Global, the Media & Entertainment Group, has shared festive radio and podcast highlights for Christmas 2024.
The spectacular Christmas schedule offers listeners a fabulous mix of radio and podcasts to enjoy throughout the festive period.
On Christmas Eve, Aled Jones narrates the timeless story of The Snowman on Classic FM, accompanied by Howard Blake’s wonderful music. Writers and stars of the hit TV series Gavin & Stacey, Ruth Jones and James Corden join Joanna Gosling for a special programme on Classic FM.
This Christmas Day, listeners can turn up the festive feel good on Heart as Mark Wright is joined by queen of pop, Kylie Minogue, and delight in the festive cheer of Christmas from Buckingham Palace with Alan Titchmarsh on Classic FM. Over on the UK’s No 1 hit music station, spend Christmas morning with Capital Breakfast’s, Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Siân Welby, for the creatively billed Capital’s Honestly Ridiculous Incredibly Star-studded Tantalising Magical Amazing Show (It spells Christmas!).
There’s a new face on Smooth as Adil Ray joins as a guest presenter on Smooth, while brand new sister station Smooth Christmas has all the festive hits.
It’s been quite the year for news, so join The News Agents 2024 Year in Review to help make sense of it all while on Christmas Day, multi-award-winning Nick Ferrari looks back at the biggest stories and moments of 2024, along with his personal highlights from Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.
Plus don’t forget to tune-in to The EE Official Big Top 40 from Global with Will Manning to find out who is the Christmas Number One!
And finally, party into 2024 from 4pm on Capital Dance with MistaJam, handing over to Sam Lavery live and in the mix from 7pm taking you into midnight. Or chill with Pet Classics on Classic FM.
Heart
Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th December, 6:30am – 10:00am
Christmas on Heart Breakfast (Listen on Global Player)
JK & Emma Bunton kick off Christmas on Heart Breakfast and will be joined with all star guests including James Corden and Ruth Jones!
Wednesday 25th December, 6pm – 10pm
A Very Kylie Christmas with Mark Wright (Listen on Global Player)
Mark Wright catches up with queen of pop Kylie Minogue as they play some of her favourite Christmas songs, chat about her career to date and her upcoming tour in 2025.
Thursday 26th December, 6pm – 10pm
Dev’s All Star Christmas (Listen on Global Player)
Join Dev Griffin as he catches up with some of his favourite guests from the year including Robbie Williams, Zooey Deschanel, Jonas Brothers, plus there’ll be a few surprises too!
Available now
Heart Xmas (Listen on Global Player)
The Christmas-themed sister station to Heart, Heart Xmas delivers the biggest and best non-stop Christmas hits throughout the day, Monday to Sunday from the biggest artists including Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Wham!
Classic FM
Saturday 21st December, 7pm – 9pm
Classic FM at the Christmas Movies with Jonathan Ross (Listen on Global Player)
With Christmas just four days away, Jonathan features festive favourites including The Holiday scored by Hans Zimmer, The Polar Express by Alan Silvestri and Love Actually by Craig Armstrong. He also includes new releases in the cinema for Christmas week, including Mufasa scored by Dave Metzger and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and The End by Joshua Schmidt and Joshua Oppenheimer.
Tuesday 24th December, 5.30pm – 6pm
Aled Jones Narrates The Snowman (Listen on Global Player)
A staple of Christmas Eve on Classic FM, Aled narrates the timeless story of The Snowman, accompanied by Howard Blake’s wonderful music.
Tuesday 24th December, 6pm – 7pm
Carols from St Paul’s Knightsbridge (Listen on Global Player)
A magical evening of carols from one of the most beautiful churches in the heart of London, with festive readings from Dolly Alderton, Elizabeth Hurley, Dame Harriet Walter and Rob Brydon.
Tuesday 24th December, 7pm – 8pm
Christmas at Gavin & Stacey’s with Joanna Gosling (Listen on Global Player)
The writers and stars of the hit TV series – Ruth Jones and James Corden – join Joanna Gosling for a special one-off programme on Classic FM. Ruth and James, who play the characters Nessa and Smithy in Gavin & Stacey, are choosing their favourite carols, sharing their Christmas traditions, and giving a sneak preview of the last ever episode of the popular British sitcom.
Wednesday 25th December, 1pm – 3pm
The Nation’s Favourite Carol with Alexander Armstrong (Listen on Global Player)
Over the past four weeks, the public has been voting for their best-loved Christmas carol – and this afternoon, Alexander Armstrong counts down this year’s top 30. Last year, O Holy Night took the crown as the nation’s number one carol for the eighth time. Will it remain there for the ninth year in a row, or will it be displaced by another favourite?
Wednesday 25th December, 3.05pm – 4.45pm
Christmas from Buckingham Palace with Alan Titchmarsh (Listen on Global Player)
Following HM The King’s Christmas Message, Alan Titchmarsh presents a very special programme of carols and festive music recorded live at Buckingham Palace. Listen behind closed doors to a carol service held in the grand surroundings of the palace ballroom, held to thank members of the Royal Household for their work throughout the year. Once again, Classic FM has been given exclusive access to record the event, which features the Choir of the Chapel Royal performing a selection of traditional seasonal carols, alongside members of the palace staff giving readings to tell the Christmas story.
Wednesday 25th December, 4.45pm – 5pm
The Christmas Story with Stephen Fry (Listen on Global Player)
Stephen Fry narrates a retelling of the nativity accompanied by a sweeping filmic soundtrack composed by Thomas Hewitt Jones and performed by the Scottish Session Orchestra. The story culminates in performance of ‘Silent Night’ sung by the Choral Scholars of St Martin in the Fields.
Wednesday 25th December, 5pm – 7pm
The Very Young Person’s Guide to Carols with Tim Lihoreau (Listen on Global Player)
Tim Lihoreau presents a very special programme, perfect to introduce families and children to the wonder of Christmas music. Put on your mittens and follow our heroes as they discover some of the greatest carols of all time, including Silent Night, Good King Wenceslas and Carol of the Bells.
Wednesday 25th December, 5pm – 7pm
The Very Young Person’s Guide to Carols with Tim Lihoreau (Listen on Global Player)
Tim Lihoreau presents a very special programme, perfect to introduce families and children to the wonder of Christmas music. Put on your mittens and follow our heroes as they discover some of the greatest carols of all time, including Silent Night, Good King Wenceslas and Carol of the Bells.
Thursday 26th December, 4pm to 7pm
One Piece Why with Dan Walker (Listen on Global Player)
Dan Walker presents a special programme based on the popular Classic FM Breakfast feature, where famous voices and Classic FM listeners share the one piece of classical music that they would choose to share with someone. Famous Classic FM fans choosing their favourites include Richard Hammond, Alexandra Burke, Ruth Jones, Tim Minchin and Richard Osman.
Thursday 26th December, 9pm to 10pm
Rivals with Mariella Frostrup – Part 1 of 3 (Listen on Global Player)
Inspired by the hit Disney+ series – an adaptation of the book Rivals by Jilly Cooper – the renowned broadcaster, journalist, author Mariella Frostrup presents a very special series on Classic FM about rivalry in classical music.
In the first programme, you’ll hear about the much-documented rivalry between Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, but was it actually true? And recordings by Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi who were turned into hostile enemies by their admirers and the press.
Thursday 31st December, 7pm to 10pm
Pet Classics with Katie Breathwick – part 1 of 2 (Listen on Global Player)
Katie Breathwick presents the first of two special editions of Classic FM’s Pet Classics to help calm pets across the UK as firework celebrations commence on New Year’s Eve. If your furry, feathered (or even scaly) friends are frightened by the bright lights and loud bangs of firework displays, join Katie to help bring some calm to your night. Katie will also share practical advice and tips from the RSPCA to help keep your pets relaxed and chilled.
Thursday 31st December, 10pm to 1am
Pet Classics with Karthi Gnanasegaram – part 2 of 2 (Listen on Global Player)
Karthi continues the calming music for pets, and their owners, across the country, with a second special edition of Pet Classics. As midnight draws in and fireworks become louder, Karthi will play the most relaxing music for you and your pet. Karthi will also share more practical advice from the RSPCA to help keep your pets relaxed.
Wednesday 1st January, 9am to 7pm
New Year’s Day at the Movies (Listen on Global Player)
Aled Jones (9am to 10am) kicks off a 10-hour blockbuster soundtrack for New Year’s Day – nothing but the greatest film music all day on Classic FM. You will hear the best movie themes and iconic soundtracks with several world-famous film stars popping up through the day to introduce the music. If you are looking for an ultimate soundtrack to start the new year – this is it! New Year’s Day at the Movies is simulcast on Classic FM Movies – available on DAB+ in London and on Global Player across the UK.
Capital
Wednesday 25th December, 10am – 2pm
Capital’s Honestly Ridiculous Incredibly Star-studded Tantalising Magical Amazing Show (It spells Christmas!) (Listen on Global Player)
Spend Christmas morning with Capital Breakfast’s unbeatable trio, Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Sian Welby, as they deliver the most show-stopping, joy-packed festive show ever! Get ready for exclusive interviews with James Corden and Ruth Jones ahead of the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special – the hottest TV event of the year. Alongside star-studded appearances from Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh, and Rob Rinder. With heartwarming moments, festive surprises, and unmissable holiday cheer, this is the ultimate way to kick off your Christmas Day!
Capital XTRA
Tuesday 31st December, 6pm – 7pm
Homegrown Track of the Year (Listen on Global Player)
Every week Capital XTRA platforms a new release from a UK artist… 2024 has seen drops from Central Cee, Raye, Skepta and Wretch 32. On NYE, Capital XTRA presenter, Kamilla Rose will count down the best homegrown tracks of 2024, and reveal the number 1, as voted for by Capital XTRA listeners
Tuesday 31st December, 7pm – 9pm
DJ AG’s New Year’s Eve Takeover (Listen on Global Player)
From the streets to the Capital XTRA studio, viral star DJ AG will bring his iconic style to Capital XTRA on New Year’s Eve, kick-starting your celebrations in the mix.
Capital Dance
The UK’s Official Dance Music Station, Capital Dance, is playing just 100% dance bangers this Christmas.
Friday 20th December 4-7pm
Jam Hot Record of the Year 2024 (Listen on Global Player)
We’ll countdown the Top Jam Hot Records of the Year as voted by you, crowing the Number One live and in the mix!
Thursday 26th December, 7pm-1am
Boxing Day on Capital Dance is a Club Capital Dance Special (Listen on Global Player)
Sam Lavery & Sarah Devine will be LIVE and in the mix for your boxing day soundtrack!
Tuesday 31st December, 4pm-1am
New Years Eve on Capital Dance (Listen on Global Player)
From 4pm MistaJam’s New Years Eve House Party, starting the celebrations earlier than ever as he will be in the mix and joined by Eats Everything for a special guest mix.
From 7pm we open the doors to Club Capital Dance. Sam Lavery will be live and, in the mix, and joined by Belters Only.
Sarah Devine takes over at 10pm until 1am counting down to 2025, she’ll be joined by Hannah Laing for a very special New Years Eve Guest mix.
Radio X
Wednesday 25th December, 7pm – 9pm
Radio X A White Christmas (Listen on Global Player)
On Christmas Day, brothers Felix and Hugo White from 86TVs and The Maccabees sit in on Radio X to countdown their favourite Christmas songs!
Thursday 26th December, 6pm – 9pm
Blossoms A to X of 2024 (Listen on Global Player)
After another amazing year of music, Blossoms join Radio X to review the last 12 months in alphabetical order, from A to X, with tracks from Oasis, Linkin Park, and more!
Tuesday 31st December, 1pm – 4pm
Radio X Record of the Year (Listen on Global Player)
Kings of Leon, Sam Fender, The Killers… and more, all released tunes over the last 12 months. On New Years Eve, Radio X afternoon host Issy Panayis will count down the top songs of 2024, and reveal the number 1, as voted for by Radio X listeners!
LBC
Wednesday 25th December, 1pm – 3pm
Nick Ferrari at Christmas (Listen on Global Player)
The multi-award-winning Nick Ferrari looks back at the biggest stories and moments of 2024, along with his personal highlights from Nick Ferrari at Breakfast. He will be joined by a host of guests and fellow LBC presenters including Jon Sopel, Lewis Goodall, Rachel Johnson and Feargal Sharkey.
Monday 30th December – Friday 3rd January, 10am – 1pm
Guest host week on LBC (Listen on Global Player)
Five guest presenters step into the hot seat this week to lead Britain’s conversation, each hosting a live programme. The presenters are:
Monday 30th: James Cleverly
Tuesday 31st: Emily Thornberry
Wednesday 1st: Jonathan Ashworth
Thursday 2nd: Suella Braverman
Friday 3rd: Jeremy Hunt
Smooth Radio
Sunday 29th December, 2pm – 6pm
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th January, 10am – 1pm
Adil Ray (Listen on Global Player)
Adil Ray guest-presents three programmes on Smooth over Christmas and New Year, with the best Christmas music to celebrate the festive season.
N.B. This will be Adil’s first show on Smooth as he joins us as a guest presenter.
Available now
Smooth Christmas (Listen on Global Player)
Christmas just got a lot Smooth-er with the new festive-themed sister station to Smooth!
Podcasts
Monday 23rd December, from 1am
The Wittering Whitehalls Christmas Special (Listen on Global Player)
In a very special Christmas edition of the Wittering Whitehalls, Michael & Hilary are joined by guests and unlikely best friends Jordan North and William Hanson from Help I Sexted My Boss for an unfiltered festive chinwag, sharing long-held family traditions and anecdotes along the way. Tucking into several festive topics, Hilary, Michael, Jordan, and William will debate the awkwardness of regifting presents, appropriate attire for the Christmas period, and Jordan’s confession of never watching Christmas staple The Holiday. Conversation will also cover the challenges of adapting to new family traditions, tip for managing holiday stress, and the cut off point for giving your children Christmas stockings.
RunPod – two-part Gift Guide available now (Listen on Global Player)
RunPod, the weekly run club you can join simply by listening, has a Christmas Gift Guide special! Join Jenni Falconer and experts from Women’s Running and Men’s Fitness magazines so you know what to buy the running lovers in your life (or yourself!) at Christmas.
Tuesday 24th December, from 5pm
The News Agents 2024 Review (Listen on Global Player)
In a year where more than half the world’s population cast their votes in national elections, 2024 has emerged as a watershed moment for political realignment. Join Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel, and Lewis Goodall as they navigate the year’s most consequential stories, including the historic return of Donald Trump to the US presidency and the Labour Party’s resurgence to power after 14 years in opposition in The News Agents 2024 Review.
Tuesday 31st December, from 5pm
The Sports Agents 2024 Review (Listen on Global Player)
From the nail-biting Euro 2024 final, where England came agonisingly close to bringing football home, to the unforgettable summer of sport in Paris with the Olympics and Paralympics, 2024 has been packed with iconic sporting moments. Add to that the shocking defeat of Tyson Fury and the sensational comeback of Simone Biles, and it’s clear this year has been one for the history books. Join Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman as they reflect on the year’s biggest sporting achievements in The Sports Agents 2024 Review.
Capital and Heart
Sunday 22nd December, 4pm – 7pm
The EE Official Big Top 40 from Global Christmas Number 1 (Listen on Global Player)
Make sure to tune-in to find out who is Christmas Number 1 this year!
