Cleveland's Star 102 Flips to All Christmas Music

The Holiday Season Begins: Star 102's Annual Christmas Music Tradition

For Cleveland residents, the official start of the holiday season isn't marked by the first snowfall or holiday decorations—it's when Star 102 flips the switch to all Christmas music. This year, the beloved station, officially known as WDOK-FM, launched its 24/7 Christmas programming on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7 a.m.

The much-anticipated flip occurred live during the station's popular Jen and Tim Show, with co-host Jen Toohey declaring, "This is the best time of year at Star 102." The inaugural song setting the festive tone was none other than Burl Ives' classic "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas," instantly transporting listeners into a winter wonderland.

For three decades, Star 102 has proudly held the title of "Cleveland's ORIGINAL Christmas Station," making this year's tradition particularly special. The station has cultivated a loyal following by curating a mix of timeless classics and contemporary holiday favorites that resonate with all generations.

"Get ready to sing, dance, and jingle all the way — Cleveland's Christmas Station is here to make your holidays merry and bright!" - Star 102 Social Media Announcement

How to Tune In: Beyond the Radio Dial

While flipping through radio stations remains a beloved tradition, Star 102 ensures accessibility for all. Listeners can stream the holiday cheer live online, making it easy to enjoy the festive soundtrack whether at home, work, or on the go. The station also integrates with local news updates, providing continuous "Power of 5 Forecast" reports to keep listeners informed about weather conditions during their holiday planning.

This year's launch had an extra touch of community spirit, with News 5's Mike Holden joining the Jen and Tim Show to help kick off the festive takeover. The collaboration highlights how local media unites to spread holiday joy across Northeast Ohio.

The Science Behind Christmas Music

Research suggests that holiday music triggers nostalgic emotions and releases dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" chemical. Star 102's carefully curated playlist—spanning from Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" to modern hits like Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You"—creates an auditory comfort blanket that enhances the seasonal experience. For many, these songs become inseparable from childhood memories and family traditions.

Though some debate the "earliest acceptable" date for holiday music, Star 102's listeners eagerly anticipate the November flip. The station's commitment to playing only Christmas music until December 26th has become a cherished ritual that signals the community's collective shift toward celebration and reflection.

What's Next for Cleveland's Holiday Soundtrack?

As Cleveland embraces Star 102's festive takeover, listeners can expect themed segments, listener-requested marathons, and possibly surprise guest appearances from local artists. The station remains the go-to source for holiday inspiration, whether you're baking cookies, decorating the tree, or stuck in traffic with snow-covered streets outside.

For those new to the tradition, now is the perfect time to join Cleveland's longest-running Christmas music celebration. As the first snowflakes begin to fall and the city lights twinkle brighter, Star 102 ensures the soundtrack lives up to the magic of the season.