The Christmas Season Begins on November 1 – Jouluradio Offers a Moment of Respite Amid the Noise of the World

The authentic and original Jouluradio (Christmas Radio) will launch its 24th broadcasting season on November 1. At the same time, the Christmas season officially begins, as Christmas songs, festive traditions, and seasonal atmosphere once again become part of everyday life in Finland. Even as the media landscape becomes increasingly fragmented and listening habits continue to evolve, Jouluradio remains a force that brings people together.

“The anticipation of Christmas is a powerful antidote to the daily grind. Sometimes all it takes is one familiar Christmas song to bring a sense of peace, warmth, and cherished memories amid the noise of the world,” says Executive Producer Katri Ketola.

This year, Jouluradio will be available on 29 FM frequencies across Finland, as well as through eight online channels. The channel family offers a diverse selection of Christmas music, including Happy Holidays, a channel dedicated entirely to English-language holiday music.

Jouluradio’s continued popularity reflects the enduring importance of Christmas music in Finnish holiday celebrations. In December 2025 (source: KRT Jouluradio, December 2025), Jouluradio was the second most-listened-to and second most-reached commercial radio station in Finland. During December, the station reached 810,000 listeners each week.

The Christmas Song Tradition Continues to Evolve

Jouluradio’s programming brings together beloved Christmas classics, new interpretations, and fresh holiday music.

“The power of Christmas songs lies in their ability to connect generations and evoke memories. At the same time, Christmas music continues to evolve and take on new meanings. We want to offer listeners both familiar favorites and exciting new discoveries that may become the Christmas classics of the future,” says Jouluradio Music Director Joni Hartikainen.

Every Wednesday in November, Jouluradio’s main channel will feature new seasonal music during Uusien joululaulujen päivä (New Christmas Songs Day), with fresh releases aired at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The future of Finnish Christmas music is also being shaped through Suuri joululaulukilpailu (the Great Christmas Song Contest), organized for the third time in collaboration with Aito Iskelmä. On the first Sunday of Advent, listeners will hear the premiere of Jouluradio’s 15th Hoosianna, a contemporary interpretation of the beloved Advent hymn.

Christmas Music Brings People Together

Jouluradio extends the spirit of Christmas beyond the airwaves. During the season, the joy of Christmas music will be brought to nursing homes, various communities, and young people, among others.

“Christmas songs have a unique ability to bring people together. When sung together, they create connections that cross generational and social boundaries and help build shared Christmas memories,” says Ketola.

Listeners can influence programming throug the Most Popular Christmas Songs poll, which serves as the basis for community sing-along events. These gatherings will be held, among other places, at Mall of Tripla during advance voting for parish elections on November 4, and on Christmas Carol Day on December 15 at Fazerila.

“Christmas songs are not disappearing, even as the world and the ways we listen to music continue to change. They offer something lasting and familiar while still leaving room for new experiences and stories,” says Music Director Joni Hartikainen.

Jouluradio is an eight-channel Christmas music radio network and digital media platform. Its main channel, featuring a broad variety of Christmas music, is available through traditional FM frequencies and RadioPlayer. The online channels can be accessed via Jouluradio.fi, Supla, Ruutu, and Elisa Viihde.

Jouluradio is the shared Christmas music media service of Finland’s Evangelical Lutheran parishes and is part of the Kirkko ja kaupunki media group. Jouluradio has a partnership agreement with Sanoma Media for the years 2024–2026.

News is written by Jouluradio, press releases of this year by Espoon seurakunnat.