DJ Robert Drake has hosted WXPN’s holiday special, “The Night Before,” for more than 30 years.

Paige Walter/WXPN

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Paige Walter/WXPN

Continue today World CaféWe’d like to introduce you to someone who knows more about Christmas and holiday music than almost anyone in the industry. Every Christmas Eve for 32 years, DJ Robert Drake has hosted a marathon celebration on WXPN in Philadelphia, where we produce World Café.

It says The night beforeand Drake plays from his collection of Christmas songs for 24 hours. When you tune in, don’t expect repeats of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “Last Christmas.” Drake’s collection is full of unique nuggets, some of which haven’t seen the light of day in decades.

Drake gave us an early Christmas present in the form of a playlist to give us a taste of what’s happening The night before. This mix features brand new music from gospel legend CeCe Winans and her new Christmas record, Joyful, Merry: A Christmas Album. There are also tracks with unique perspectives; Alicia Witt’s “Weird Time of Year” is sung from the perspective of Witt’s dog. One of Drake’s favorite Christmas songs, “Tree” by Ilene Weiss is sung from the perspective of a Christmas tree right after the holidays.

We’ve also added one of Ben Folds’ songs from his new Christmas album: Sleigh driver. You can watch our session with Folds here.

Oh, and I wish you happy holidays World Café Team!