By Michael Lynch
MATV Executive Director
We’re running a special holiday programming schedule starting Thursday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Dec. 27. Check out our program guide below for showtimes.

Please also note that the MATV studio will be closing at 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, for the Christmas holiday. The studio will reopen for normal business hours beginning Tuesday, Jan. 2. The studio will be open with limited hours during the week of December 26-29. Please call us at 617-698-0814 or email info@miltonaccesstv.org before visiting to make sure a staff member is present.
Here are descriptions of some of our holiday programs:
Students recently put their wide-ranging musical talents on display in a series of seasonal concerts that were captured by MATV cameras, including the Pierce Middle School 6th and 7th Grade Fall Concert, their 8th Grade Fall Concert, and the MHS Winter Concert.
Christmas has an interesting and often surprising history, and the story of the holiday in New England is far from what you might expect — it was even all but outlawed at one time. Join Historical New England’s Ken Turino as he explores the fascinating backstory of this major holiday, in the first installment of a new lecture series from Milton’s Eustis Estate.
There’s still time put together an elegant but simple holiday centerpiece from greenery your can find in your backyard, and MATV has your step-by-step guide. Christine Paxhia shows you all the tips and tricks to this craft on a new episode of “The Milton Garden Path,” with a few different approaches for you to learn.
Wintertime movies and TV shows go under the microscope on a new installment of “Reel Talk” with Eileen Maher. To round things out, Sia’s new Christmas album also gets a full review.
On “Super Tuesday,” host Ron Bell is talking with Larry Ellison of the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers about a holiday season initiative that starts as a toy and clothing drive but becomes a way to link those in need with important services such as job search and training, family support and more.
The Milton Rotary Club recently held its annual Memorial Tree Lighting ceremony at the Town Hall gazebo, remembering the names of loved ones and honoring their memory. Santa also made a special pre-Christmas appearance, with an escort from the Milton Fire Department.
As families have gathered ‘round through the years to listen to classic holiday tales, join Jeff Stoodt on the December installment of “You’ve Got To Have Art,” as the host shares a Christmas story that brings out the true spirit of the season.
The annual “Great American Songbook Christmas Special” is back again, with Jeff Stoodt & Co. singing holiday classics that go perfect with a cup of hot cocoa and a seat by the fire. Mixed in with standards like “O Holy Night” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” are wintertime stories and poems, as well as a few songs that might be new to you.
As has become an annual holiday tradition, the Milton High School Chorus hopped on the bus and put on a Holiday Concert at Fuller Village, sponsored by the Rotary Club. These talented singers always have some fun tricks up their sleeves with new takes on the old classics.
The Very Merry Dickens Carolers recently dropped by the Milton Public Library to spread cheer and holiday spirit. Stories behind the songs, merry banter and period costumes add to the atmosphere, while this quartet sings all the favorites.
Another holiday tradition in town, Caroling on the Common at the First Congregational Church featured both the MHS Holiday Choir and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee Cabaret in this performance that brings an element of theatricality to familiar and popular Christmas music.
The December installment of the Milton Art Center’s Open Mic features many of the usual suspects playing holiday tunes you may not be used to hearing from them.
The Quincy Choral Society, featuring many Milton residents, recently held its annual holiday concert at St. Mary of the Hills School. This esteemed group of musicians offers a refined catalogue of seasonal songs that goes beyond the familiar carols.
The Fuller Chorus recently held its annual Holiday Concert, replete with Christmas and Hanukkah classics, and even a few sing-a-longs. This resident-only chorus’ repertoire also includes a few less familiar songs to keep things fresh.
You can also view all of the above programs once they start running on our Video OnDemand page by clicking here.