Christmas on Classic FM – the highlights from our festive schedule
29 November 2018, 10:05 | Updated: 10 December 2018, 11:05
Classic FM is the home of Christmas music! Join us for plenty of festive programmes from Saturday 1 December to Tuesday 1 January.
Classic FM Christmas
Listen to all the greatest Christmas music in one place online – it's Classic FM Christmas!
If you can't get enough of Christmas music at this time of year, we've got a treat for you. We've created a whole separate radio station dedicated to playing the most festive classical music – it's basically Classic FM's Christmas playlist, but all the time. Bliss.
Special Christmas programmes
We're the Ho-Ho-Home of Christmas music, so December will be filled with shows celebrating the greatest festive tunes. Discover all of our special Christmas programmes below.
Saturday 1 December
Alan Titchmarsh, 7–10am
It’s the first of December – so, it’s time to switch on the sound of Christmas on Classic FM. Join Alan Titchmarsh to discover the first piece of music on this year’s Christmas playlist, which Alan will play straight after the 8am news. Plus – the weekly Gardening Tip, and the Classic FM Hall of Fame Hour from 9am.
> Hear the poem here
Sunday 2 December
David Mellor, 7–9pm
As many of us are starting to think about the first round of Christmas shopping, David selects some of his favourite recordings from over the last couple of months that he thinks would make a great stocking filler. Among the highlights, Juan Diego Flórez’s latest offering, ‘Bésame Mucho’ and Jonas Kaufmann’s brilliant new release ‘An Italian Night’.
> Find out more
Tuesday 4 December
The Full Works Concert: December Anniversaries, 8–10pm
Christmas Day may be the most high-profile date this month, but December also marks a whole host of other significant moments in the musical calendar.
> Find out more
Thursday 6 December
The Full Works Concert: Die Fledermaus, 8–10pm
Catherine Bott opens tonight’s Full Works Concert with Johann Strauss II’s cheerful Overture to Die Fledermaus, followed by Corelli’s Concerto Grosso No. 8, which has become more commonly known as his ‘Christmas’ concerto thanks to an inscription on the manuscript: ‘Fatto per la notte Natale’ (‘made for the night of Christmas’).
> Find out more
Saturday 8 December
High Score with Jessica Curry, 9–10pm
In the penultimate show of the series, Jessica Curry shines the spotlight on the best video game music of 2018.
Sunday 9 December
David Mellor, 7–9pm
Join David for two hours of beautiful, festive music. Among the highlights tonight, David celebrates The Voices of Classic FM, The Sixteen, who recently released their new recording A Renaissance Christmas. Also featured is the official 100th anniversary celebration of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with the The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, which includes a selection of archived material which hasn’t been heard since the original broadcasts many decades ago.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music with Catherine Bott, 9–10pm
With the Christmas season in full swing, Catherine celebrates the best of British pantomime, through music inspired by the nation’s favourite fairy tales.
> Find out more
Monday 10 December
The Full Works Concert: Christmas Letters of the Great Composers, 8–10pm
There’s plenty of joy and cheer in tonight’s Full Works Concert, as Jane Jones opens with Joanna Lumley narrating a festive favourite: The Twelve Days of Christmas.
> Find out more
Tuesday 11 December
The Full Works Concert: Christmas Letters of the Great Composers, 8–10pm
Tonight’s Full Works Concert opens with John Rutter conducting a Christmas favourite: ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’.
> Find out more
Wednesday 12 December
The Full Works Concert, 8–10pm
Jane Jones presents two hours of seasonal music in tonight’s Full Works Concert, beginning with Nigel Hess’s A Christmas Overture. We’ll hear Christmas favourites including ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and ‘Rejoice and be Merry’, as well as actor Simon Callow narrating Another Night Before Christmas and Victor Hely-Hutchinson’s Carol Symphony.
> Find out more
Thursday 13 December
The Full Works Concert, 8–10pm
It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas on Classic FM, as Catherine Bott presents two hours of seasonal treats to get you in the festive spirit. Tonight’s concert opens with the ringing of sleigh bells in Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, followed by ‘Winter’ from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. We’ll also hear Rimsky-Korsakov’s Snow Maiden and the unmistakable tones of actor Simon Callow in his brilliant version of Bryan Kelly’s Scrooge.
> Find out more
Friday 14 December
The Full Works Concert: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, 8–10pm
Tonight, Catherine Bott presents a real Christmas classic: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, in a recording of all the highlights from the popular ballet performed by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra under Erich Kunzel.
> Find out more
Saturday 15 December
Saturday Night at the Movies with Andrew Collins, 5–7pm
Steven Spielberg, one of the most popular and influential directors and producers in film history, turns 72 on 18 December, so Andrew Collins selects two hours of music from films, television series and video games that have benefited from Spielberg’s Midas touch.
> Find out more
Sunday 16 December
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music with Catherine Bott, 9–10pm
To coincide with a certain glitterball being claimed, Catherine plays an hour of music to get you in the mood for dancing.
> Find out more
Monday 17 December
The Full Works Concert: Christmas in Boston, 8–10pm
Tonight’s Full Works Concert is a toe-tapping Christmas fiesta, courtesy of one of the most energetic orchestras in the world: the Boston Pops Orchestra. Recorded live in Boston’s Symphony Hall, this exclusive concert features lush arrangements, bold brass, and joyful singalongs, led by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus.
> Find out more
Tuesday 18 December
The Full Works Concert: A Viennese Christmas, 8–10pm
Tonight Jane Jones transports us to the Christmas markets and snow-capped mountains of Austria, with a Viennese Christmas special.
> Find out more
Wednesday 19 December
The Full Works Concert: A Hallé Christmas, 8–10pm
Tonight’s Full Works Concert brings the city of Manchester’s biggest musical family together, as the Hallé Orchestra is joined by not only the Hallé Choir, but also their superb Youth Choir and Children’s Choir.
> Find out more
Thursday 20 December
The Full Works Concert: Christmas at the Movies, 8–10pm
There’s nothing better at this time of year than gathering the family together and sitting down to watch a good Christmas film. So tonight, Catherine Bott presents an evening of music heard in some of the greatest Christmas movie staples.
> Find out more
Friday 21 December
The Full Works Concert: The Lord's Taverners at Christmas, 8–10pm
Tonight, Catherine Bott transports us to the beautiful surroundings of St Marylebone Parish Church in London, for the annual Lord’s Taverners Carol Concert with the Stars.
> Find out more
Saturday 22 December
Carols from St. Paul's Cathedral with Nicholas Owen, 3–5pm
Nicholas Owen presents the first of two very special carol concerts to be broadcast on Classic FM this weekend, both recorded at St Paul’s Cathedral a few days ago.
Saturday Night at the Movies with Andrew Collins, 5-7pm
Andrew Collins invites you to get into the Christmas spirit with a ‘Quotes Quiz’, accompanied by music from the famous movies in question.
> Find out more
Cowan's Classics with Rob Cowan, 7-9pm
Join Rob Cowan for a glorious selection of music to help you celebrate the spirit of the season.
> Find out more
David Mellor's Light Music Masters, 9–10pm
David Mellor presents a one-off edition of Light Music Masters featuring festive favourites.
> Find out more
Sunday 23 December
Carols from St. Paul's Cathedral with Charlotte Hawkins, 3–5pm
For the second of Classic FM’s special carol concerts from St Paul’s Cathedral this weekend, Charlotte Hawkins hosts this celebration of Christmas music – held in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
The Classic FM Chart with John Brunning, 5–7pm
John Brunning counts down the new Top 30 classical albums of the week, revealing the all-important Christmas Number 1 just before 7pm.
> Find out more
David Mellor, 7–9pm
Join David for two hours of Christmas music, featuring extracts from Handel’s Messiah, Humperdinck’s opera Hansel and Gretel, and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
> Find out more
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music with Catherine Bott, 9–10pm
With just two days to go until Christmas, Catherine shares a feast of Yuletide favourites and new discoveries, perfect to snuggle up to.
> Find out more
Monday 24 December
Christmas Eve Requests with Anne-Marie Minhall and John Brunning, 1–5pm
On Classic FM, it wouldn’t be Christmas without special request programmes, as the station’s listeners are put in the driving seat of the music selection. Once again, this Christmas Eve, Anne-Marie Minhall and John Brunning join forces to play the music you want to hear.
> Get in touch
Aled Jones Narrates The Snowman, 5–5.30pm
Aled Jones narrates the timeless story of The Snowman, complete with Howard Blake’s wonderful music.
The Children and the Arts Carol Concert with Jane Jones, 5.30–7pm
Classic FM’s special Christmas Eve programming continues with another exclusive carol concert.
The Story of Carols with Anne-Marie Minhall, 7–10pm
Tonight, as we settle in for Christmas Eve, Anne-Marie takes us on a musical journey through some festive favourites – and promises to share some fascinating tales behind our most famous carols.
Smooth Carols with Karthi Gnanasegaram, 10pm–1am
Whether you’re wrapping those final presents, listening en route to church or simply relaxing this Christmas Eve with Classic FM as your musical accompaniment, join Karthi for three hours of beautifully relaxing Smooth Carols.
Tuesday 25 December
Bob Jones, 1–6am
Bob presents the perfect blend of festive music to welcome in the start of Christmas Day.
Classic FM's More Music Breakfast with Tim Lihoreau, 6–10am
Tim invites you to join him for a four-hour selection of carols and seasonal favourites, providing the perfect way to wake up this Christmas.
Christmas Day Requests with Anne-Marie, 10am–1pm
Every Christmas Day, we turn Classic FM over to you for three hours of requests and dedications. Anne-Marie Minhall – the host of our weekday afternoon show, Classic FM Requests – will once again keep you company this Christmas morning. As always, Anne-Marie is particularly keen to hear from anyone for whom this Christmas will be extra-special.
> Get in touch
The Nation's Favourite Carol with John Brunning, 1–3pm
Over the past three weeks, Classic FM listeners have been voting for their favourite Christmas carol – and this afternoon, John Brunning counts down this year’s top 30.
The Queen's Speech, 3–3.05pm
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II delivers her annual Christmas message.
Christmas at Buckingham Palace with Nicholas Owen, 3.05–5pm
Every year, an annual Carol Concert takes place at Buckingham Palace, to thank the staff who work for Her Majesty The Queen – and this year, Classic FM was once again given exclusive access to record the event for broadcast.
David Mellor's Light Music Masters, 5–7pm
Join David for two hours of wonderful Light Music this Christmas Day.
> Find out more
The Story of Carols with Anne-Marie Minhall, 7–10pm
Whether you’ve had a busy day opening presents or been hard at work, settle in this evening as Anne-Marie takes us on a musical journey through some of our festive favourites – and promises to share some fascinating tales behind the most famous carols.
Smooth Carols with Karthi Gnanasegaram, 10pm–1am
Karthi keeps you company with three hours of relaxing carols, providing a peaceful conclusion to Christmas Day.
Wednesday 26 December
Bob Jones, 1–6am
Bob presents the perfect blend of night-time Christmas music.
Classic FM's More Music Breakfast with Sam Pittis, 6–9am
Sam eases you into Boxing Day with music to recharge the batteries.
Aled Jones, 9am–1pm
Aled presents the finest selection of classical music and seasonal favourites, providing the perfect soundtrack to Boxing Day. From 9am it’s The Classic FM Hall of Fame Hour – your favourite pieces, as voted into the Classic FM Hall of Fame top 300.
Jane Jones, 1–5pm
Join Jane for an afternoon of seasonal music.
Christmas at the Movies with Andrew Collins, 5–7pm
Andrew Collins presents two hours of music from festive family films to accompany your Boxing Day.
> Find out more
Cowan's Classics with Rob Cowan, 7–10pm
Rob Cowan presents three hours of beautiful music to help you unwind.
> Find out more
Smooth Classics with Karthi Gnanasegaram, 10pm–1am
Three hours of the smoothest sounds in the company of Karthi.
Thursday 27 December
Bob Jones, 1–6am
Bob presents the perfect blend of night-time Christmas music.
Classic FM's More Music Breakfast with Sam Pittis, 6–9am
Sam eases you into Boxing Day with music to recharge the batteries.
Aled Jones, 9am–1pm
Aled presents all your favourite classical music on Classic FM. From 9am it’s The Classic FM Hall of Fame Hour – your favourite pieces, as voted for by you.
Jane Jones, 1–5pm
Jane presents four hours of your favourite classical music to accompany your afternoon, including the Hall of Fame 3 at 3 – three pieces of music from the Classic FM Hall of Fame chart.
Nicholas Owen, 5–8pm
Nicholas takes you into the evening with Classic FM favourites. Includes Smooth Classics at Seven – the perfect excuse to take a moment to relax as the evening draws in.
The Full Works Concert: Best of 2018, 8–10pm
Catherine Bott presents the first of two evenings looking back at the finest recordings released in 2018. Our concert starts and ends with performances from two rising young classical string players: the Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich, born in 2001, and the British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
> Find out more
Friday 28 December
The Full Works Concert: Best of 2018, 8–10pm
Catherine Bott presents a second evening looking back at the finest recordings of 2018, including the perfect partnership of Joshua Bell and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, who treat us to a thrilling performance of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy.
> Find out more
Saturday 29 December
Saturday Night at the Movies with Andrew Collins, 5–7pm
Andrew Collins presents a special ‘end of year’ rundown featuring his Top Ten Film Scores of 2018. For the first time, Andrew also selects his Top Five TV Scores of 2018, along with ‘Composer of the Year’ and ‘Composer to Watch’.
> Find out more
Cowan's Classics with Rob Cowan, 7–9pm
Tonight, Ravel’s 'Pavane pour une infante défunte' is the starting point as Rob takes us Beyond the Hall of Fame.
> Find out more
David Mellor's Light Music Masters, 9–10pm
David presents another episode of Light Music Masters, shining the spotlight on this sometimes-maligned – but much enjoyed – genre of music.
> Find out more
Sunday 30 December
Aled Jones, 7–10am
Packed full of music to provide a relaxing and indulgent start to the day, including the Sunday Special (nominate someone who makes your Sunday special), the Choral Classic, and the Classic FM Hall of Fame Hour at 9am.
Alexander Armstrong, 1–4pm
Join Alexander for three hours of the world’s greatest music.
Charlotte Hawkins, 4–7pm
Charlotte shines the spotlight on the Franco-Spanish guitarist Thibaut Garcia: this week’s Young Classical Star.
> Find out more
David Mellor, 7–9pm
As the New Year approaches, David dedicates this week’s programme to the Strauss family, whose music is performed annually by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on New Year’s Day.
> Find out more
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music with Catherine Bott, 9–10pm
Tonight, Catherine rounds off 2018 with a special selection of the wide-ranging topics she’s explored over the past year.
> Find out more
Monday 31 December
Bob Jones, 1–6am
At the very start of New Year’s Eve, Bob presents the perfect blend of night-time music.
Classic FM's More Music Breakfast with Aled Jones
Aled eases you into New Year’s Eve with music to recharge the batteries, and keeps you up-to-date with the latest news.
John Suchet, 9am–1pm
All your favourite classical hits starting at 9 with The Classic FM Hall of Fame Hour. Album of the Week is at 10.15.
Jane Jones, 1–5pm
Jane Jones presents Classic FM Requests from 1-3pm – a chance for you to phone in, email, text or tweet over the course of the programme and request a personal favourite. Plus, you can look forward to the Hall of Fame 3 at 3.
> Get in touch
John Brunning, 5–8pm
As the nation gets ready for the countdown into 2018, John keeps you company on Classic FM. Includes Smooth Classics at Seven – the perfect excuse to take a moment to relax as the evening draws in.
The Full Works Concert with Rob Cowan: New Year's Eve, 8–10pm
If you’re looking for an escape from the noise and fireworks of New Year’s Eve, join Rob Cowan for two hours of the world’s greatest music. Tonight’s Full Works Concert begins with Mozart’s penultimate symphony, which he wrote over the course of just a couple of weeks. There’s also charming music by Bach and Boccherini, before Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite No.2 rounds off the evening in style.
> Find out more
Smooth Classics with Karthi Gnanasegaram, 10pm–1am
Karthi takes you into the new year with three hours of Smooth Classics.
Tuesday 1 January 2019
The Classic FM Chart of the Year with John Brunning, 3–7pm
Join John as he reveals the 30 bestselling classical releases of the last 12 months in this special four-hour countdown.
