Mariah Joins Chicago Radio Station To Announce Christmas Music Return

CHICAGO — Hurry up and eat the Halloween candy, it's time to be thinking about Christmas. That's what Mariah Carey and Chicago radio station, 93.9 LITE FM, believe anyway. Carey, the five-time Grammy winner, was a guest on "Melissa Forman in the Morning" Wednesday to announce when the station will switch to Christmas music around-the-clock for the 24th-straight year.

The official time for the switch on 93.9 LITE FM is set for 3 p.m. Friday, starting with a two-hour commercial-free block. The flip to holiday tunes comes one day earlier from last year. The radio station, owned by iHeartMedia, usually plays soft, contemporary adult music. It typically switches to only Christmas music from November through Dec. 26.

Carey called into the show to discuss the holidays, among other things, including an upcoming stop in the area next month. Carey will play her Christmas show on Nov. 27 at the Allstate Arena. The legendary singer has become synonymous with the holiday since the success of her hit song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," which debuted in 1994.

"Well, it's really kind of difficult to pick the songs because we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of my Christmas album, the first one," Carey said regarding the song list for the holiday tour. "And then, you know, I'm also doing some songs that have been successful for me."

While 93.9 Lite FM didn't announce what song it will play first Friday, here are some from recent years:

• 2023 — "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" Jackson 5
• 2022 — "Holly Jolly Christmas" Burl Ives
• 2021 — "All I Want For Christmas" Mariah Carey
• 2020 — "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" Andy Williams
• 2019 — "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" Brenda Lee
• 2018 — "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" Andy Williams