Christmas Music in Minnesota: The Best AM/FM and Streaming Stations
The sparkling lights are up, the scent of gingerbread fills the air, and the familiar croon of Bing Crosby graces the radio once more.
The holiday season stirs up nostalgia and comfort through traditions like listening to your favorite Christmas tunes. But when the same classics start growing stale on repeat, it may be time to discover new stations for a musical twist.
We asked Minnesota locals about their go-to radio picks for Christmas music outside the repetitive rotation. From streaming playlists to AM/FM, here are fresh recommendations to infuse your holidays with undiscovered cheer.
Minnesota Holiday Music Radio Channels
The Current (89.3 FM)
This Minnesota Public Radio station adds a dash of indie flair to the holidays alongside classics and local artists.
Each season, The Current offers holiday programming and a dedicated Christmas stream in the MPR Radio app and on the web, featuring alt-holiday tracks, local sessions, and listener picks.
When you need a break from novelty songs, The Current is a warm indie-folk backdrop for winter unwinding.
KOOL 108 (KQQL 107.9 FM)
The Twin Cities’ KOOL 108 flips to all-Christmas in early November. Expect a classic-heavy mix, from Bing and Brenda Lee to Mariah and 90s pop favorites.
Cities 97.1 (KTCZ)
Cities 97.1 often features acoustic holiday sessions and local artist spotlights. A great pick if you like adult-alternative sounds with a seasonal twist.
102.9 The Wolf (KMNB)
For country-leaning holiday blocks, 102.9 The Wolf brings twangy takes on classics and new Nashville cuts. Good vibes for snow-day drives and cookie-baking marathons.
Love 105 FM (KZJK)
In the Twin Cities, Love 105 flips to all-Christmas each year and sprinkles in soft pop favorites. Expect a mix of standards and lighter contemporary holiday hits.
107.1 Your Q FM (KKEQ)
Contemporary Christian fans can tune to Your Q FM, serving Bemidji and the region, for songs celebrating the reason for the season. Upbeat praise and seasonal favorites will lift your spirits.
Cool 103.5 (KUAL-FM)
For feel-good pop holiday hits old and new, Cool 103.5 in Brainerd stuffs your stockings with cheerful jingles. From Brenda Lee to Mariah Carey, expect classics and modern favorites.
Life 97.3 (KDNW)
Duluth’s Life 97.3 shares uplifting messages and carols highlighting the Christmas story. This noncommercial Christian station mixes treasured hymns with current worship.
SiriusXM Holiday Traditions (Ch. 71)
SiriusXM rolls out multiple holiday channels every year, from classics and country to soul and decades-specific pop.
Holiday Traditions focuses on mid-century standards and orchestral favorites. Access requires an active SiriusXM subscription; free trials are offered from time to time, but availability varies.
SomaFM (online)
Want something different? SomaFM’s free internet radio leans eclectic, with channels like Christmas Lounge, indie holiday cuts, left-field remixes, and international gems. Food-themed carols, anyone?
Amazon Music (online)
Prime members can stream a wide range of holiday stations and playlists on Amazon Music, including Gospel Christmas, Felices Fiestas, Folky Christmas, and mellow instrumental picks.
Prime includes ad-free playlists and stations, with offline listening on select content. For the full catalog and higher skip limits, Music Unlimited is a paid upgrade with pricing that varies by plan.
Spotify (online)
With a massive library, Spotify serves up endless festive playlists. Beyond “Christmas Hits,” try “Indie Christmas,” “Jazz Christmas,” or “Songs Santa Forgot” for a fresh soundtrack.
Free accounts use shuffle with ads. Premium offers ad-free listening, downloads, and on-demand playback; current pricing varies by plan.
What musical magic stirs your inner holiday cheer? This season, sprinkle extra joy into long wintry nights by discovering new Christmas radio with your Minnesota neighbors. From streaming playlists to late-night AM, there’s a song that fits your spirit.
