WBBZ holiday programming has 'Yule Log,' midnight mass, Chapel at Crosspoint Christmas special

Phil Arno, owner of WBBZ-TV, is offering a schedule of entertaining and inspirational holiday programming.

"As Western New York's hometown television station, we want to extend a holiday gift to viewers with something unique, in keeping with the spirit of the classic television we air," he said.

"The Yule Log" - a video image of a roaring fireplace with Christmas music - will air Monday, Dec. 24, from 8 until 11 p.m., Then, from 1 until 8 a.m., and again from 9 a.m. Until 1 p.m.

WBBZ-TV General Manager Bob Koshinski said the "Yule Log" presentation originally aired on WPIX-TV in New York in the 1960s as a gift to city residents who lived in homes and apartments without fireplaces. It also provided an opportunity for station staff to be able to spend time with their families.

"The Yule Log" on WBBZ-TV is sponsored by Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More.

"Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Midnight Mass," produced by Daybreak Productions and the Diocese of Buffalo, will air with a special message from newly appointed Bishop Richard Malone on Christmas Eve at midnight and again Christmas morning at 8 a.m.

"The Chapel Presents: America's Got Christmas," a musical and spiritual celebration produced by The Chapel at Crosspoint in Getzville, will air Christmas Eve at 11 p.m.

"The Fred Jackson Show" airs Christmas Eve at 6:30 p.m.; and on Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 9:30 a.m. The popular Bills running back introduces viewers to his family in Hamburg.

"The Fred Jackson Show" is sponsored by Sahlem's Roofing and Siding.

"Sports Rap Up" with Bob Koshinski" airs Dec. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 26 at 9 a.m. Koshinski looks back at special interviews with former Buffalo Bills GM Bill Polian and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly.

"Off Beat Cinema" presents the 1935 version of "Scrooge," starring Sir Seymour Hicks, on Saturday Dec. 23, at midnight. The show features actor John Smeathers, who played Scrooge at the Alleyway Theater.

WBBZ-TV can be seen throughout Western New York over-the-air on digital Channel 67.1; Channel 5 Verizon FiOS (HD 505); Channel 5 Dish; Channel 67 DirecTV; and these Time Warner Cable channels:

• Buffalo/Niagara Falls metro area, Channel 5 (HD 710)

• Batavia/Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans counties, Channel 71 (HD 1014)

• Parts of Erie and Niagara counties, Channel 71 (HD 1014)
• Dunkirk, Channel 99 (HD 710)
• Olean, Channel 21 (HD 710)
• Fredonia-Jamestown, Channel 71 (HD 718)
• Alfred-Angelica-Avoca-Bath-Bolivar-Friendship-Hornell, Channel 71 (HD 740)