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When the weather takes a turn for the worse, grab a blanket and cozy up for a night of Christmas entertainment.
BYUtv announced its upcoming slate of original holiday programming, and it's a lineup you don't want to miss. The season's shows are packed with A-list entertainers, special performances, and high-quality holiday specials that are sure to become treasured traditions for years to come.
“We could not be more pleased with the caliber of talent and artistry assembled for our holiday offerings this season,” said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYUtv.
“From the incomparable John Legend and hilarious Will Forte to the spectacular combination of Kristin Chenoweth and The Tabernacle Choir to our valued association with Ballet West and our wonderful production partners across North America, we have created a collection of joy through music, dance, comedy and drama that will bring families and communities together this Christmas.”
Here are just four of the many original programs coming your way on BYUtv this Christmas season.
'Christmas Under the Stars with John Legend'
Sunday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.: “Christmas Under the Stars,” starring Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award-winning singer and songwriter John Legend, will invite the excitement of Christmas in a magical evening of upbeat tunes and special memories.
An annual BYUtv holiday tradition, “Christmas Under the Stars” is performed live in front of a large audience of fans but also incorporates intimate, cinematic musical moments. This exclusive special will feature beloved holiday classics as well as some of Legend’s original songs.
'Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir Featuring Kristin Chenoweth'
Tony award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth is starring alongside The Tabernacle Choir Thursday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. Watch the 90-minute cut of the 16th annual “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir” on BYUtv.
Chenoweth joins a 600-person cast composed of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Orchestra at Temple Square and Bells on Temple Square for a night of Christmas celebration through music, dance, and storytelling.
With Chenoweth’s characteristic charm, style, faith and artistic prowess on full display, coupled with the artistry of the Choir and Orchestra, this will be a performance you won’t soon forget.
'Christmas Jars'
Immediately following Legend's show, the television adaptation of "Christmas Jars" will air on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The New York Times bestseller by Jason F. Wright tells the story of aspiring reporter Hope Jensen (Jeni Ross), who uncovers the remarkable secret behind a holiday phenomenon: glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need.
After experiencing a personal tragedy, Hope is unexpectedly gifted a jar. Realizing the story could be her big break, she goes undercover to learn more about the origin of the jars but ultimately finds much more in the lives of the people she meets.
The beloved novel, which has sold over a million copies, created a new holiday tradition that has changed the lives of people all over the country. “Christmas Jars” is a reminder that kindness truly is contagious.
'The Nutcracker'
Grab your popcorn and Christmas candy, because “The Nutcracker 75th Anniversary” airs on BYUtv on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. This special presentation of Ballet West’s “The Nutcracker” commemorates the 75th anniversary of Willam Christensen staging the first full-length production of the ballet in the U.S. and will feature his original choreography.
Christensen presented America’s first “The Nutcracker” in 1944 as the artistic director of San Francisco Ballet and then took it to Utah, where he founded Ballet West.
Watch the full production on BYUtv, to see stunning professional dancers and children as well as fantastical new sets, costumes and special effects.
You can watch all of these shows absolutely free on BYUtv, or any streaming device. BYUtv is available live and on-demand on Apple TV, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, Xbox One, Windows Media, digital apps for iOS and Android, and BYUtv.org.