Timing of Christmas Music on Radio Sparks Debate

As the holiday season approaches, the annual debate over when to start playing Christmas music on radio stations emerges once again. Despite differing opinions, many stations have already begun broadcasting festive tunes, leaving listeners divided over the timing.

According to data from Billboard, major radio channels across Ohio have rolled out Christmas classics since the beginning of November. For instance, 85 radio channels in the state are already celebrating the season with a range of holiday songs. Additionally, new programs such as Jimmy Fallon‘s Holiday Seasoning Radio mix have been introduced, reflecting the early start to festive broadcasting.

Notably, local stations in Columbus, such as 94.7 FM and 93.3 FM, have incorporated Christmas music into their regular playlists, demonstrating a growing trend towards early holiday cheer, even as Thanksgiving remains on the horizon.

The trend is also visible on national radio platforms. SiriusXM, for example, launched its holiday music lineup on November 1, including a variety of 26 themed channels. This year’s offerings feature artists like Bing Crosby and Nat «King» Cole, as well as the new Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio.

iHeartRadio has joined the seasonal playlist fray with its classic iHeart Christmas station, among other specialized options. Listeners can access an expansive collection of holiday music through streaming services like Spotify, as well, which offers numerous Christmas themed playlists.

For those preferring traditional radio, the audacy.com platform lists available stations, providing an alternative for those outside the broadcast range. Additionally, Xfinity cable subscribers can tune into Sounds of the Seasons on channel 441 for non-stop Christmas music.

While some listeners relish in the spirit of the season being extended into November, others argue for a more restrained approach, beginning the festivities closer to December. As such, the discussion over when to cue up «Jingle Bells» or «All I Want for Christmas Is You» continues to animate both radio hosts and their audiences each year.