WHAV’s Dave Mack takes Christmas morning song requests live between 6 a.m. and noon.
Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24
In addition to programs listed below, WHAV plans hourly reports from NORAD on Santa Claus’ progress.
6 p.m. Superman’s Christmas Adventure
From 1940, Superman helps a spoiled brat, unhappy with his toys, by introducing him to a poor boy who has no toys. First, however, Superman must stop Dr. Grouch and Mr. Meaney who set out to destroy Santa’s workshop and steal the reindeer.
6:30 p.m. Jack Benny Program
It’s Christmas Eve, 1944, and Jack keeps getting shocks from the Christmas tree lights.
7 p.m. Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Show
Radio ventriloquist Edgar Bergen brings his characters Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd and Effie Klinker out for his 1955 Christmas show. His special guest, young daughter Candice “Candy” Bergen (who later played Murphy Brown on television), reads “Twas the night before Christmas” with a little-remembered reference to Haverhill’s own John Greenleaf Whittier. The story of “Little Red Riding Hood” is told—from the perspective of the wolf, Charlie McCarthy! Other regulars include Gary Crosby, Ray Noble, Carol Richards, Jack Kirkwood, Gloria Gordon, The Mellow Men and Santa Claus’s helper Frank Lawson.
8 p.m. It’s a Wonderful Life
Jimmy Stewart returns as George Bailey in this radio adaptation of the 1948 movie. When Stewart regrets ever being born, his guardian angel grants his wish on Christmas Eve. Besides Stewart, others appearing are Donna Reed as Mary Hatch and Victor Moore as Clarence.
9 p.m. Miracle on 34th Street
Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Edmund Gwenn, stars of the classic 20th Century Fox 1947 movie, return for this radio adaptation. In the story, Macy’s founder Rowland H. Macy insists a man named Kris Kringle (Gwenn) play Santa Claus in the store even as another store manager tries to have Kringle committed for believing he is the one and only Santa Claus.
10 p.m. A Christmas Carol
Lionel Barrymore plays Ebenezer Scrooge in this 1939 Mercury Theater on the Air production of Charles Dickens’ timeless story, “A Christmas Carol.” Radio listeners closely identified Barrymore with the grouchy character since he performed the role almost every Christmas between 1934 and 1953.
Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25
Christmas Eve programs repeat from midnight to 6 a.m., followed by favorite Christmas songs, interspersed with children’s “Calls to Santa.” Your child or grandchild may leave messages for Santa by calling 978-361-3930. For more information, click here.
6 a.m. Dave Mack’s All-Request Christmas Oldies Party
WHAV’s Dave Mack will be on hand Christmas Day from 6 a.m to noon to take requests for your favorite Christmas Carols and air more “Calls to Santa” from area children.