Who Started the Fire: The Origins of the Yule Log Channel

Each holiday season, the comforting glow of the Yule Log Channel experiences a joyful resurgence in viewership, warming hearts and homes. Though the Yule Log quietly burns year-round, it truly comes alive during the festive season. This cherished tradition first flickered to life on December 24, 1966, when New York City’s WPIX (channel 11) aired a six-minute loop of a crackling Yule log burning in a cozy fireplace. The simple yet magical imagery was accompanied by holiday music and stretched across several hours, bringing the spirit of the season to countless households.

From 1966 to 1989, the Yule Log became a beloved part of the holidays. Though WPIX canceled it in 1990, a devoted fan campaign reignited the flame, and the broadcast was revived in 2001. Today, the Yule Log continues to thrive, blending nostalgia with modern streaming convenience, providing an endless array of cozy options for all tastes.

The tradition of the Yule log is deeply rooted in ancient pagan rituals celebrating the winter solstice. Communities would gather to burn logs adorned with holly, pine cones, and dried fruits, symbolically cleansing the air and inviting the renewal of spring. This timeless tradition carries forward into the digital age, where the flickering flames now appear on screens, kindling the same sense of warmth and togetherness.

For those looking to embrace the glow of a virtual fireplace, here are some delightful Yule Log options:

• Netflix: Offers a variety of Yule logs, including Fireplace for Your Home with three 60-minute fireplaces and themed options like The Witcher and Bridgerton.
• Prime Video: Features a classic Christmas fireplace and a Yule log, each running for two hours with a brief opening ad.
• Apple TV: Showcases the quirky Adult Swim Yule Log.
• Tubi: Offers Christmas Moods by the Fireplace.
• Peacock: Adds a twist with the Chucky Yule Log.
• Hulu: Includes Happiest Season: Holiday Yule Log.
• Roku: Features Holiday Yule Log Fireplace, available for free with ads.
• YouTube: Brims with endless options, from traditional and musical logs to comical and heartwarming scenes.

Whether you prefer the nostalgia of a classic log or the whimsy of a themed fireplace, the Yule Log brings the essence of holiday warmth to every corner of your home.