WPLN celebrates the season with public radio specials. Experience the holidays from across the country and around the world. All programs will be heard on 90.3 WPLN-FM except where noted.

Friday, December 11 Hanukkah Lights Noon to 1 p.m. on 1430 WPLN-AM A perennial NPR favorite for nearly two decades, acclaimed authors explore Hanukkah stories written expressly for Hanukkah Lights. This year’s show features brand new stories by Danit Brown, Michael Blumenthal and Rachel Shukert. Hosted by NPR’s Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz. Sunday, December 13 Studio C Holiday Music 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Nashville Early Music Ensemble performs music from their program called ‘An International Christmas’, with Medieval, Renaissance and folk music from around the world. Then The Nashville Chamber Singers bring holiday selections from their recent concerts Tuesday, December 15 Studio C Holiday Music (rebroadcast) 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Nashville Early Music Ensemble performs music from their program called ‘An International Christmas’, with Medieval, Renaissance and folk music from around the world. Then The Nashville Chamber Singers bring holiday selections from their recent concerts Saturday, December 19 Nashville Unlimited Christmas Special 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This annual Christmas concert, hosted by Dave Pomeroy and Don Henry, features some of the best musicians in our community. The program benefits Nashville’s Room in the Inn. The 9th Annual show features guests Riders In The Sky, The Steeldrivers, Tommy Emmanuel, Sweethearts of The Rodeo, The Hot Club of Nashville, and more. Saturday, December 19 Bluegrass Breakdown – “Christmas With John Cowan” 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. We’ll be generating some serious high, lonesome Christmas magic when the John Cowan band circles around the microphones live, punching out some yuletide merriment, and celebrating the release of their latest, Comfort And Joy. Saturday, December 19 A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate, with Kathy Mattea 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. A Carolina Christmas is a festive celebration of holiday music — from one of the most magnificent acoustic venues in the country. The program will feature soloists and large ensembles performing a rich variety of songs, including sacred music of the season, African-American spirituals, Celtic jigs and folk favorites. Center stage is the rich voice and warm spirit of two-time Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Kathy Mattea, singing fresh arrangements from her Grammy award-winning holiday album Good News. Sunday, December 20 Studio C Holiday Special 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. It’s oboes, English horns, bassoons and contrabassoons for Christmas as the Nashville Double Reed Ensemble plays familiar songs. Then, saxophonist Sam Levine, pianist David Huntsinger, guitarist Tim Calhoun, bassist Jeff Cox and drummer Marcus Finney give us relaxed jazz-flavored arrangements of popular Christmas tunes. Messiah with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Mendelssohn Choir 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. This two-hour concert features the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, hosted by Jim Cunningham. Monday, December 21 Christmas Around the Country 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy the best of classical holiday music from coast to coast. NPR takes you from churches, to concert halls, to auditoriums, and to town halls all across the nation in search of performances that express the best of the holiday season. Lisa Simeone hosts. Paul Winter Solstice Concert 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The holiday tradition continues with Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice Celebration. A dynamic musical celebration in the extraordinary acoustics of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral – New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine – highlight the music of the Winter Consort with Gospel singer Theresa Thomason, Brazilian singer/guitarist Renato Braz, and woodwind master Paul McCandless. John Schaefer hosts the production from Living Music and Murray Street. Tuesday, December 22 Studio C Holiday Special (rebroadcast) 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s oboes, English horns, bassoons and contrabassoons for Christmas as the Nashville Double Reed Ensemble plays familiar songs. Then, saxophonist Sam Levine, pianist David Huntsinger, guitarist Tim Calhoun, bassist Jeff Cox and drummer Marcus Finney give us relaxed jazz-flavored arrangements of popular Christmas tunes. Wednesday, December 23 Christmas with the Philadelphia Singers 2009 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Listen to a one-hour performance of traditional and contemporary holiday music by the much-loved Philadelphia Singers. Thursday, December 24 All Songs Considered for the Holidays Noon to 1 p.m. on 1430 WPLN-AM From NPR comes an eclectic mix of holiday music by emerging and breakout bands. Join Bob Boilen and friends as they host the first All Songs Considered holiday special from NPR Music. A Car Talk Christmas Carol Redux 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hear a refreshed and updated version of the holiday classic, starring Tom and Ray Magliozzi, and a stellar cast of public radio personalities including Robert Siegel as Bob Cratchit. Lessons and Carols from Washington National Cathedral 2009 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Listen to the annual one-hour broadcast of the Lessons and Carols service from the National Cathedral, hosted by Robert Aubry Davis. Choirs and Carols: An NPR Christmas 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hear musicians from around the world in NPR’s performance studio as they share special holiday moments. Join host Lisa Simeone for ancient harmonies from Trio Medieval, traditional carols from the Riga Dom Boys Choir, plus music from Finland’s YL Choir, The Pittsburgh Brass, and members of Trio Voronezh. Friday, January 1 New Year’s Day from Vienna 2010 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join us on New Year’s Day 2010 for a sparkling celebration, live from the Golden Hall at the Musikverein in Vienna. The Vienna Philharmonic presents its annual New Year’s Day concert, including your favorite waltzes and polkas, and so much more.