Waterford's WLR is thrilled to present a Christmas schedule that is brimming with exciting programmes and heartwarming content to make your Christmas period truly special!
From the best music specials to engaging concerts, documentaries, and New Year celebrations, there's something for everyone in this year’s festive line-up.
It all kicks off on Friday, Dec 22, when Santa Claus himself will be live on WLR with Ollie and Dymphna from 8am.
Don’t miss this magical opportunity for kids to engage in a heartwarming conversation with Santa, spreading Christmas joy and excitement on the airwaves.
On Saturday, December 23, Join Timmy Ryan, and the WLR Street Team for our final LIVE broadcast on the year at Winterval. The team will be live from 1-4pm so come on in and say ‘hi’.
On Christmas Eve, join us for a day packed with music, entertainment, and festive spirit!
Tune in as Sean Organ, Timmy Ryan, Damien Tiernan, Andy McCloskey, and Rick Whelan bring you the best music, requests, and Christmas cheer.
Also, not-to-be-missed on Christmas Eve is the ‘Little Stars Christmas Concert’ from the Sacred Heart Church which will feature several local schools and choirs in Waterford City.
Presented by Dymphna Nugent, the concert will air from 7-9pm. This will be followed by the heartwarming 'Dungarvan Community Christmas Concert’ featuring the Dungarvan Brass Band and Friends. Presented by Oliver Carroll, this concert airs at 9pm on Christmas Eve.
Andy McCloskey is waking up Waterford on Christmas morning from 7am, followed from 10am with a tasty ‘Déise Today’ with all the trimmings!
Geoff Harris joins the party from 12pm with some classic hits and then, at 1pm, Damien Tiernan presents the Tramore Christmas Concert followed on air at 3pm by Gemma Delaney who'll bring you two hours of her favourite Christmas songs.
At 5pm, it’s your second chance to hear the Little Stars Christmas Concert from the Sacred Heart Church. At 7pm, Michael will play all your festive Christmas Songs until late.
St. Stephen's Day
The celebrations continue on St. Stephen's Day with more music, giveaways, and entertainment. Don't miss John O’Shea’s annual music special, promising three hours of classic hits and the best festive songs. This programme starts on-air at 9am.
At 6pm, it’s your second chance to hear the Dungarvan Christmas Community Concert featuring the Dungarvan Brass Band and Friends.
Special Documentaries
On December 27, WLR will air a special documentary on the 30th anniversary of The Fleadh Mór in Tramore.
This was one of the biggest music events Waterford has ever seen, featuring international music superstars like Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, and Joan Baez. Tune in from 6pm to hear this 30th-anniversary programme.
Disney fans - listen up! Or should we say listen in, on Thursday, December 28, at 6 pm, as Wayne Brown will be celebrating 100 years of Disney.
Join Wayne from 7 pm when he will be tracing the Disney story from ‘Steamboat Willie’ to ‘The Little Mermaid’. As well as all the tunes, there will be some quirky stories from Waterford people, and you'll even hear some archive footage of Walt Disney himself!
Music Specials
For two nights only, get ready to turn back the clock and relive the magic of the 50s and 60s on WLR.
From the sweet sounds of doo-wop………to the rock 'n' roll revolution………, we've got it all. Your favourite tracks, the ones that defined an era. Join Michael Byrne on Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 28 from 8-11 pm for ‘Super Hits of the 50s and 60s’
News Review and New Year's Celebrations
Stay updated with the 2023 'Review of the Year' presented by the WLR News and Current Affairs team.
Set to air on Wednesday, December 27, through to Friday, December 29, from 10 am to 12 noon, the review will cover some of the key events, and lighter stories too, that shaped Waterford in the past year.
In GAA, Tomas McCarthy Dives into the heart of the big GAA stories of the year in Waterford. Join Tomas at 6pm on Friday, December 22nd and 29th, for a ‘Selection Box’ of thrilling matches, standout performances, and brilliance that defined GAA in Waterford in 2023.
Finally, ring in the New Year with John O’Shea’s party special from 9pm and join Andy McCloskey and the WLR Street team at the annual New Year’s racing festival in Tramore on New Year’s Day from 12pm.
WLR’s Programme Director Michael Byrne said, “A huge thanks to all our listeners and sponsors for your unwavering support in 2023. We thank you for choosing us as your companions throughout the year. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
WLR is live throughout the festive period so if you’re home for Christmas, living alone, in hospital, or looking for a song for your Christmas gathering, text the station over Christmas and the New Year on 083 33 33 975. Wherever you are, we extend an invitation for you to join us. We hope to share this festive time with you, no matter where life finds you.
