Los Angeles’ Local Christmas Eve Tradition the 64th Annual 'L.A. County Holiday Celebration' Returns to PBS SoCal/KCET’s December Holiday Lineup Premiering Holiday Specials and Star-Studded Concerts From Across the Globe
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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. 28, 2023 – PBS SoCal and KCET, Southern California’s flagship PBS stations, announced today a variety of local and national performances, specials and productions for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. Headlining this year’s holiday lineup is the 64th Annual L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, a one-of-a-kind, FREE holiday spectacular that has been a Los Angeles holiday tradition since 1959. The 64th annual, two-time Emmy® award-winning event will feature 23 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures that make up L.A. County. Celebrating the region’s vibrant diversity, creativity and energy, this year’s event will take place at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Sun., Dec. 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and at-home audiences can watch the live broadcast on PBS SoCal. It will stream live on pbssocal.org and on the free PBS App. Following the live broadcast, the Holiday Celebration will remain available to stream on-demand on the pbssocal.org website, as well as on the free PBS App. Encore broadcasts will be aired by PBS SoCal on Sun., Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., and on KCET on Sun., Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. and Mon., Dec. 25 at 12 p.m.
This year’s 64th annual event welcomes back two-time GRAMMY® award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, 10-piece Latin jazz band Gabrielito y La Verdad and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, and newcomers to the event include the Carnegie Gospel Choir, America’s Got Talent quarter-finalists Divas and Drummers of Compton, Mexican folklórico company Técnica Arte y Folklore and many others. Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and Emmy® award-winning television host Suzanna Guzmán returns as co-host for her 10th year, and will be joined by actor, model and disability advocate Danny J. Gomez. The 64th Annual L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION is produced on behalf of the County of Los Angeles by The Music Center and PBS SoCal in association with CDK Productions and is directed by Emmy® award-winning producer/director Kenneth Shapiro. For more information, including a full list of performers and details on attending the in-person event, visit HolidayCelebration.org.
Also, a highlight of L.A.’s flagship PBS stations’ holiday lineup is Concordia University Irvine’s locally-produced presentation of NAVIDAD! A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS featuring a special performance by Colombian artist and university student Maria Jose “Majo” Insuasti. The brand-new Christmas concert performed by student and alumni musicians will showcase festive carols and Christmas favorites, some direct from Orange County’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This year's theme, “Concordia Christmas - Navidad: A Journey to Bethlehem" features 200 students from Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells, orchestra and commercial music program. Insuasti, a junior at the University and most recently a recipient of the Latin Grammy® Cultural Foundation Scholarship, will perform an original song "Little Boy of Bethlehem" during the showcase. NAVIDAD! A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS premieres Fri., Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal.
A follow up to last year’s O HOLY NIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR, features Tony® Award-winning Disney and Broadway star Lea Salonga and world-renowned screen and stage actor Sir David Suchet (“Poirot”) to host this year’s SEASON OF LIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR in a new iteration of the beloved seasonal concert that features a 360-member chorus airing on Tues., Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal.
Transitioning from concerts to specials, English actress and author Celia Imrie (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”) narrates a behind-the-scenes look at the most lucrative time of the year for Britain’s historic Savoy Hotel in THE SAVOY AT CHRISTMAS on Mon., Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on KCET. During the six weeks from mid-November to New Year’s Day every department prepares for the holiday festivities as the hotel is expected to generate millions of pounds in revenue throughout the season.
Toy enthusiasts will love EDDY’S WORLD, which tells the heartwarming story of Eddy Goldfarb, a 102-year-old working toy inventor who designed his first toys while on submarine duty during WWII, launching an 80-year career as an independent toy inventor. Tues., Dec. 12 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Dec. 13 at 10:30 p.m. on KCET.
And finally, no PBS holiday season would be complete without the highly anticipated CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL. Adapted from Jennifer Worth’s best-selling memoirs, CALL THE MIDWIFE returns for its 12th annual Christmas Day premiere on Mon., Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal. Set in 1960s Britain, the special finds the hospitals are inundated with mothers as babies are being born more than ever during the height of the baby boom.
The full lineup of holiday programs on both PBS SoCal and KCET will be telecast as follows (subject to change):
SEASON OF LIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR – Tues., Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. on KCET
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square join with award winning artists Lea Salonga and Sir David Suchet for a festive and uplifting Christmas special with timeless carols, treasured songs and a story of heroic service.
EDDY’S WORLD – Tues., Dec. 12 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Dec. 13 at 10:30 p.m. on KCET
The entertaining story of toy inventor Eddy Goldfarb, best known for the iconic Yakity-Yak Teeth and 800 classic toys. At 102-years-old, Eddy still prototypes new toys in his garage machine shop and creates projects on his 3D printer.
LOOKINGGLASS ALICE – Fri., Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. on KCET
An exhilarating live theatrical adaptation of Alice In Wonderland, created and performed by Chicago's Tony® Award-winning Lookingglass Theatre Company. Inspired by Lewis Carroll's beloved stories and infused with physical risk world-class circus arts, this Alice transports audiences down the rabbit hole with new twists on the beloved characters and story, creating a wildly entertaining adventure for all ages.
THE THRILL OF HOPE: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Sun., Dec. 17 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Mon., Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. on KCET
Features student and alumni musicians performing from the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Concordia University Irvine's campus, and Nashville, TN. Features 200 students from Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, hand bells, orchestra and commercial music program.
MARY BERRY’S HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS – Mon., Dec. 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Acclaimed food journalist and chef Mary Berry spends Christmas in her mother's homeland of Scotland to enjoy a winter break soaking up her Scottish heritage and enjoying traditional festive delights with familiar faces, as well cooking up some of her own indulgent dishes.
NAVIDAD! A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS – Fri., Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sun., Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. on KCET
NAVIDAD: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS features student and alumni musicians performing from the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This year's theme, “Concordia Christmas - Navidad: A Journey to Bethlehem " features 200 students from Concordia University’s critically-acclaimed choirs, hand bells, orchestra and commercial music program.
DEBBIE GIBSON HOLIDAY: A SOUNDCHECK SPECIAL – Fri., Dec. 22 at 10:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Singer-songwriter, producer and actress Debbie Gibson shares insight and inspiration about recording her first holiday album and performs some classic and new holiday hits.
A ST. THOMAS CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS OF GRATITUDE – Fri., Dec. 22 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sun., Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. on KCET
A winter tradition for the University of St. Thomas community, this year's concert theme "Reflections of Gratitude” celebrates the Advent and Christmas season by drawing from both familiar traditional carols and innovative contemporary selections.
64TH ANNUAL L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION (LIVE EVENT) – Sun., Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. on PBS SoCal as well as Sun., Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. and Mon., Dec. 25 at 12 p.m. on KCET
The 64th annual, two-time Emmy® award-winning event will feature 23 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures that make up L.A. County. The live event, held at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, welcomes returning performers two-time GRAMMY® award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and newcomers that include Divas and Drummers of Compton, among others.
MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN ALSACE – Sun., Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. on KCET
The townspeople in the Alsace region of France go all out in decorating each of their towns to outdo the next in celebration of the season. Their Christmas markets are a truly magical take on this uniquely French celebration of Christmas.
CHRISTMAS IN NEW ENGLAND – Sun., Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. on KCET
Join host Lindsay Paris as she visits eight regional destinations from the coast of Maine to the hills of the Berkshires to take a look at the traditions and events that make Christmas in New England so special.
CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT – Sun., Dec. 24 at 5 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.
O HOLY NIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR – Sun., Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. on KCET
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.
CHRISTMAS AT DEPAUL – Mon., Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. on KCET
Join Chicago's DePaul University for a holiday celebration which features the talents of DePaul faculty, staff, students and alumni. The concert includes song performances of "Mary Did You Know," "O Holy Night," "The Angel Gabriel," "Silent Night," "The First Noel" and more.
PURDUE 89TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS SHOW – Mon., Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. on KCET
This fast-paced high-energy production features holiday favorites from Purdue Musical Organizations ensembles including University Choir, Purdue Bells, Heart & Soul, the Purduettes and the Purdue Varsity Glee Club.
CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2023 – Mon., Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
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.
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS – Mon., Dec. 25 at 6:30 p.m. on KCET
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.
THE SAVOY AT CHRISTMAS – Mon., Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. on KCET
The holiday season has arrived at the first luxury hotel in Britain, The Savoy, and staff are pushed to the breaking point as they welcome hundreds of residential guests and diners across Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Narrated by Celia Imrie (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”).
ANTHONY WILLIAMS’ URBAN NUTCRACKER – Mon., Dec. 25 at 10 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.
RICK STEVES EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS – Mon., Dec. 25 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Mon., Dec. 25 at 7 p.m. on KCET
A colorful, musical celebration of Christmas across Europe where viewers will learn about customs from "the old countries," hear local choirs and discover holiday family traditions in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
BLACK CHURCH: THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG – Thurs., Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., Dec. 26 at 12 p.m. on KCET
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of African American religion beginning with the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the extraordinary ways enslaved Africans preserved and adapted faith practices from the brutality of slavery to emancipation.
NEXT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER A NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION – Sun., Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Mon., Jan. 1 at 12 a.m. on KCET
Ring in the New Year with a star-studded musical celebration on stage at the Kennedy Center.
For more details about each show and a full list of holiday programming, please go to pbssocal.org/holidays.
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