Holiday Specials

We are thankful for you, our listeners, for making Iowa Public Radio a part of your holiday traditions. This Thanksgiving, we're again airing some long-time favorites on IPR News and Classical stations.

Find your local signal, tell your smart speakers to play Iowa Public Radio or download our app to listen to your holiday favorites.

Thanksgiving Day Classical Music

Set the mood for your Thanksgiving Day celebration. Tune into Iowa Public Radio Classical for classical pieces themed around thanks from mid-morning into the late afternoon.

Thanksgiving Specials on IPR News

We’ve got programming to help you prepare a delicious dinner, check a few people off your holiday shopping list or accompany you on your travels.

The Talk of Iowa Book Shows

10–11 a.m., Tuesday & Wednesday
Get a jump on this short holiday shopping season. Talk of Iowa hosts its annual book shows to help with gift ideas for all the readers, or emerging readers, in your life. Listen live at 10 a.m. to hear our expert picks for adults on Tuesday and young readers on Wednesday. Or check out our list of recommendations after the show or listen to the podcast before heading out for Black Friday shopping.

Turkey Confidential

10 a.m., Thanksgiving Day

It’s the must-listen annual episode from The Splendid Table, hosted by the charming Francis Lam. This year features cookbook authors Samin Nosrat and Yossey Arefi, and public media celebrity chefs Vivan Howard and Evan Kleiman.

Feeding the Family

Noon, Thanksgiving Day

The team at Markeplace explores why the holidays may feel a little different this year. Maybe it’s the cost of ingredients, or new SNAP paperwork requirements. Maybe you’re a farmer struggling after the USDA cut grant and loan forgiveness programs. On Feeding the Family, we’ll hear a collection of stories about the economics and business of food — with a touch of history.