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Get Festive with Holiday Programs from Rhode Island PBS

From seasonal recipes to festive musical performances, join WSBE Rhode Island PBS for a variety of holiday programming all throughout December. 

The Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Family Christmas Show - December 1 at 8 p.m.

In 1967, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, along with their respective families, joined together for this memorable Christmas celebration. Not seen in its entirety since its original airing on December 21, 1967, the special features more than a dozen holiday classics, along with medleys of Frank and Dean’s most beloved songs. 

America’s Test Kitchen: Home for the Holidays - December 4 at 1 p.m.

The entire cast is home for the holidays, and they're sharing their tips and tricks for planning a stress-free gathering, while also recounting personal holiday memories and revealing their all-time favorite holiday recipes from the Test Kitchen archives. 

Christmas at Concordia: Gather Us In, O Child of Peace - December 13 at noon

Concordia College of Minnesota reimagines the Christmas message with new music embracing peace and reconciliation under the artistic leadership of Rene Clausen. 

Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas with Vanessa Williams - December 14 at noon 

The Ella Fitzgerald Foundation along with the American Pops Orchestra present an evening celebrating the iconic holiday albums from the singer. Vanessa Williams performs. 

Through Her Eyes – A Newport Nutcracker Reimagined - December 16 at 8 p.m.

Presented by the Island Moving Company (IMC) and co-produced with Rhode Island PBS, Through Her Eyes – A Newport Nutcracker Reimagined follows a young girl’s magical journey of discovery and wonder inside and on the grounds of mansions in Newport. Then, at 8:30 p.m., go Behind the Scenes: Through Her Eyes  A Newport Nutcracker Reimagined.

How to Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell 

Episode 1 - December 17 at 1 p.m. 

Potted Lobster; Duck Leg Curry with Cider Vinegar; Chocolate Apple Betty. 

Episode 4 - December 24 at 1 p.m. 

Christmas flavors with a twist; Red Onion, Bacon, and Kale Broth; Turkey and Leek Pilaf with Chilli and Coriander; Shaved Fennel and Kumquat Salad with Feta; Grilled Panettone Chocolate Pudding.

Episode 5 - December 31 at 1 p.m. 

Blood Orange and Campari Granita; Turkey and Mozzarella en Carozza; Rustic Potato Chips with Burnt Onion Dip; Polenta Fries with Cashel Blue Cheese Fonduta; Mini Mont Blancs with Chocolate Sauce. 

Cook’s Country: Holiday Feast - December 18 at 1 p.m.

Test cook Ashley Moore shows host Bridget Lancaster how to make a Crumb-Crusted Rack of Lamb that is perfect for the holidays. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried shows host Julia Collin Davison his top picks of electric knives. Finally, test cook Christie Morrison shows Julia how to make a showstopping Brussels Sprout Gratin. 

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King - December 19 at 8 p.m., December 20 at 1 p.m. 

Conceived by John Mauceri, this new work is a re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker." Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 book, Alan Cumming recounts the origin story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker. 

Rick Steves’ European Christmas - December 20 at 2:30 p.m. 

Join Rick Steves for a colorful, musical celebration of Christmas across Europe. From England to Wales, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, you'll see the bright Christmas markets, hear local choirs, share holiday traditions with families, and even play in the snow. 

20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir - December 22 at 9 p.m., December 23 at 1 p.m. 

Former Tabernacle Choir guest artist and Tony Award-winner, Brian Stokes Mitchell, is back to remember and relive twenty years of inspiring Christmas concerts. From opera, gospel, and pop singers to Broadway and cabaret stars; from Shakespearean actors and movie and television stars, the Choir’s guest artists provide, not just formidable talent, but a little something for everyone. 

A Chef’s Life Holiday Special - December 24 at noon 

In this holiday special, Vivian discovers that mistletoe is traditionally shot out of a pecan tree, experiences her first hog killing, and leads a tacky Christmas sweater night with the restaurant staff at Chef and the Farmer. 

European Christmas Markets - December 28 at noon

Join us on our discovery of Europe's Christmas Markets, where the town center, market square, or just the narrow, cobblestone streets of the cities and towns of Europe come alive in winter with festively decorated wooden stalls offering all sorts of treats and delights. 

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Rhode Island PBS is now available to subscribers of YouTubeTV. The full schedule is available to live stream for free within the broadcast viewing area at watch.ripbs.org/livestreamAn expansive catalog of PBS series, documentaries, and specials is available to Rhode Island PBS members through Rhode Island PBS Passport