iHeart Radio just activated 95+ stations with non-stop holiday music, but what ABC and Hulu revealed next will make you binge the special tonight

iHeart Radio transforms into a holiday music powerhouse this December. More than 95 radio stations nationwide are flipping to all-holiday programming, and the electrifying iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 holiday special reaches millions across broadcast television and Hulu streaming platforms. This unprecedented takeover establishes iHeart as the definitive destination for festive entertainment during the most wonderful time of year.

iHeart Radio’s Historic Holiday Music Takeover Reaches 95+ Stations Nationwide

Every holiday season, iHeartMedia executes its signature annual station flip, converting broadcast radio stations across key markets into all-holiday audio channels. This year, the company pushed the phenomenon to unprecedented scale. More than 95 radio stations across the United States switched to continuous Christmas music programming, making iHeart the largest coordinated holiday music network in America.

The initiative begins with classic holiday standards from legends like Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. Listeners simultaneously hear contemporary holiday selections from today’s biggest artists. The programming runs 24 hours daily through Christmas Day, creating an immersive festive experience across every major U.S. market.

Electrifying Jingle Ball 2025 Special Airs on ABC with Star-Studded Lineup

The centerpiece of iHeart’s holiday takeover is the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 television special. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Elvis Duran, the two-hour primetime broadcast aired December 17 at 8:00-10:01 p.m. EST on ABC. The spectacular featured performances from two iconic venues simultaneously: Madison Square Garden in New York City and Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

The performer lineup included Ed Sheeran, Reneé Rapp, Nelly, Alex Warren, Conan Gray, Zara Larsson, The Kid LAROI, Laufey, Jessie Murph, Myles Smith, Sean Paul, Feid, Audrey Hobert, Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, MONSTA X, and Ravyn Lenae. Beyond headline performances, the special showcased exclusive backstage interviews and special celebrity appearances from Robert De Niro, Chelsea Handler, Tiffany Haddish, Eli Manning, Dylan Efron, Taylor Momsen, Melanie C, and Darren Criss.

Hulu Streaming Access Brings Holiday Special to Millions

Hulu holds exclusive streaming rights to the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 special. The platform released the complete television broadcast Thursday, December 18, allowing nationwide audiences to stream the full two-hour holiday spectacular. iHeart partnered with ABC, OBB Pictures, and OBB Media to produce the broadcast-quality special for the second consecutive year.

Comprehensive Holiday Programming Across iHeartRadio App and iHeart Platforms

Beyond the 95 broadcast radio stations, iHeart expanded holiday offerings exponentially through its digital ecosystem. The iHeartRadio app provides access to more than 500 platforms and 2,000 devices featuring exclusive holiday channels. iHeart Christmas delivers contemporary and classic holiday hits, North Pole Radio offers family-friendly programming hosted by Santa Claus himself, and iHeart Christmas Classics features timeless seasonal standards.

Genre-specific holiday channels include iHeartCountry Christmas, iHeart Christmas Rock, and iHeart Christmas R&B. Listeners can discover the full holiday catalog by searching “iHeart Holiday” in the iHeartRadio application. Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia, emphasized the emotional connection: “Every holiday season, our stations set the tone with beloved festive tunes that span generations. Our Holiday Special resonates deeply because it’s more than just holiday music—it’s a heartfelt celebration where artists share personal stories with fans.”

What Makes iHeart’s Holiday Takeover the Most Anticipated Christmas Tradition?

iHeart’s coordinated holiday music flip has become America’s most anticipated annual Christmas tradition. The scale is unmatched: 95+ broadcast stations simultaneously transitioning to holiday programming creates a unified national experience. The strategy positions iHeartRadio as the central hub for holiday entertainment, music, and cultural moments throughout December.

The combination of broadcast radio dominance, television special, streaming platform reach, and app-based channels creates multiple touchpoints for diverse audiences. Families gather around their local iHeart station, television viewers tune into ABC’s Jingle Ball special, and digital audiences stream via Hulu. This integrated approach demonstrates how traditional radio, broadcast television, and streaming platforms can collectively define the holiday entertainment landscape. iHeartRadio’s 95-station holiday music takeover ultimately transforms December into a shared cultural season where millions celebrate together.

Sources

• iHeartMedia Investor Relations – Official holiday music program announcement and station flip details
• ABC News – iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 special broadcast information and performer lineup
• Billboard/Entertainment Press – Artist performances and celebrity guest appearance confirmations

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.