Kids and their families all around Wisconsin should tune in at noon on Christmas Eve to talk to Santa Claus live, as he makes his annual trip to “The Larry Meiller Show.” Kids can call 800-642-1234 during the show and speak to Santa on the air. Larry and the show’s team will also relay email messages sent to talk@wpr.org with “Santa” in the subject line.
Despite his full schedule in December, Santa Claus finds time each year to talk with kids live on WPR. It’s a decades-long tradition for Larry, who first welcomed Santa to his weekday program over 30 years ago.
“We were so happy when Santa agreed to come on the show, listen to kids, and answer their questions,” Larry says. “Ever since, I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas Eve. After all, there’s no better expert on the magic of Christmastime than Santa.”
Larry remembers there were some literal bumps the first time Santa flew to WPR’s statewide broadcast studios. “It was very snowy and the sleigh almost took out a satellite dish! But Santa said that he knew Rudolph’s nose would guide them all to a safe landing.”
Santa has returned each year since to join Larry in the studio and hear from kids around Wisconsin. In recent years, one of his elves, Jingle, has also been on the program to share in the excitement of the season
Jill Nadeau, executive producer of “The Larry Meiller Show,” says the whole team is ready to field calls for Santa. “It’s such a treat to hear from the kids who call in, and you can hear how happy Santa and Larry are to talk with them. Their long history together makes the show even brighter.”
Larry says Santa is his favorite guest of the year, and that it’s a privilege to listen to him when he talks with the kids who call in. “You can hear how much Santa cares, and how much it means to him to talk with them. He has such a huge heart for all kids, and I’m honored he takes the time each year to share it on our program.”
For everyone seeking to believe in some magic, goodwill, and joy this holiday season, tune into Santa Claus and Larry on Tuesday, Dec. 24 from noon-1 p.m. Before Santa’s arrives at noon, the 11 a.m.- noon hour on Christmas Eve will feature a discussion of new versions of classic holiday music.
