VERMONT PUBLIC TELEVISION PROGRAM

HIGHLIGHTS FOR

DEC. 20-26

Vermont Public Television’s schedule sparkles with holiday and family programming, as well as the return of some classic dramas.

Dec. 20: Sunday at 9 p.m.,

Masterpiece Classic” brings back “Cranford,” a favorite of Vermont Public Television. Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton star in this story of a sleepy English village where adventures ensue. There are new episodes coming in January.

Dec. 21: Monday at 7:30 p.m. on “Profile,” Fran Stoddard interviews Ray Vega, a musical innovator on the New York jazz and Latin music scenes who also teaches at the University of Vermont.

At 8 p.m., “Antiques Roadshow” presents a special edition called “Big & Little,” with stories of tiny treasures and outsize objects brought in over the years.

At 9 p.m., “Great Performances” encores the San Francisco Ballet’s 2008 production of

The Nutcracker,” starring the dazzling Maria Kochetkova.

Dec. 22: Tuesday at 8 p.m.,

Nova: The Last Great Ape” tells the emotional story of the Congo’s amazing bonobos.

At 9 p.m., “Frontline” concludes “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians.” This episode tells the story of the rise of Christianity, tracing the development and impact of the Gospels.

Dec. 23: Wednesday at 8 p.m.,

Michael McDonald: This Christmas” blends the singer’s signature hits with yuletide favorites.

At 9 p.m., “Great Performances” presents the 2008 film adaptation of Puccini’s “La Boheme,” with an operatic

dream couple.” Soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Rolando Villazon are the doomed lovers.

Dec. 24: Thursday at 8 p.m., VPT brings back a classic

Nature” episode, “Christmas at Yellowstone.” As snow falls and lights glow in Jackson Hole, a holiday season of a different sort challenges the wolves and coyotes, bear and bison just beyond the town.

At 9 p.m., “Faith Hill: Joy to the World” features the singer in favorites from her holiday album.

Dec. 25: Friday’s schedule is packed with holiday fare, starting with “Arthur” and “Curious George” at 7 and 8 a.m. At noon, “L.A. Holiday Celebration,” assembles a diverse group of performers like klezmer, church choirs, taiko and Celtic acts. It will re-air at 5 p.m.

At 2 p.m., “Christmas at Belmont” treats viewers to carols and classical masterworks with an alumna of the college, Trisha Yearwood, as host.

At 4 p.m., “Christmas at Luther” celebrates the wonder and joy of the season with the robed choristers of Luther College.

At 7:30 p.m., in a special repeat edition of Vermont This Week, Stewart Ledbetter and Vermont lobbyists discuss the upcoming legislative session and the 2010 election.

At 9 p.m., “Masterpiece Classic” presents its 2007 adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.” Part two of the two-parter begins at 10:30 p.m.

Dec. 26: Saturday at 10 p.m.,

Austin City Limits” presents Canadian indie rockers Arcade Fire, performing songs from their album “The Neon Bible.”

At 11 p.m., Shawn Colvin, John Hiatt and Jessi Colter come to “Legends & Lyrics.”

At midnight, “Sierra Center Stage” presents the Brubeck Brothers with Dave Brubeck.