What makes December special at WHUT? It’s a month of celebration, reflection, and connection — from festive holiday programming and cultural traditions to inspiring documentaries and pledge events that keep public media thriving.

Whether you’re cozying up for a Kwanzaa feast, honoring icons like Dick Van Dyke, or exploring stories of resilience and creativity, WHUT’s December lineup is packed with reasons to watch, share, and support.

Pledge Season: A Celebration of Public Media

Pledge continues through Sunday, Dec. 7, bringing viewers star-studded specials and powerful stories that remind us why public television matters.

Highlights:

Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect – Mon, Dec. 1 at 8pm
Rick Steves: Fascism in Europe – Mon, Dec. 1 at 9:30pm
We ❤ Public Television! – Encore pledge event featuring music and celebrity appearances later in the month.
“Public media isn’t just TV — it’s trust, truth, and transformation.”

Holiday Programming: Festive & Family-Friendly

Celebrate the season with WHUT’s holiday specials, cultural traditions, and music events:

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa – Wed, Dec. 10 at 7pm
Karamu: Feast for the 7th Day – Sat, Dec. 13 at 2:30pm
Holiday Marathon – Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 starting at 7pm through 5am
Sunday Special: Holiday Edition – Sun, Dec. 21 at 11am

Kid-Friendly Tip: Pair Kwanzaa programming with PBS LearningMedia activities on cultural heritage and family traditions: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org.

Music That Moves You

December brings unforgettable performances and profiles of legendary artists:

Austin City Limits: Robert Glasper/Domi & JD Beck – Mon, Dec. 8 at 4pm
Kings of Music – Tue, Dec. 9 at 4pm; Encore Sun, Dec. 14 at 9pm
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me – Fri, Dec. 12 at 8pm
New Year’s Eve Celebration with Cynthia Erivo & Friends – Wed, Dec. 31 at 9pm

“Music is memory — and WHUT brings the soundtrack of our lives.”

Spotlight on Icons & Impact

From cultural pioneers to Hollywood legends, WHUT honors stories that shaped history:

Media Access Awards with Easterseals – Thurs, Dec. 11 at 8pm
Denzel Washington: American Paradox – Fri, Dec. 19 at 8pm
American Masters: Dick Van Dyke at 100 – Fri, Dec. 26 at 8pm; Encore Sun, Dec. 28 at 8pm

Community & Culture

Where I Became – Tue, Dec. 16 at 8pm
Tracing the journey of 14 South African women who studied in the U.S., including two Howard University alumnae.
In the Moment with DC Library – Fri, Dec. 19 at 7pm
Girl Talk: A Local, USA Special – Tue, Dec. 30 at 8pm

Kwanzaa Week Dec. 26- Jan. 1

Starting Dec. 26 at 4pm, WHUT dedicates two hours daily to Kwanzaa programming, exploring the seven principles through stories, music, and cultural traditions.

“Kwanzaa isn’t just a celebration — it’s a commitment to community.”

Watch, Reflect, Support

December at WHUT is more than programming — it’s a season of meaning. From pledge specials to cultural celebrations, these stories remind us of the values that unite us.

📺 Watch live or stream anytime.
💬 Start a conversation.
💖 Support public media.

Visit https://www.whut.org for the full schedule and pledge details.