Sunday Miscellany | Christmas Readings & Seasonal Music (Dec 14, 2025) (2026)

Get ready for a captivating journey through words and melodies! On Sunday, December 14, 2025, RTÉ.ie invites you to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of literature and music. But first, a small request: ensure your ad-blocking extensions are disabled or this site is whitelisted to access the full experience.

Here's a sneak peek at the lineup:

• 'Fanny Alexander' by Victoria White - A captivating read to kick things off.
• 'Skerries Solstice' by Seán O'Gorman - Prepare for a solstice celebration like no other.
• 'Christmas Cheese' by Lisa McInerney - A delightful culinary adventure awaits.
• 'Pork Chops, Peas, Chips, Tea, Bread and Butter' by Jim Maguire - A mouth-watering title that speaks for itself!
• 'Hannukah' by Judith Mok - A touching piece by the late author.
• 'Gratitude,' a poem by Denise Blake - Expressing thanks through verse.
• 'The Deer of Light,' a poem by James Harpur - Illuminating words to stir the imagination.

And now, the musical delights:

• 'Once in Royal David's City' by Cecil Francis Alexander, performed by Voces 8 - A classic Christmas carol reimagined.
• 'Éiridh Na Gréine' by Steve Cooney - A musical sunrise to warm your soul.
• 'A Winter's Tale' by Mike Batt and Tim Rice, arranged and performed by Cormac Kenevey with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Brophy - A tale of winter wonder.
• 'Last Christmas' by Wham - A nostalgic favorite.
• 'Alf Leila wa Leila' by the legendary Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthum - A mesmerizing journey through the Arabian nights.
• John Field's 'Nocturne No. 5' played by Conor Linehan on the piano - A peaceful interlude to reflect and unwind.

But here's where it gets interesting: What's your take on the chosen pieces? Do they capture the essence of the season? Are there any hidden gems you'd like to see added to the lineup? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a conversation about the power of words and music to unite and inspire!