Christmas radio is nearly here — and it’s later than normal.
Chicago radio station 93.9 LITE FM will flip the switch to holiday music in the Chicago area Tuesday, but not right away.
The station announced that it will begin broadcasting “around-the-clock holiday music” starting at 3 p.m.
“93.9 LITE FM listeners have joined us each holiday season to celebrate the most magical time of year in Chicago,” Mick Lee, iHeartMedia Chicago’s 93.9 LITE FM program director and afternoon show host, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our 25th year as Chicago’s Christmas station, spreading cheer, unity and warmth all season long.”
The music will “turn on” with a special commercial-free two-hour celebration.
This year’s switch is later than recent years.
Last year, the station began playing holiday tunes on Nov. 1. In 2023, music began on Nov. 2 and in 2022 it kicked off Nov. 1.
The Nov. 4 date is the latest switch since 2020, when 93.9 started playing holiday music non-stop on Nov. 6.
The station has previously played festive music through the end of the year, but no end date was given for this year’s music.