Escape the Holiday Music Rut with These Fresh Minnesota Radio Picks
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 some 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 their freshest recommendations for infusing your holidays with undiscovered cheer.
Minnesota Holiday Music Radio Channels
The Current (89.3 FM)
This Minnesota Public Radio station adds a delightful dash of indie flair to the holidays alongside classic hits and local artists.
During the season, The Current offers a dedicated Christmas channel through their app for a continuous stream of alt-holiday cheer.
When you need a break from the Chipmunks, The Current provides a sublime indie-folk backdrop for winter unwinding.
Love 105 FM (KZLX)
From Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Love 105 keeps the giving spirit alive all season long. As a non-profit community radio station, Love 105 plays listener-supported Christmas tunes with a message of hope and goodwill for all.
107.1 Your Q FM (KKBJ)
Contemporary Christian music fans can tune their dials to Your Q FM broadcasting in Bemidji for songs celebrating the reason for the season. Upbeat tunes praising the coming of our savior with touches of holiday flair will lift your spirts.
Cool 103.5 (KUAL-FM)
For feel-good pop holiday hits old and new, Cool 103.5 broadcasting in Brainerd will stuff your stockings with cheerful jingles. From Brenda Lee to Mariah Carey, Cool 103.5 plays classics alongside your modern favorites.
Life 97.3 (KDNW)
With uplifting messages and songs glorifying the Christmas miracle, Duluth’s Life 97.3 preaches the good news of comfort and joy. This non-commercial Christian station plays treasured carols and hymns to celebrate the reason for the season.
SiriusXM Holiday Traditions (Ch. 73)
With SiriusXM’s broad range of stations, you’re bound to discover a new favorite Christmas vibe whether it’s classic oldies, country Christmas, soulful gospel, or decades pop.
Available for free this month through their holiday trial, SiriusXM’s beloved “Holiday Traditions” channel blends classic carols with newer tunes for a festive mix of merry and bright.
SOMA FM (Online)
If you truly want to venture outside the Christmas music box, SOMA FM’s free internet radio takes you on a sleigh ride through dark ambient, creepy tunes, and obscure international holiday styles you’d never find elsewhere. Food-themed carols, anyone?
Amazon (online)
For Prime members looking to mix up their holiday playlists, Amazon Music offers a sleigh-full of Christmas stations available for free streaming.
Choose from a multitude of holiday-themed playlists like Gospel Christmas, Felices Fiestas (Latin holiday hits), Folky Christmas, and even Not-So-Happy Holiday Country for melancholy Yuletide tunes.
With options ranging from old classics to modern holiday pop and R&B, Prime members can download Christmas mixes to listen offline at no extra cost.
For unlimited access to Amazon’s full music catalog, upgrading to a Music Unlimited subscription unwraps even more holiday cheer starting at just $8.99 a month.
Spotify (Online)
With a massive library of holiday hits old and new, Spotify sleighs Christmas with endless festive playlists.
Beyond the classic “Christmas Hits,” Spotify shines in niche Yuletide categories – try “Indie Christmas” or “Songs Santa Forgot” for an alternative soundtrack.
While free accounts allow shuffle play, Spotify Premium offers unlimited, uninterrupted access across playlists, albums and podcasts for just $9.99 a month.
What musical magic stirs your inner holiday cheer? This season, sprinkle a little extra joy into long wintry nights by discovering new Christmas radio stations with your Minnesota neighbors. From streaming playlists to late night AM, there’s a song out there that speaks to your spirited soul.
