ORLANDO, FL (Dec. 11, 2025) — WUCF is celebrating the holidays with the return of a Central Florida favorite: A Classic Christmas: Tidings of Joy with the Bach Festival Choir & Orchestra, the newest performance from the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.
The special will be recorded at Rollins College on December 13 and 14 and features custom arrangements of holiday classics performed by the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra of Winter Park under the direction of Dr. John V. Sinclair.
The concert will air locally on WUCF later this month and is slated for national distribution through American Public Television (APT) for the 2026 holiday season, continuing WUCF’s mission to share Central Florida’s rich cultural and performing arts traditions with viewers across the country.
“Each year, our partnership with the Bach Festival Society gives viewers a front-row seat to one of our region’s most treasured holiday traditions,” said Jennifer Cook, WUCF’s Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to share this new performance with Central Florida and to bring the spirit of our local arts community to audiences nationwide.”
Founded in 1935, the Bach Festival Society has become a hallmark of the region’s cultural landscape. Under Dr. Sinclair’s leadership, the ensembles present holiday music that feels both welcoming and distinctly Central Florida.
“We’re honored to work with WUCF to share the joy of this music,” said Sinclair, the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bach Festival Society. “Holiday music has a wonderful way of connecting people, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share it with so many.”
How to Experience A Classic Christmas: Tidings of Joy
WATCH on WUCF TV
• Wednesday, December 24 – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, December 25 – 5 p.m.
• Thursday, December 25 – 10 p.m.
LISTEN on WUCF FM
• Wednesday, December 24 – 7 p.m.
STREAM (local exclusive)
• Available FREE to Central Florida viewers on the PBS App on December 25 only.
For more about the special, visit WUCF’s A Classic Christmas.
Additional Holiday Programming
In addition to A Classic Christmas: Tidings of Joy, WUCF will feature a selection of seasonal specials throughout December, offering viewers more ways to celebrate the holidays at home.
- Rick Steves’ European Christmas - Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 25 at 2 p.m.
- Hope of the Season: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir - Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. and Dec. 24 at 9 p.m.
- Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet - Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.
- Artistry & Innovation: Reimagining the Nutcracker - Dec. 16 at 9:30 p.m. and Dec. 25 at 4 p.m.
- Celebration of Hanukkah - Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.
- The St. Olaf Christmas Festival: Our Hope for Years to Come - Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. and Dec. 24 at 4 p.m.
- A St. Thomas Christmas: Love Divine - Dec. 24 at 5 p.m.
- Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah - Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m.
- From Nevada: The Journey of Our Nation’s Christmas Tree - Dec. 25 at 3 p.m.
- Call the Midwife Holiday Special - Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 4 p.m.
For more on holiday programming, visit www.wucf.org.
About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region’s trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida’s only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission “We Change Lives,” WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF’s impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199