's primary PBS stations, and the home for award winning public media productions, announced today a variety of local and national performances, specials and productions for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. This year’s lineup of seasonal programming kicks off early this year starting with Thanksgiving weekend and runs throughout the month of December. Headlining the local lineup for Southern Californians are the debuts of familiar regional holiday concerts with THE THRILL OF HOPE: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS (a follow up to last year’s REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY! A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS) and the 63rd edition of the L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION broadcast live on PBS SoCal (and streaming live on both KCET and PBS SoCal’s websites). In addition to the local musical programs, both KCET and PBS SoCal will present a robust lineup of popular concerts from around the world that are new to the national PBS system featuring performances by powerhouse vocalists Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Daniel Emmet and Pia Toscano as well as encores of the always popular CELTIC WOMAN: POSTCARDS FROM IRELAND with four new holiday songs and the PBS classic live concert presentation of GREAT PERFORMANCES: ANDREA BOCELLI LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK.
This year, PBS SoCal and KCET will broadcast two brand new regional Christmas concert events for Southern California audiences. First up on Tues., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal is THE THRILL OF HOPE: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS with student and alumni musicians performing from the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Concordia University Irvine's campus, and Nashville, TN. This year's theme, “The Thrill of Hope!" features 200 students from Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells, orchestra and commercial music program.
A local Christmas Eve tradition since 1959, the L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION is a three-hour celebration of performances that showcase the diverse talents of L.A. County and will feature 22 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures that make up L.A. County. The Emmy® Award winning special returns with a live audience for the first time since 2019 from The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Sat., Dec. 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on PBS SoCal. Viewers can also livestream the annual spectacle on the PBS SoCal and KCET websites.
Additional PBS SoCal holiday 2022 premieres featuring beloved PBS Names and faces include a new presentation from the beloved Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in O HOLY NIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR hosted by Tony® Award-nominated singer Megan Hilty and award-winning actor Neal McDonough on Tues., Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.; British home cook, best known from THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW series, Mary Berry prepares the ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings in MARY BERRY’S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS on Mon., Dec. 19 at 9 p.m.; And to top it all off, PBS’s fan-favorite holiday special CALL THE MIDWIFE returns for its 11th annual Christmas Day premiere on Wed., Dec. 25 at 9 p.m.
KCET’s holiday lineup features two new reimagined specials of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 book, ANTHONY WILLIAMS’ URBAN NUTCRACKER uniquely retells the Christmas classic through classical ballet, urban tap, hip-hop, swing, flamenco, step and jazz performances. While a new musical production conceived by John Maucer and hosted by Alan Cumming recounts the origin story that starts where the classic ballet ends in THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING on Sun., Dec. 25 at 9 p.m.
On-air videos featuring PBS SoCal and KCET employees will thank viewers for their yearlong support for the essential programs they’ve come to count on watching on their local PBS stations. Check out the PBS SoCal and KCET Online Schedules for a list of airdates and airtimes.
The full lineup of holiday programs will be telecast as follows (subject to change):
GREAT PERFORMANCES: JOSH GROBAN’S GREAT BIG RADIO CITY SHOW – Fri., Nov. 25 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony® Award nominee Josh Groban returns to New York City’s famed 6,000-seat theater for an evening of hits, humor and heart. The internationally acclaimed musician shares personal anecdotes and is joined by a full orchestra to perform his signature hits alongside award-winning artists including Cyndi Lauper; Tony® nominee Denée Benton; Country Music Television Award® nominee Breland; and New York City principal ballet dancer Tiler Peck.
DANIEL EMMET & PIA TOSCANO, SIMPLY THE BEST – Fri., Dec. 2 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Experience the magic of powerhouse vocalists, Daniel Emmet and Pia Toscano, in a concert recorded at the iconic International Theatre in Las Vegas. 16-time Grammy®-winning producer, David Foster, joins the dynamite duo for stunning solo performances and dazzling duets spanning across the genres from The Beatles, Elvis, The Righteous Brothers, Celine Dion, Puccini and more.
CELTIC WOMAN: POSTCARDS FROM IRELAND – Sun., Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Join the multi-platinum ensemble on a spectacular musical journey around the Emerald Isle.
GREAT PERFORMANCES: ANDREA BOCELLI LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK – Mon., Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this spectacular concert and experience the artistry of the world’s renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli performing in New York’s Central Park. In front of more than 60,000 fans, the New York Philharmonic joins him on stage alongside Céline Dion, Tony Bennett, Chris Botti and David Foster for a mix of opera and pop as a gift of music to the city of New York.
MARIAH CAREY: LIVE AT THE TOKYO DOME – Mon., Dec. 5 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Grab a front-row seat to the “Songbird Supreme’s” historic first show in Japan, featuring standout versions of her greatest hits, including “Emotions,” “Dreamlover” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY! A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Mon., Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sun., Dec. 25 at 10:30 p.m. on KCET
The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia University Irvine invite you to join a festive collection of music that repeats the sounding joy heard at the first Christmas. Songs include the Latvian folk song “The Christmas Season,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Alabanzas Al Rey,” “Joy to the World,” “Carol of the Bells” and many more.
THE THRILL OF HOPE: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Tues., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal and encores on Fri., Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. and Fri., Dec. 23 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal as well as Wed., Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. on KCET as well as on Christmas Eve Sat., Dec. 24 at 10 p.m.
THE THRILL OF HOPE: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS features student and alumni musicians performing from the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Concordia University Irvine's campus, and Nashville, TN. This year's theme, “The Thrill of Hope!" features 200 students from Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells, orchestra and commercial music program.
O HOLY NIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR – Tues., Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Tony Award-nominee Megan Hilty and television and film actor Neal McDonough join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for this Irish-inspired edition of this heartwarming annual celebration of music and holiday traditions.
ELLA WISHES YOU A SWINGING CHRISTMAS WITH VANESSA WILLIAMS – Wes., Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. on KCET
Enjoy an evening celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s entire iconic album of holiday classics presented by the American Pops Orchestra. Featuring appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Norm Lewis, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Nova Payton, Dave Detwiler and Morgan James.
CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT – Wes., Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. on KCET
Christmas at Belmont 2021 features Belmont University students performing holiday favorites in the new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. This celebration of the season includes holiday favorites and classic songs.
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE – Sun., Dec. 18 at 10:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Christmas on the Danube is a companion to European Christmas Market. Traveling the majestic Danube river as it passes through stunning European landscape, history and culture, Christmas on the Danube visits cities along the Danube, which are particularly spectacular at Christmas.
MARY BERRY’S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS – Mon., Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Join the beloved British home cook and three special friends as they prepare her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings. From the traditional turkey to her classic Christmas pudding, it’s the perfect recipe for a deliciously festive holiday.
20 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR – Mon., Dec. 19 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Choir and Orchestra for this two-hour 20th anniversary retrospective with performances from Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Gladys Knight, Angela Lansbury, Hugh Bonneville, Renee Fleming and more.
LUCY WORSLEY’S 12 DAYS OF TUDOR CHRISTMAS – Tues., Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas – from carols to turkey, gift-giving to mistletoe and mulled wine – has surprising Tudor origins, rooted in devotion and charity.
ANTHONY WILLIAMS’ URBAN NUTCRACKER – Wed., Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. on KCET and Sun., Dec. 25 at 4:30 p.m. on KCET
A celebration of multi-cultural communities, the modern spin on the 19th-century fairy tale transports viewers to an enchanted world not unlike their own. Drawing upon classical ballet, urban tap, hip-hop, swing, flamenco, step and jazz, the performance uniquely retells a Christmas classic.
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING – Fri., Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sun., Dec. 25 at 9 p.m. on KCET
Join Alan Cumming for the real story of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King with the beloved music of Tchaikovsky. Featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the direction of John Mauceri, this new version is a rare holiday treat.
63RD ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION – Sat., Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., Dec. 24 at 11 p.m. as well as on Sun., Dec. 25 at 6 p.m. on KCET
The 63rd annual, two-time Emmy® award-winning event will feature 21 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures that make up L.A. County. Returning with a live audience for the first time since 2019, the program will delight both the in-person audience at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK: INSIDE THE PLAZA – Sat., Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. on KCET
A world-famous hotel that epitomizes the best of everything performs its annual transformation into a magical festive paradise in this enchanting piece of seasonal escapism. Watch as they prepare a Christmas feast for up to 500, turn rooms into magical yuletide havens and await the arrival of Father Christmas himself.
ST. OLAF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: LOVE DIVINE – Sat., Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. on KCET and Sat., Dec. 24 at 11:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
First held in 1912, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States, and features more than 450 students from St. Olaf College’s renowned choirs and orchestra. Featuring familiar carols, beloved choral works, and exciting new compositions, the theme “Love Divine” is explored through words and music in this cherished, annual tradition.
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS – Sat., Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Visit eight spectacular towns in Germany, France and Switzerland and their Christmas Markets, learn of the history of the towns, see their colorful markets and enjoy the magic and enchantment of medieval and castle towns in Europe at Christmas time.
CELEBRATE & SING! GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING! – Sat., Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. on KCET
This spectacular Christmas concert of secular and sacred music is under the direction of Steven R. Jobman and performed by the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church’s renowned 150-voice Sanctuary Choir, orchestra and Organist/Artist-in-Residence, Bradley Hunter Welch. The program also features handbells, bagpipes, jazz ensemble, and soloists. Traditional favorites included in the program include “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Carol of the Bells.”
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ON MASTERPIECE: “The Perfect Christmas” – Sun., Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
James and Helen question their future together in the run up to Christmas Day, while things look grave for one of Darrowby’s most beloved animals.
CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL – Sun., Dec. 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Christmas 1966 promises to be memorable one. The Nonnatus House team are faced with their busiest Christmas Day ever as the Maternity Home is filled with expectant moms and challenging cases. Luckily Mother Mildred is on hand to support the team.
UNITED IN SONG 2022: RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER – Sat., Dec. 31 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Featuring multiple regions of the United States, the New Year's Eve broadcasts will ring in the New Year celebrating the extraordinary cultural diversity in the music of the country - from folk and rock to opera, country to hip hop, Broadway to bluegrass and beyond. This special performance will also reflect on what brings us together as Americans, as we unite through the arts.
For more details about each show and a full list of holiday programming on KCET please go to kcet.org/holidays and pbssocal.org/holidays.
Join the conversation on social media using #KCET and #PBSSoCal
About KCET
KCET is part of the donor-supported community institution, the Public Media Group of Southern California, which was formed by the merger of PBS SoCal and KCETLink Media Group. As one of Southern California’s two flagship PBS stations, KCET is on-air, online as well as in the community, and plays a vital role in the cultural enrichment of Southern California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its 55-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions and its website, kcet.org. For additional information about KCET’s original productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org. KCET Originals and PBS programming are available to stream on the FREE PBS App on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast. KCET is also available to watch live on YouTube TV.
About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal is a donor-supported community institution that is a part of Public Media Group of Southern California, the flagship PBS station formed by the merger of PBS SoCal and KCETLink Media Group. PBS SoCal delivers content and experiences that inspire, inform and entertain – over the air, online, in the community and in the classroom. We offer the full slate of beloved PBS programs including MASTERPIECE, NOVA, PBS NewsHour, FRONTLINE, Independent Lens, a broad library of documentary films including works from Ken Burns; and educational PBS KIDS programs including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Curious George. PBS programming is available to stream on the FREE PBS App on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast. PBS SoCal is also available to watch live on YouTube TV.
