Celebrate the holiday season all month long! Check out our complete list of holiday specials and programming airing and streaming this December.
December 2024
December on WNMU-TV: Celebrate the Sounds of the Season!
This December, WNMU-TV brings you a festive lineup filled with holiday specials and seasonal performances. Enjoy favorites like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the Tabernacle Choir, along with live performances from the USAF Band of Mid-America and esteemed colleges across the nation.
Looking for more details? Check out our Holiday Program Guide for a complete schedule and streaming options.
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser
Join us for our Go Public! '24 Fundraiser from November 29–December 8. Be sure to tune in on Monday, December 2, for the broadcast premiere of Marqueetown, the story behind Marquette’s Delft and Nordic theatres. Prefer to stream? You can watch it on WNMU Passport with an annual donation of $60 or more.
Your support keeps local public broadcasting strong. Donate online or call 906-227-9668 during your favorite programs to contribute. Thank you for making programs like these possible!
Explore December's Programming
Enjoy quality programming all month long on WNMU-TV. Many programs are also available to stream on our website, pbs.org, or the PBS app.
Scroll down for this month's featured programs, organized week by week. All programs air on channel 13.1 unless otherwise noted.
December 1-7
Brotherhood of the Broadaxe
“Tie Hacks” were legendary timber workers who made hand hewn cross ties for the nation’s railroads from the early 1900’s through WWII. These remarkable individuals, largely of Scandinavian descent worked through the long winters and the base of Wyoming’s rugged mountain ranges in isolated logging camps.
Sunday, December 1st, 3:00/2:00c
Crane Candlelight ConcertCelebrating a Miracle
A long-time tradition returns for another year as hundreds of student musicians from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music take to the stage in celebration of the holiday season.
Sunday, December 1st, 7:00/6:00c
Go Public! 24 Fundraiser SpecialAmerica's Test Kitchen Celebrates 25 Years
Celebrate the food, science, ingenuity and fun of 25 years of America's Test Kitchen.
Sunday, December 1st, 8:00/7:00c
Go Public! 24 Fundraiser SpecialAll Creatures Great and Small: Tricki & Friends
It's time to settle the big debate: Who is Tricki Woo's favorite Skeldale House human?
Sunday, December 1st, 9:30/8:30c. Repeats 12/02, 1:30/12:30c
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special PremiereMarqueetown
A new documentary follows film lover Bernie Rosendahl’s years-long quest to save and restore The Nordic, a historic movie theater in Marquette, Michigan.
Monday, December 2nd, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/07, 9:00/8:00c; and 12/09, 1:30/12:30c.
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special
Shamrock Tenors: Live from Belfast
Take a musical journey through Ireland’s most beloved classic songs with these dynamic new artists.
Monday, December 2nd, 9:30/8:30c. Repeats 12/03, 1:30/12:30c
Great Museums
The Art of Islam at The Met and The Louvre
Explore the splendor of Islamic art on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and The Louvre in Paris.
Tuesday, December 3rd, 3:00/2:00c
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. - The Fabric of America
Explore the work of one of the most renowned, respected and popular cultural historians.
Tuesday, December 3rd, 8:30/7:30c. Repeats 12/06, 1:30/12:30c
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special
The Path to Happily Ever After with Rajiv Nagaich
Elder law attorney and retirement planning expert Rajiv Nagaich's groundbreaking new approach to retirement planning helps you through retirement without going broke and without burdening your family.
Tuesday, December 3rd, 9:30/8:30c
Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!
The Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally take a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home in time for Christmas.
Wednesday, December 4th, 12:30/11:30c. Repeats 12/16, 6:00a/5:00c, and 12/24 at 9:00a/8:00c.
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Celebrate Christmas with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s allegorical rock opera.
Wednesday, December 4th, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/05, 2:00/1:00c.
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special The Jewish Journey: America
Trace Jewish immigration to the US over centuries with personal stories and scholars.
Wednesday, December 4th, 9:00/8:00c
POV ShortsUnder G-d
Religious leaders' use of the law to advance an unexpected religious freedom argument.
Wednesday, December 4th, 10:30/9:30c
Ask the Experts
DNR
Personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers.
Thursday, December 5th, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/06, 3:00/2:00c.
Great PerformancesPatsy Cline: Walkin' After Midnight Preview
Experience the music of Patsy Cline in a star-studded tribute concert featuring Wynonna and more.
Thursday, December 5th, 9:00/8:00c.
Arthur's Perfect Christmas
Everyone’s favorite aardvark gives kids a spin on seasonal traditions in this special, showing children many ways to celebrate “the holidays.”
Friday, December 6th, 6:00/5:00c. Repeats 12/13, 11:00/10:00c; 12/20 9:00a/8:00c; 12/22 6:30a/5:30c; 12/24 1:00/12:00c; 12/25 6:00a/5:00c.
Disco: Soundtrack of a RevolutionRock the Boat
Explore how this global music craze was born in the apartments and basement bars of 1970s New York.
Friday, December 6th, 9:00/8:00c
Disco: Soundtrack of a RevolutionAin’t No Stoppin’ Us Now
As disco conquers the mainstream, it turns Black women and gay men into icons.
Friday, December 6th, 10:30/9:30c
Disco: Soundtrack of a RevolutionStayin’ Alive
Discover how disco fell victim to a violent backlash – and how it came back stronger.
Friday, December 6th, 11:30/10:30c
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special
Broadway's Leading Men: A Musical Celebration
Join the American Pops Orchestra to pay tribute to the leading men of the Great White Way.
Saturday, December 7th, 1:00/12:00c. Repeats 12/07, 8:00/7:00c on 13.3PLUS.
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special Mary Berry's Ultimate Christmas
Mary Berry shares her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings.
Saturday, December 7th, 10:30/9:30c. Repeats 12/23, 10:00/9:00c
December 8-14
Pearl harbor Day Special
Heroes on Deck: World War II on Lake Michigan
The story of a bold operation that changed the course of World War II.
Sunday, December 8th, 3:00/2:00c
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special
Lawrence Welk Holiday Special: Great Moments and Memories
Members of the Lawrence Welk Family reunite to showcase moments and memories from 30 years of holiday shows.
Sunday, December 8th, 7:00/6:00c.
Go Public! '24 Fundraiser Special Joe Bonamassa & Orchestra: Live From the Hollywood Bowl
Join Joe Bonamassa and a 40-piece orchestra for his 2023 live debut at the iconic venue.
Sunday, December 8th, 9:30/8:30c
Peg + Cat + Holidays
This holiday special features Peg + Cat in three holiday-themed stories: "The Christmas Problem," "The Hanukkah Problem," and "The Penguin Problem."
Monday, December 9th, 12:00/11:00c. Repeats 12/24, 12:30/11:30c
Pearl Harbor Day SepcialPearl Harbor - Into the Arizona
Explore the lower decks of the USS Arizona.
Monday, December 9th, 9:00/8:00c
Art Happens Here with John Lithgow
Actor John Lithgow goes back to school to celebrate the power of arts education.
Monday, December 9th, 10:00/9:00c
Nature Cat: A Nature Carol
In the tradition of the Dickens holiday classic, Nature Cat is visited by the spirits of Nature Past (Daisy), Present (Squeeks) and Future (Hal) on Christmas Eve.
Tuesday, December 10th, 10:30/9:30c. Repeats 12/19 12:30/11:30c; 12/25 12:00/11:00c.
Frontline
Breakdown in Maine
Investigating the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history and missed opportunities to prevent it.
Tuesday, December 10th, 10:00/9:00c
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
In this one-hour special, it’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission. Our heroes must race against time to thwart their greedy archrivals’ most miserly scheme yet! Will they be able to travel to the ends of the earth and return their baby animal friends to their homes in time for the holidays? Find out on Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas. #PBSKIDS #WildKratts #Christmas #Animals
Wednesday, December 11th, 1:00/12:00c. Repeats 12/17 10:30a/9:30c; 12/22 7:30a/6:30c; 12/25 8:00a/7:00c.
Holidays at Murray State
The Murray State University Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra and featured soloists highlight this annual seasonal special.
Wednesday, December 11th, 3:00/2:00c.
NaturePortugal: Wild Land on the Edge
Discover the wildlife and landscapes of Portugal, from its forests to coasts.
Wednesday, December 11th, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/18, 3:00/2:00c.
NOVARebuilding Notre Dame
A team tackles the restoration of iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Wednesday, December 11th, 9:00/8:00c. Repeats 12/12, 3:00/2:00c
Secrets of the DeadThe Sunken Basilica
Explore the sunken remains of an early Christian basilica in western Turkey.
Wednesday, December 11th, 10:00/9:00c
Let's Go Luna!Christmas Around the World
The Circo's stranded in Antarctica on Christmas Eve, complete with a stowaway duckling!
Thursday, December 12th, 6:30a/5:30c. Repeats 12/24 12:00/11:00c; and 12/25 10:30a/9:30c.
Ask the Doctors
Behavioral Health
Area medical professionals visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers on topics including behavioral and general health.
Thursday, December 12th, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/13, 3:00/2:00c.
Luna and SophieIrina
Werner calls Luna late in the night to tell her about a body in a hotel room.
Friday, December 13th, 9:00/8:00c
Northern Michigan University
Mid-Year Commencement 2024
Immerse yourself in our live coverage of Northern Michigan University’s mid-year commencement ceremonies at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Watch as graduates walk across the stage to receive their degrees, marking the culmination of years of hard work.
Saturday, December 14th, 10:30a/9:30c
December 15-21
USAF Band of Mid-America
Spirit of the Season
A family-friendly concert showcasing holiday favorites, a traditional sing-along and featuring music from Home Alone, Elf, and Charlie Brown.
Sunday, December 15th, 7:00/6:00c.
Carols at the Cathedral
The Cathedral Choir sings beloved Christmas carols and the dean offers a hopeful message.
Sunday, December 15th, 7:30/6:30c.
Lucy Worsley's Holmes vs. Doyle
Fact and Fiction
Explore Doyle’s desire to distance himself from Sherlock after the famed detective’s apparent death at the Reichenbach Falls, and discover how far Doyle went to make himself the hero of his own story, even taking on the role of detective himself.
Sunday, December 15th, 8:00/7:00c
All Creatures Great and SmallBroodiness
Skeldale House is busier than ever while Tristan is away serving.
Sunday, December 15th, 9:00/8:00c
All Creatures Great and Small
Carpe Diem
James and Helen make a long-awaited decision.
Sunday, December 15th, 10:00/9:00c
American Masters
Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Monday, December 16th, 10:00/9:00c
Joy - Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir
Broadway star Michael Maliakel and beloved actress Lesley Nicol inspire in this holiday special.
Tuesday, December 17th, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/24, 9:30/8:30c.
Too Hot to Handel - The Gospel Messiah
Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece, “The Messiah,” has been reimagined and infused with Gospel, Jazz, and R&B.
Tuesday, December 17th, 9:30/8:30c. Repeats 12/24, 8:00/7:00c.
NOVA
Lost Tombs of Notre Dame
Mysterious bodies are found under one of the world's most famous cathedrals.
Wednesday, December 18th, 9:00/8:00c. Repeats 12/19, 3:00/2:00c.
Secrets of the DeadEiffel's Race to the Top
Discover the untold story of Paris’ most famous landmark and the race to top 1,000 feet.
Wednesday, December 18th, 10:00/9:00c
Ask the Eperts
Lawyers
Area attorneys answer questions from viewers during this live broadcast.
Thursday, December 19th, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/20, 3:00/2:00c.
Luna and SophieDeadly Formula
Gisela Luger – a nutrition researcher – is found dead on the terrace of her villa.
Friday, December 20th, 9:00/8:00c
Debbie Gibson Holiday: A Soundcheck Special
Singer-songwriter, producer and actress Debbie Gibson shares insight and inspiration about recording her first holiday album, Winterlicious, and performs some classic and new holiday hits.
Sunday, December 22nd, 12:30a/11:30c.
December 22-28
CLOWN by Quentin Blake
On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on a journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.
Sunday, December 22nd, 8:30/7:30c. Repeats 12/26, 4:00/3:00c.
Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker
A celebration of multicultural communities puts a modern spin on the 19th-century fairy tale.
Monday, December 22nd, 6:30/5:30c.
Lucy Worsley's Holmes vs. DoyleShadows and Sleuths
Why did Arthur Conan Doyle hate his fictional character, Sherlock Holmes?
Sunday, December 22nd, 8:00/7:00c
All Creatures Great and Small
Right Hand Man
Busy and exhausted, James and Helen cannot get any time together.
Sunday, December 22nd, 9:00/8:00c.
All Creatures Great and Small
By the Book
Carmody is challenged with learning how to be a vet. Helen waits for some personal news.
Sunday, December 22nd, 10:00/9:00c.
Christmas in New England
From the coast of Maine to the hills of the Berkshires, New England is a uniquely magical place to celebrate the holidays. Join host Lindsay Paris as she visits eight regional destinations to take a look at the traditions and events that make Christmas in New England so special.
Monday, December 23rd, 4:00/3:00c.
Christmas With The Tabernacle ChoirO Holy Night
Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir featuring Megan Hilty & Neal McDonough.
Monday, December 23rd, 9:00/8:00c
Mary Berry's Ultimate ChristmasMary Berry's Ultimate Christmas
Mary Berry shares her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings.
Monday, December 23rd, 10:00/9:00c
Christmas at WestminsterAn Evening of Readings and Carols
An Evening of Readings and Carols feature traditional standards and new holiday music.
Tuesday, December 24th, 2:00/1:00c
Celebrate & Sing! Glory to the Newborn King!
KERA and Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas, present “Celebrate and Sing!”
Tuesday, December 24th, 3:00/2:00c
America's Forests with Chuck Leavell
US Capitol Christmas Tree
The journey of the Capitol Christmas tree from Colorado to DC.
Tuesday, December 24th, 4:00/3:00c
Noel Triumphant
Fountainview Academy, a private boarding school for grades 10-12, is internationally acclaimed for their sacred music. Noel Triumphant features an international choir and orchestra performing sacred Christmas songs that you know and love.
Tuesday, December 24th, 11:00/10:00c
Purdue 90th Anniversary Christmas Show
Celebrate the holidays Boilermaker style! This fast-paced high-energy production features holiday favorites from Purdue Musical Organizations.
Wednesday, December 25th, 3:00/2:00c.
Ball and Vase
Follow an ailing professor and magician named Ed Coleman during the holidays.
Wednesday, December 25th, 4:00/3:00c.
Call the Midwife
Holiday Special 2024
It’s Christmas 1969, and the funfair and carol concert add color to frosty Poplar. Yet, the festive spirit at Nonnatus House is dampened by the spread of influenza alongside growing fears of an escaped prisoner after a spate of break-ins.
Wednesday, December 25th, 8:00/7:00c.
A Classic Christmas with the Bach Festival Society
Well-known Christmas hymns and carols beautifully arranged for the holiday season.
Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00/8:00c.
Mary Berry's Highland Christmas
Dame Mary Berry cooks a Christmas feast in the Highlands.
Wednesday, December 25th, 10:00/9:00c.
Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa
Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa through real-life stories of impact.
Thursday, December 26th, 3:00/2:00c.
Free Exercise: America's Story of Religious Liberty
Explore the development of religious freedom in the United States as told first through the eyes of six American faith communities – Quakers, Baptists, Black churches, Catholics, Mormons and Jews – then examine recent challenges.
Thursday, December 26th, 8:00/7:00c
Classic Film of the Month
Outpost in Morocco
After escorting an Emir's daughter to her father's stronghold, French Foreign Legion Captain Gerard's unit joins an isolated Moroccan outpost facing imminent attack by Bedouin tribes in this 1949 classic film starring George Raft and Marie Windsor.
Friday, December 27th, 9:00/8:00c
Jack Has A Plan
Jack turns his terminal brain condition into a Left Coast creative documentary-performance project.
Saturday, December 28th, 8:00/7:00c.
December 29-31
Cannabusiness: Marijuana on Main Street
Explore how legal, recreational marijuana has become big business in Michigan and the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Sunday, December 29th, 3:00/2:00c
Fresh Coast Flashback '24
Each year we are proud to air fan favorites from the Fresh Coast Film Festival held annually here in Marquette. Each film we air is hand picked specifically with you, our viewers, in mind. Check our website for a full schedule.
Sunday, December 29th, 6:00/5:00c.
Lucy Worsley's Royal Myths & SecretsQueen Anne: The Mother of Great Britain
See how Anne’s role in forging Great Britain was overshadowed by gossip of her love life.
Sunday, December 29th, 8:00/7:00c
All Creatures Great and Small
Episode 5: Papers
With the War feeling closer to home, James desperately wants things in order.
Sunday, December 29th, 9:00/8:00c.
All Creatures Great and Small
Episode 6: The Home Front
When Richard Alderson needs help, Helen returns to Heston Grange.
Sunday, December 29th, 10:00/9:00c.
Antiques Roadshow
Let's Celebrate!
Let’s remember the joy connected to treasures that exude a celebratory spirit!
Monday, December 30th, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 12/31, 3:00/2:00c.
POV
Who I am Not
Two friends born intersex change what we think about being male or female.
Monday, December 30th, 10:00/9:00c.
Let's Go London 2024
As 2023 draws to a close, London will gear up to welcome thousands of young American participants to its annual Nxew Year’s Day Parade.
Monday, December 30th, 11:30/10:30c. Repeats 12/31, 4:00/3:00c.
Next at the Kennedy CenterSara Bareilles: New Year's Eve with the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends
Singer Sara Bareilles joins the National Symphony Orchestra for a night of song and celebration.
Tuesday, December 31st, 8:00/7:00c. Repeats 01/01, 12:30a/11:30c.
Great PerformancesMessage in a Bottle
Experience Kate Prince’s dance and theater show set to the songs of Sting.
Tuesday, December 31st, 9:30/8:30c
Next at the Kennedy CenterCynthia Erivo & Friends: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
Cynthia Erivo invites you to a musical New Year's Eve with Ben Platt, Joaquina Kalukango.
Tuesday, December 31st, 11:00/10:00c