20 Christmas Radio Stations That Help You Get Into The Holiday Spirit
These 20 Christmas radio stations have become festive powerhouses, shaping holiday traditions and bringing joy to listeners with their unique blends of classic tunes, modern hits, and community-driven programming.
- Alyana Aguja
- 7 min read
These 20 Christmas radio stations have become iconic in how we experience the holiday season, each with its unique blend of music, community, and festive cheer. From classic carols to contemporary pop hits, they create the perfect soundtrack for holiday shopping, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations. Their influence goes far beyond the airwaves, establishing trends in holiday entertainment and fostering a sense of connection and joy for millions of listeners every year.
1. KOST 103.5 (Los Angeles, CA)
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A Christmas music radio pioneer, KOST 103.5 has been changing the holiday season in Los Angeles for decades. Its festive programming, playing nonstop Christmas tunes from late November through Christmas Day, has become a staple of the city’s holiday spirit. Its warm, family-friendly broadcasts helped set the standard for Christmas music stations across the U.S.
2. 101.3 KDWB (Minneapolis, MN)
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101.3 KDWB, Minneapolis, has been on the cutting edge of holiday radio programming with its annual “Jingle Ball” concerts that combine the best of holiday cheer and pop culture. The all-Christmas music format by the station during the holiday season garners a tremendous audience following top hits and classics throughout the season, keeping them hooked. This unique combination of modern and classic Christmas influences how the Midwestern Midwest is observed.
3. WFMS 95.5 (Indianapolis, IN)
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The Indianapolis area’s country powerhouse is synonymous with country Christmas programming. It’s sure to be your favorite Christmas experience, and it will evoke a sense of rusticity and all the feelings of warmth with its great mix of country hits and timeless classics. Embracing both holiday music–new and old–ensures a cozy and family-friendly atmosphere for listening.
4. WSFL 106.5 (New York, NY)
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With non-stop Christmas music, WSFL 106.5 has helped New York City get in the holiday spirit. It has gained fame for drawing diverse, multicultural crowds, so current pop and traditional holiday classics are part of the festive programming. Through its programs, WSFL 106.5 has influenced Christmas music globally, making listeners feel like they are part of the world even when celebrating locally.
5. WLTW 106.7 (New York, NY)
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Also known as “Lite FM,” it heavily influences holiday music in the nation’s largest city. In keeping with its soft-pop, classic Christmas format, this station has become a one-holiday destination for listeners eager for a peaceful, merrymaking atmosphere to which they can look forward year after year. This station’s annual “Christmas in the City” effort boosts local charity initiatives and holiday tourism, giving it a community influence.
6. CFOX 99.3 (Vancouver, BC)
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This Canadian station has been breaking the mold by blending Christmas and rock sounds, particularly during the holiday season. Playing classic Christmas hits and all-time festive favorites, CFOX is a niche radio station for Vancouver’s musical tastes that brings festive glee with an edge.
7. 98.1 KMBZ (Kansas City, MO)
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KMBZ features Christmas music that brings joy to the holiday season. It is known for its exciting and energetic broadcasts, during which the station often sponsors live performances and charity functions. Over the years, the perfect blend of music and community connection has made KMBZ a favorite when the holiday season rolls in the Midwest.
8. SiriusXM Holly (Satellite Radio)
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SiriusXM Holly is an exclusive 24/7 Christmas music station that offers a variety of holiday tunes from all genres. It’s not just about the music—SiriusXM Holly also provides special interviews, performances, and celebrity-curated playlists, making it a dynamic station that attracts listeners nationwide. Its commercial-free approach has set a new standard in holiday broadcasting for the digital age.
9. CHFI 98.1 (Toronto, ON)
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As one of Toronto’s most popular stations, CHFI is the leader in Christmas radio, seamlessly blending festive pop hits and classics. Their holiday programming includes everything from traditional carols to modern Christmas hits, ensuring there’s something for everyone. CHFI has become synonymous with holiday cheer, offering listeners a soundtrack to holiday shopping and family gatherings.
10. CBC Radio 2 Holiday (CBC Radio, Canada)
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CBC Radio 2 offers the most artistic and eclectic holiday programming, featuring Christmas sounds ranging from classical to contemporary, jazz, and world music. This unique approach helps redefine what holiday music can sound like, targeting listeners with refined tastes. By offering a diverse holiday experience, CBC Radio 2 has shaped how Canadians enjoy Christmas music.
11. WTCX 95.5 (St. Louis, MO)
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WTCX is a regional holiday powerhouse featuring mainstream hits and regional favorites. Its festive programming often combines charity events and community involvement to enhance its local impact. Because of its warm and inclusive atmosphere, WTCX is crucial to the holiday spirit of St. Louis.
12. KMPS 94.1 (Seattle, WA)
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KMPS is Seattle’s country Christmas station. It provides a playlist of country-inspired holiday music, including classic carols and newer festive songs. The station’s format combines holiday cheer with inspiring community and family stories, making it a beloved holiday station for locals. Its holiday content will surely be the perfect soundtrack for road trips, shopping, and home gatherings.
13. WOSF 105.3 (Charlotte, NC)
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WOSF has gained popularity with its Christmas music lineup, which balances contemporary pop hits with timeless seasonal classics. The station’s holiday programming often includes themed contests and listener participation, making it a highly interactive experience. TheIts connection to the community during the holidays helps it remain a sCharlotte’sharlotte’s festive celebrations.
14. ABC Radio (Australia)
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ABC Radio has adopted Christmas music as part of its more excellent aim to entertain and educate the Australian public. The holiday programming fuses Australian artists with global Christmas classics, bringing a unique cultural flavor to the season to the season. ABC Radio’s cross-platform reach ensures listeners from all corners of the country can tune in and experience the magic of Christmas.
15. WWZZ 94.7 (Washington, D.C.)
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Famous for its blend of contemporary pop and old-fashioned holiday favorites, WWZZ is instrumental in defining the sounds of the season in Washington, D.C. Its holiday broadcasts are legendary for featuring special celebrity appearances and holiday-themed programming. Their contribution to the local holiday culture makes Washington’s festive season feel all the more special.
16. Magic 105.4 (London, UK)
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Magic 105.4 is one of London’s most popular Christmas radio stations. It blends smooth holiday sounds with light-hearted entertainment. The station’s Christmas schedule features exclusive performances and nostalgic holiday memories, creating a warm atmosphere during the hectic season. Magic 105.4 has shaped UK holiday music traditions, becoming a favorite among listeners who seek relaxation and festive cheer.
17. KOST 103.5 HD2 (Los Angeles, CA)
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KOST 103.5 HD2 is a more niche outlet for Christmas music, delivering a mix of smooth, classic holiday hits and holiday-inspiring pop. This alternative HD channel is for those who want a more subtle, sophisticated take on holiday music. As part of the larger KOST umbrella, it continues the station’s heritage of defining how holiday radio is done nationwide.
18. The Breeze (San Francisco, CA)
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The Breeze in San Francisco is a pleasant, easy-listening radio station for listeners who want classic holiday sounds mixed in with their favorite seasonal tracks. It’s perfect for driving, relaxing at home, or shopping during the holiday season. The station’s holiday segments and community focus add a warm, inclusive feel to the Bay Area.
19. Country Christmas (Cumulus Networks)
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Cumulus’s Country Christmas combines country music with the heartwarming spirit of Christmas. The iconic country artists and festive tracks make it one of the country music highlights. Broadcast throughout the country, it provides a holiday soundtrack to country music fans during the holiday season.
20. Classic Christmas 105.1 (Chicago, IL)
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Classic Christmas 105.1 is the home of old-fashioned holiday sounds for a modern Chicago holiday celebration. Deeply rooted in local events and a sense of featuring iconic and lesser-known Christmas music, the station makes every holiday season feel special and unique. It is also a favorite for those who enjoy celebrating the holidays with old-school charm and modern fun.