Old Time Radio Christmas Shows | Old Time Radio

The Weird Circle – Markheim (Old Time Radio Gothic Drama)

Originally broadcast on The Weird Circle, this chilling adaptation of Markheim brings Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark Christmas tale to life in classic Old Time Radio style.
Set on Christmas Day, the story follows Markheim, a troubled man who commits a desperate crime inside an antique shop—only to encounter a mysterious and unsettling presence that forces him to confront his own conscience. What unfolds is a tense psychological drama exploring guilt, free will, redemption, and the thin line between good and evil.
With moody narration, stark dialogue, and an atmosphere thick with dread, Markheim stands as one of the most haunting Christmas-themed radio dramas ever produced. It replaces holiday cheer with moral reckoning, making it a perfect listen for fans of gothic literature, supernatural suspense, and darker seasonal storytelling.
🎄 A Christmas story where judgment arrives not with bells—but with truth.

Suspense – Back for Christmas (December 23, 1943)

Originally broadcast on December twenty-third, nineteen forty-three, this chilling Christmas-season episode of Suspense delivers a dark and unforgettable holiday tale with a sinister twist.
Back for Christmas tells the story of a man whose return home for the holidays is anything but joyful. Beneath the surface of festive cheer lies deception, greed, and a carefully hidden crime—one that may not stay buried for long. As the tension builds, the story unfolds with the trademark slow-burn dread and psychological unease that made Suspense one of the most acclaimed radio series of the Golden Age.
Perfectly timed for the Christmas season, this episode contrasts warmth and goodwill with cold calculation and impending justice. It stands as a classic example of how Old Time Radio could turn even the holidays into a stage for suspense, irony, and moral reckoning.
🎄 A Christmas story where goodwill gives way to guilt—and the past always finds its way home.

Quiet, Please – Berlin, 1945 (December 26, 1948)

Originally broadcast on December twenty-six, nineteen forty-eight, this haunting Christmas-season episode of Quiet, Please delivers one of the most somber and unforgettable stories of the Golden Age of Radio.
Berlin, Nineteen Forty-Five is set amid the ruins of postwar Germany, where the echoes of conflict still linger in shattered streets and broken lives. Through stark narration and restrained dialogue, the episode explores memory, guilt, and the lingering presence of those lost to war. Rather than offering celebration, this Christmas broadcast confronts the emotional aftermath of global devastation—reminding listeners that peace carries its own heavy silence.
Known for its minimalist style and psychological depth, Quiet, Please uses subtle sound design and quiet pauses to amplify the story’s impact. This episode stands as a powerful contrast to traditional holiday programming, offering a reflective and deeply human meditation on survival, loss, and the cost of history.
🎄 A rare and sobering Christmas-themed broadcast that proves the most powerful stories are sometimes told in whispers.

The Whistler – Christmas Gift (December 23, 1951)

Originally broadcast on December twenty-third, nineteen fifty-one, this chilling holiday episode of The Whistler delivers a dark and unforgettable Christmas tale from the Golden Age of Radio.
Christmas Gift twists the warmth of the holiday season into something far more unsettling. As the Whistler’s ominous narration guides the listener, what begins as an act of generosity slowly reveals hidden motives, buried guilt, and the dangerous consequences of secrets long ignored. In classic Whistler fashion, fate tightens its grip as the true cost of a seemingly innocent gift comes into focus.
Blending psychological suspense with moral irony, this episode stands as one of the most memorable Christmas-themed stories in Old Time Radio—proving that even during the season of goodwill, shadows can linger close to the tree.
🎄 A haunting holiday mystery where every gift carries a price.

The Shadow – The Stockings Were Hung (December 24, 1939)

Originally broadcast on December twenty-fourth, nineteen thirty-nine, this chilling Christmas Eve episode of The Shadow blends holiday tradition with dark suspense.
As stockings are hung and the city prepares for Christmas morning, a sinister plot unfolds in the shadows. While the season is meant for goodwill and cheer, The Shadow moves silently through the night to stop a crime that threatens innocent lives. With his unmistakable laugh and mastery of invisibility, he proves that even on Christmas Eve, evil never rests—and justice must remain vigilant.
This episode stands as one of the most memorable Christmas-themed broadcasts of the Golden Age of Radio, combining noir atmosphere, moral tension, and festive irony. A perfect example of how Old Time Radio transformed holiday programming into gripping drama, The Stockings Were Hung remains a classic for listeners who enjoy their Christmas stories with a darker edge.
🎄 A haunting reminder that the light of Christmas shines brightest against the deepest shadows.

The Lone Ranger – A Present for Janey (December 25, 1944)

Originally broadcast on December twenty-fifth, nineteen forty-four, this Christmas-themed episode of The Lone Ranger delivers a heartfelt holiday story set against the backdrop of the American frontier.
In A Present for Janey, the Lone Ranger and Tonto become quietly involved in a small but meaningful Christmas mission centered on a young girl named Janey. What begins as a simple act of kindness soon reveals deeper themes of generosity, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas—where hope matters more than material gifts.
Blending Western adventure with seasonal warmth, this episode stands out as one of the most memorable Christmas broadcasts in Old Time Radio history. It captures the enduring moral code of the Lone Ranger: that justice, kindness, and selflessness are gifts that never lose their value.
🎄 A classic Old Time Radio Christmas episode that reminds listeners why the Lone Ranger became a symbol of honor for generations.

Suspense – Out for Christmas (December 21, 1958)

Originally broadcast on December twenty-first, nineteen fifty-eight, this chilling holiday episode of Suspense twists the spirit of Christmas into something far darker.
Out for Christmas follows a ruthless criminal whose holiday plans are driven not by goodwill, but by revenge. As Christmas Eve approaches, greed, desperation, and fate collide, leading to an unforgettable conclusion that proves justice can arrive when least expected—even wrapped in tinsel and snow.
Blending seasonal atmosphere with psychological tension, this episode stands as one of the most memorable Christmas-themed thrillers from the Golden Age of Radio. It captures the signature Suspense style: sharp writing, mounting dread, and a moral reckoning that lingers long after the final line.
🎄 A holiday tale where mercy is scarce, suspense is relentless, and Christmas comes with consequences.

Lights Out – Uninhabited (A Christmas Story) (December 22, 1937)

First broadcast on December twenty-second, nineteen thirty-seven, this chilling Christmas-season episode of Lights Out delivers one of the most unsettling holiday tales ever aired during the Golden Age of Radio.
Uninhabited follows a group of travelers who encounter an isolated, seemingly abandoned house on Christmas Eve. What begins as a search for shelter quickly turns into a slow-burn nightmare, as strange sounds, unseen presences, and an overwhelming sense of dread reveal that the house may not be as empty as it appears.
Written and directed by Arch Oboler, this episode subverts traditional Christmas themes, replacing warmth and cheer with psychological terror and mounting suspense. Sparse dialogue, eerie sound design, and oppressive silence combine to create an atmosphere that lingers long after the final moments.
🎄 A dark holiday classic that proves Christmas stories were not always meant to be comforting—and that fear can be just as timeless as joy.

Lux Radio Theatre – It’s a Wonderful Life (March Tenth, Nineteen Forty-Seven)

Originally broadcast on Lux Radio Theatre on March tenth, nineteen forty-seven, this special radio adaptation brings the timeless Christmas story It’s a Wonderful Life to life in classic Golden Age radio form.
Based on the beloved film, the story follows George Bailey, a man overwhelmed by hardship who is shown how profoundly his life has touched others. Through the guidance of a mysterious guardian angel, George is given a glimpse into a world that would have existed had he never been born—revealing the quiet power of kindness, sacrifice, and community.
Presented with elegant narration, dramatic performances, and period-authentic sound design, this broadcast captures the warmth and emotional depth that made It’s a Wonderful Life a holiday classic. A perfect addition to any Old Time Radio Christmas collection, ideal for nostalgic listening during the holiday season.
🎄 A heartfelt reminder that no life is insignificant—and that even the smallest acts can change the world.

The Campbell Playhouse – “A Christmas Carol” (Radio Drama, 1938)

Originally broadcast on December twenty-third, nineteen thirty-eight, The Campbell Playhouse presents a faithful radio adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol.”
This special holiday broadcast starred Orson Welles as Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing dramatic weight and emotional depth to Dickens’ story of redemption, generosity, and the transformative power of compassion. With rich narration, atmospheric sound design, and a full radio cast, this performance exemplifies the golden age of American radio drama.
Aired during the height of The Campbell Playhouse’s popularity, this episode remains one of the most celebrated radio adaptations of A Christmas Carol, capturing the spirit of the season while showcasing the theatrical excellence that defined late nineteen thirties radio.
🎧 Fully restored and presented from the public domain.