When we sit around on Christmas and open presents together, we always like to have Christmas music playing. When we lived in New York, on Christmas morning, it was a guarantee that Channel 11, WPIX, would be on our television. The Hallmark Channel and eventually a million YouTube channels added their own yule log and music, but it just wasn't the same.
The WPIX Yule Log is a beloved New York City holiday tradition that began on December 24, 1966, when the local television station WPIX-TV decided to broadcast a simple, looping film of a crackling fireplace to evoke the warmth of a traditional yule log without the mess. Filmed in Gracie Mansion (the Mayor of New York City's residence) using real 16mm footage of burning logs (complete with authentic sparks, pops, and glowing embers) the original three-hour broadcast aired continuously from 9:30 p.m. until after midnight, accompanied by a curated soundtrack of classic Christmas carols like "Silent Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful."
Conceived as a gift to viewers in apartments without fireplaces, it quickly became an annual staple, running every Christmas Eve until 1999, when format changes and rising production costs led to its temporary cancellation, leaving a void in many households' festive routines.
The Yule Log was triumphantly revived in 2002 amid public demand and nostalgia, now available in high definition with an extended four-hour loop and an updated playlist featuring artists such as Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. Broadcast on WPIX (Channel 11) and streamed online, it has expanded to include internet spin-offs like the "Happy Holidays" version with Hanukkah and Kwanzaa music, while preserving its core simplicity, without commercials or narration.
For generations of New Yorkers and beyond, it remains a cozy, low-tech antidote to holiday hustle, symbolizing comfort and continuity in an ever-changing media landscape.
Please browse the list of all of my Christmas articles from the past 5+ years, as you enjoy the glow of the fire and the wonderful music thanks to the WPIX Yule Log.
Merry Christmas, everyone!!
You've given me the biggest gift of all, and that's reading my work. It means quite a lot to me, and when I see the number of people that flow through this little passion project of mine, I'm astounded.
So... a very humble thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you in 2026!
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