If you live anywhere near the Tri-State area—think Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, or those quiet corners of Southeast Indiana—you probably know the drill. It’s barely Halloween. The kids haven't even finished sorting their candy. And yet, there it is. Star 93.3 Christmas music is already flowing through the speakers.
For some, it’s a "too soon" moment. For others, it’s a literal lifeline.
In late 2025, specifically on October 31st, WAKW (that’s the official call sign for Star 93.3) made the flip. They became one of the first stations in the entire country to go 100% holiday. This isn't just a gimmick or a way to get people talking. Honestly, there's a pretty deep philosophy behind why they hit the "play" button on Jingle Bells while most of us are still carving pumpkins.
The Mystery of the October 31st Flip
Why the rush? Most radio stations wait until Thanksgiving. Some wait until the first week of December if they're being traditionalists. But Star 93.3 isn't your average Top 40 station. Since they are a listener-supported, Christian Adult Contemporary station, their vibe is "uplifting and encouraging."
Basically, the station management believes the world is stressful. The gap between Halloween and Christmas is often a blur of dark afternoons, colder weather, and the creeping anxiety of year-end deadlines. By launching Star 93.3 Christmas music early, they aim to provide a "peaceful escape." It’s less about selling commercials (they’re a non-profit, anyway) and more about shifting the atmosphere of the city.
I’ve heard people call into the station—real people, not voice-overs—saying that hearing a Michael Bublé track or a Lauren Daigle carol in early November helps them deal with the "seasonal blues." It’s a real thing. When the sun starts setting at 5:00 PM, a little bit of Joy to the World can actually change your mood.
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What’s on the Playlist?
You aren't just getting the same ten songs on repeat. Well, okay, you’ll definitely hear Mariah Carey. You can’t escape her. But the mix on Star 93.3 is unique because it blends "Mainstream AC" (Adult Contemporary) with "Christian AC."
You'll get the heavy hitters:
- Bing Crosby (the classic "White Christmas" vibe)
- Nat King Cole
- Amy Grant (basically the queen of Christian Christmas music)
- For King & Country (their version of "Little Drummer Boy" is legendary in the Tri-State)
- Chris Tomlin
What’s interesting is the balance. You might hear A Holly Jolly Christmas followed immediately by a deeply worshipful version of O Holy Night. It’s a 60/40 split roughly, leaning into those familiar secular classics while keeping the "reason for the season" front and center.
Beyond the Radio: The Christmas Wish Tradition
One thing most people get wrong about this station is thinking it's just a music box. It’s actually a community hub. Every year, they run a program called Christmas Wish.
This is where the station gets real. People nominate neighbors, friends, or even strangers who are going through a rough patch. Maybe a family lost their job, or a kid needs medical equipment, or a single mom just needs a break. The station uses its platform to fulfill these "wishes."
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I remember a story from 2023 where they helped a grandmother afford travel costs to see her first grandchild’s birth. In 2025, they were doing the same thing—linking listeners who have a little extra to those who have a lot of need. When you hear Star 93.3 Christmas music, it’s often punctuated by these stories. It makes the music feel less like background noise and more like a soundtrack to something bigger.
How to Listen (Because the Signal Isn't Perfect Everywhere)
Look, WAKW has a 50,000-watt signal. That’s beefy. It covers Cincinnati well, but if you’re driving toward Dayton or deep into the hills of Kentucky, it can get a little fuzzy.
Luckily, we aren't living in 1995. You've got options:
- The Mobile App: They have a dedicated "STAR 93.3" app on the App Store and Google Play. It’s actually pretty highly rated (around a 4.9).
- Smart Speakers: You can just tell Alexa to "Open Star Ninety Three Three." It’s a lifesaver when you’re baking cookies and your hands are covered in flour.
- Online Streaming: Their website (https://www.google.com/search?q=star933.com) has a live player that’s surprisingly stable.
One "expert" tip: if you’re using the app, check out the "Prayer Wall" feature. It’s a bit unusual for a music app, but it’s where listeners post things they’re struggling with, and others can click a button to say they’re praying for them. It’s a very "Cincinnati" thing—kind of quiet, supportive, and community-focused.
Is It "Too Early"? The Great Debate
Every year, the comments sections on local news sites go wild when Star 93.3 flips. People get genuinely upset. "Let us have our turkey first!" they scream into the digital void.
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But the data tells a different story. Stations that switch to all-Christmas music early almost always see a massive spike in ratings. People say they hate it, but their car dials say otherwise. There’s a psychological comfort in the familiarity of holiday tunes.
Honestly, the station knows they aren't for everyone in October. They’re fine with that. They’re targeting the person who is stressed out at work and needs a reminder that "all is calm." If you’re a Grinch until December 24th, there are plenty of other stations playing the 80s, 90s, and today.
Why Star 93.3 Matters in 2026
We're living in a time where everything feels fragmented. Everyone has their own Spotify playlist and their own private world. Star 93.3 is one of the few remaining "communal hearths" in the region.
When you’re driving down I-71 and you see the Cincinnati skyline lit up, and Silent Night comes on the radio, you realize thousands of other people in the cars around you are hearing the exact same thing. It creates a sense of shared experience that's getting harder to find.
Whether you're a devout believer or just someone who likes the way Andy Williams sounds, Star 93.3 Christmas music has become a local institution. It’s as much a part of a Cincinnati Christmas as the Krohn Conservatory floral show or the lights at the Zoo.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to make the most of the season with Star 93.3, here is what you can actually do:
- Download the app early: Don't wait until you're in a dead zone in the middle of a road trip. Get it set up and linked to your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Nominate someone for a Christmas Wish: Keep your ears open for friends or coworkers who are struggling. The nomination period usually peaks in late November and early December.
- Check the Event Directory: The station’s website keeps a curated list of local "Bright Lights" and holiday walks. It's often more accurate than generic event sites because it's updated by locals.
- Sync your smart home: If you have an Alexa or Google Home, set a routine to play Star 93.3 at a specific time (like when you get home from work) to instantly reset your mood.