![WNMU-TV Holiday Programs](https://image.pbs.org/bento3-prod/wnmu-bento-live-pbs/site-images/holiday/284c5f672e_wnmu-tv-holiday-programs.jpg)
Celebrate the holiday season all month long! Check out our complete list of holiday specials and programming airing and streaming this December.
December is full of new and festive programs on WNMU-TV! From historical documentaries, to holiday specials for young and old, to new seasonal live performances from your favorite musicians, this month is packed with programs you won't want to miss.
Tune in to WNMU-TV all month long for quality programming. Programs are also available to stream LIVE from our website, pbs.org or the PBS app.
Scroll down to learn about this month's featured programs. Shows are organized week by week. All programs are on 13.1 unless otherwise noted.
Don't forget, Go Public! '23 fundraiser runs November 25-December 2. There is still time to make your contribution to your public broadcasting station in the Upper Peninsula. Your support makes programs like the ones highlighted below possible. Thank you!
Combat the effects of aging in five minutes a day with stretching and strength-building. Part os Go Public! '23 Fundraiser.
Friday, December 1 at 7:30a/6:30c.
USAF Band of Mid America:
Air Force Band of Mid-America performs holiday concert at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
Friday, December 1 at 9/8c.
Return to Detroit holidays gone by, in a televised tribute to the famous Hudson’s Department store, and their lasting holiday legacy. Their elegant yearly displays, parades and devotion to making festivities special for the children of Michigan established Detroit as one of the holiday capitals of America.
Friday, December 1 at 9:30/8:30c.
The Cathedral Choir sings beloved Christmas carols and the dean offers a hopeful message.
Friday, December 1 at 10:30/9:30c.
A Native American girl uses basketball as a ticket to college and helping others.
Saturday, December 2 at 9a/8c.
Lawrence Welk Holiday Special
Members of the Lawrence Welk Family reunite to showcase moments and memories from 30 years of holiday shows. Part of Go Public! 23.
Saturday, December 2 at 5:30/4:30c.
Mackinaw City meets Negaunee in this preliminary round of WNMU-TV's quiz tournament.
Saturday, December 2 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/4 at 3/2c.
Celebrate the decacdes-long careers of the musical duo Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme and the early days of ’50s Rock and Roll, ’60s Pop, Tin Pan Alley, Broadway and The American Songbook. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Saturday, December 2 at 8:30/7:30c.
Enjoy performances by some of the world’s best young classically trained musicians as they participate in this international competition. Spotlighting talented youth, the competition offers the opportunity to win worldwide recognition. Part of Go Public! '23 Fundraiser.
Sunday, December 3 at 6:30/5:30c.
All Creatures Great and Small:
Experience the kindness, empathy and love in the magical village of Darrowby and the stunning Yorkshire Dales during the holiday season. Part of Go Public! 23 Fundraiser.
Sunday, December 3 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/4 at 1:30 pm.
Join the a cappella ensemble to celebrate 25 years of great music with style and spirit. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Sunday, December 3 at 9:30/8:30c.
Discover what made the world's most successful crime writer tick. Lucy explores Agatha Christie’s haunted early life, revealing some hidden secrets.
Mondays at 12a/11c, begins December 4.
Discover how yoga can aid anyone, of any age, who wants to increase strength and improve balance. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Monday, December 4 at 7:30a/6:30c.
Mary Berry shares her ultimate Christmas feast with all the trimmings. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Monday, December 4 at 8/7c.
Thousands have dreamed of building a cabin in the woods, but Richard Proenneke lived the it in the wilderness of Alaska, with only nature to keep him company. Part of Go Public! '23 fundraiser.
Monday, December 4 at 9:30/8:30c.
Host Chuck Leavell features his home state of Georgia – the number one forestry state in the nation and the state where he got his start in music and tree farming.
Monday, December 4 at 10:30/9:30c.
Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice. Discover the story of the pioneering woman who became the Supreme Court's first female justice.
Tuesday, December 5 at 8/7c.
Frontline
The real-time accounts of the response, missteps and trauma in the Uvalde school shooting.
Tuesday, December 5 at 10/9c.
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.
Wednesday, December 6 at 1a/12c.
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.
Wednesday, December 6 at 1:30a/12:30c.
Sesame Street
The holidays are here on Sesame Street, and Elmo is determined to make it the best Christmas for Tango.
Wednesday, December 6 at 10a/9c. Repeats 12/14 at 10a/9c.
Nature
Follow the planet’s longest land-animal migration on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Wednesday, December 6 at 8/7c.
A decade of archaeological research uncovers provocative new clues about Stonehenge.
Wednesday, December 6 at 9/8c.
Investigate the problems facing a unique population of polar bears due to climate change. With no food left, the bears head towards Kaktovic to scavenge during the night.
Wednesday, December 6 at 10/9c.
Ask the DNR
Personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers.
Thursday, December 7 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/8 at 3/2c.
Jane confronts the shooter as he prepares for a final act.
Friday, December 8 at 9/8c.
Christmas at Belmont 2021 features Belmont University students performing holiday songs.
Saturday, December 9 at 1a/12c.
Traces the journey of Black service members' integration into the U.S. Armed Forces.
Saturday, December 9 at 9a/8c.
Ironwood meets Big Bay de Noc in this initial round of WNMU-TV's quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 9 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/11 at 3/2c.
Watersmeet meets Pickford in this round of WNMU-TV's annual quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 9 at 8:30/7:30c. Repeats 12/11 at 3:30/2:30c.
This is a story about how tribal expressionism and individualism of members combine with culture as a binding force of community. From re-recognition as a sovereign nation to reclaiming identity in contemporary America, culture and language play their part in defining what it means to be a Pokagon citizen.
Sunday, December 10 at 3/2c.
The little-known story of Ukrainian children torn from their homes in the crush between the Nazi and Soviet fronts in World War II. Spending their childhood as refugees in Europe, these inspiring individuals later immigrated to the United States, creating new homes and communities through their grit, faith and deep belief in the importance of preserving culture.
Thursday, December 7 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/8 at 3/2c.
Join Vivian as she prepares foods that draw on her Southern heritage and Ben's Chanukah traditions.
Sunday, December 10 at 8/7c.
James and Helen prepare to walk down the aisle, but will their wedding day go as planned?
Sunday, December 10 at 9/8c.
James and Helen enter married life, while James settles in as Siegfried’s partner.
Sunday, December 10 at 10/9c.
Lucy Worsley investigates Agatha Christie, and the experiences that shaped her fiction.
Sunday, December 10 at 12a/11c.
A magical evening concert performed by world-renowned classical guitarist, Liona Boyd and her protege, Andrew Dolson.
Monday, December 11 at 9/8c.
POV
An intimate look behind the closed doors of the Chinese birth tourism industry in the US.
Monday, December 11 at 10/9c.
Stars Lea Salonga and Sir David Suchet join The Tabernacle Choir for an inspiring concert.
Tuesday, December 12 at 8/7c.
On Christmas Eve, Clown goes on a journey to find a new home for himself and his friends.
Tuesday, December 12 at 9:30/8:30c. Repeats 12/16 at 10:30/9:30c.
Frontline
How a young National Guardsman allegedly leaked classified documents onto the Discord chat platform.
Tuesday, December 12 at 10/9c.
At 102-years-old, Eddy still prototypes new toys in his garage machine shop and creates projects on his 3D printer.
Wednesday, December 13 at 1a/12c.
Journey from Canada’s Arctic to the boreal forest and discover how animals survive.
Wednesday, December 13 at 8/7c.
In the shadow of Vesuvius and Pompeii, a lesser-known volcano puts Naples at risk.
Wednesday, December 13 at 9/8c.
Journey to Yellowstone, where wildlife survives one of the greatest seasonal changes.
Wednesdays at 10/9c, begins December 13.
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat go through Christmas present confusion.
Thursday, December 14 at 8:30a/7:30c.
Ask the Doctors
Area medical professionals visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers on topics including behavioral and general health.
Thursday, December 14 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/15 at 3/2c.
Everyone’s favorite aardvark shows children many ways to celebrate the holidays.
Friday, December 15 at 1/12c. Repeats 12/20 and 12/25 at 6a/5c.
Investigate the mystery of the ominous Jamaica Inn in Cornwall in the 1820s.
Fridays at 9/8c, begins December 15.
High School Bowl
West Iron County meets Westwood in this round of WNMU-TV's annual quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 16 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/18 at 3/2c.
High School Bowl
Superior Central meets Manistique in this round of WNMU-TV's annual quiz bowl tournament.
Saturday, December 16 at 8:30/7:30c. Repeats 12/18 at 3:30/2:30c.
Explore the tradition of Kwanzaa, focusing on the final feast that concludes the annual celebration.
Sunday, December 17 at 8:30/7:30c.
Siegfried’s First World War experiences resurface as he struggles to save a racehorse.
Sunday, December 17 at 9/8c.
TB testing mistakenly puts a prize cow in danger.
Sunday, December 17 at 10/9c.
Lucy investigates Agatha Christie's 1926 disappearance, and how it affected her writing.
Monday, December 17 at 12a/11p.
Lidia Bastianich celebrates 25 years on television with family and celebrity friends.
Monday, December 18 at 8/7c.
Beloved home cook Dame Mary Berry is heading to the Highlands on a winter break, cooking up some truly indulgent dishes that can be enjoyed anytime over the festive season.
Monday, December 18 at 9/8c.
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 19 at 12:30/11:30c.
The American Pops Orchestra presents an evening celebrating the album of holiday classics.
Tuesday, December 19 at 3/2c.
Judy Woodruff works to understand how the American people see their country and whether today’s deep political divisions can be healed.
Tuesday, December 19 at 9/8c.
Frontline
The long struggle between the Israeli leader and multiple U.S. presidents over Middle East peace.
Tuesday, December 19 at 10/9c.
Journey to Lapland, where tales of Santa Claus mingle with hearty wildlife.
Wednesday, December 20 at 8/7c.
New archeological evidence shows the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Wednesday, December 20 at 9/8c.
Spring is here and Yellowstone is bursting into life, but the thaw is just beginning.
Wednesday, December 20 at 10/9c.
The Kratt Brothers introduce us to some amazing Christmas creatures!
Thursday, December 21 at 9:30a/8:30c. Repeats 12/28 at 8a/7c.
Ask the Lawyers
Area attorneys answer questions from viewers during this live broadcast.
Thursday, December 21 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/22 at 3/2c.
This holiday special features Peg + Cat in three holiday-themed stories: "The Christmas Problem," "The Hanukkah Problem," and "The Penguin Problem."
Friday, December 22 at 12p/11c. Repeats 24 at 7a/6c.
Jem is taken into custody and Mary struggles to know who to trust.
Friday, December 22 at 9/8c.
Murray State University proudly presents the annual "Holidays at Murray State," featuring performances by The Murray State Concert Choir, The Murray State Jazz Orchestra, The Murray State University Treble Choir “Vox Lumina,” and a cappella group, EQ Blu.
Saturday, December 23 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/25 at 3/2c.
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.
Saturday, December 23 at 9:30/8:30c.
TED Explores
A look at climate change today, including areas where encouraging progress is underway.
Sunday, December 24 at 3/2c.
In search of the perfect Christmas tree for the U.S. Capitol, Chuck Leavell travels to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests to follow the journey of what will become the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from Colorado to Washington DC.
Sunday, December 24 at 6/5c.
International Steinway piano artist Jim McDonough performs beloved Christmas songs for a live audience in his Cedar Rapids, IA home, bringing excitement and warm feelings to young and old alike.
Sunday, December 24 at 7/6c.
Mrs. Hall conquers demons from her past. While she is away, Tristan takes on the chores.
Sunday, December 24 at 8/7c.
As war comes in September 1939, everyone faces decisions small and large.
Sunday, December 24 at 9/8c.
All Creatures Great and Small
It’s Christmas at Skeldale and Siegfried has a big decision to make.
The Circo's stranded in Antarctica on Christmas Eve, complete with a stowaway duckling!
Monday, December 25 at 8:30a/7:30c.
Call the Midwife
It is now 1969 and more babies are being born in hospitals than ever before. Pressure on maternity beds remains extremely high across the country but Poplar is coping better than most due to the work of Nonnatus House and the popularity of home births under the auspices of the Sisters.
Monday, December 25 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/29 at 1a/12c.
Join George Perris and his big band as they celebrate the holiday season with a special performance filmed from his home country of Greece.
Monday, December 25 at 9:30/8:30c.
A celebration of multicultural communities puts a modern spin on the 19th-century fairy tale.
Monday, December 25 at 10:30/9:30c.
Examine the fragility of Northwest Florida’s threatened coastal ecology and the efforts to bring back the health of local bays and a once vibrant commercial industry through oyster restoration.
Tuesday, December 26 at 1a/12c.
An engaging profile of Heschel’s life and legacy, one of the 20th century’s most prominent Jewish theologians and philosophers.
Tuesday, December 26 at 3/2c.
Filmed inside "the Hermit Kingdom," this film looks at the everyday life of North Koreans.
Tuesday, December 26 at 8/7c.
Alan Cumming recounts the origin story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker.
Tuesday, December 26 at 9/8c.
A young pup, Rocket, and his best friend, Little Yellow Bird, travel to Letter Land, Sound Slide and Reading Woods to learn about the wonder of words.
Wednesday, December 27 at 12:30/11:30c. Repeats 12/28 at 6:30a/5:30c.
Meet all 18 species of penguins from around the world.
Wednesday, December 27 at 8/7c.
Intrepid paleontologists discover that dinosaurs thrived in the Arctic’s cold and dark.
Wednesday, December 27 at 9/8c.
Soaring temperatures bring wildfires, and something’s forced the beavers to leave home.
Wednesday, December 27 at 10/9c.
Check out fan favorite films from past years of Marquette’s popular film festival.
Thursday, December 28 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/29 at 2:30/1:30c.
In 1968 Bezhig Little Bird was taken from her family. Now she questions her adoptive life.
Fridays at 9/8c, begins December 29.
The word "Karamu" comes from a Swahili word meaning "a place of joyful gatherings." For the past 100 years, the Karamu House in Cleveland, Ohio — the oldest African-American theater in the United States — has lived up to its name. Learn the story behind this important theater in America's arts and culture history.
Saturday, December 30 at 8/7c.
Portraying ways to master life's adventures.
Saturday, December 30 at 8:30/7:30c.
Roadshow offers appraisals to satisfy everyone's wish list in this special edition.
Saturday, December 30 at 9:30/8:30c.
Celebrating SuperAgers—older people who are thriving, thanks to their healthy habits and positive outlook. Including tips from experts with inspiring glimpses into the lives and mindsets of SuperAgers themselves. It will change how you look at aging, and maybe even change your life!
Sunday, December 31 at 11:30a/12:30c.
Cultural Expressions
Honoring the heritage, unity, culture, and rich contributions of African Americans, this program explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories of impact.
Sunday, December 31 at 7/6c.
Next at the Kennedy Center
Ring in the new year with a dynamic mix of artists across hip hop, jazz, modern dance, and more at the Kennedy Center.
Sunday, December 31 at 8/7c. Repeats 12/31 at 11/10c.
Austin Opera
Celebrate the Arts with this dazzling concert recorded live with some of opera's biggest stars.
Sunday, December 31 at 9/8c.
Austin Opera Presents
Enjoy a unique blend of opera, mariachi, classical, and ranchera music performed live in Austin, TX.
Sunday, December 31 at 10/9c.
Enjoy Cole Porter’s classic musical led by Tony winner Sutton Foster.
Monday, January 1 at 12a/11p.