Champaign, Illinois, U.S.A. – There are various ways to listen to holiday songs: the radio, Spotify, the TV, or your favorite music app.
Listen to the author read this story:
How about calling a phone number to hear individuals sing a live carol of your choosing?
Each December, a magical holiday tradition occurs in the Snyder Residence Hall at the University of Illinois: Dial-A-Carol.
During the final exam week (mid-December) on campus, student volunteers run a 24/7 carol song hotline where individuals from around the world call in, request a holiday song, and students sing it live.
From popular songs, religious hymns, and even obscure Christmas songs, Dial-A-Carol phone volunteers sing them all.
Simply call the Dial-A-Carol hotline, say where you are calling from, and request a Christmas song.
Yes, real student volunteers are truly on call 24 hours a day for seven days throughout the university finals week to take your call.
Since the 1960s, Dial-A-Carol has had callers from around the world. Within the first 24 hours of opening, every U.S. state has had a caller request a carol.
In 2024, 11,100 calls were completed with 50 U.S. states and 70 countries represented.
Each of these calls was individually personalized to the caller with their Christmas song of choice.
The University of Illinois’ Dial-A-Carol has been featured on the “Jimmy Kimmel Show,” USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune.
Katelyn Lee, a first time Dial-A-Carol volunteer, said that participating was the highlight of her semester.
“It was so fun laughing and figuring out the carols people want to sing. It is such a good way to spend finals week and I felt relaxed for my final exams,” said Lee.
“My favorite group that called was American Airlines,” Lee added. “Also, an 8th grade choir class that sang for me after I sang for them.”
“I learned new songs like ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer’ because I did not know it before and so many people requested it to hear us laugh while singing” Lee said.
There is no better way to spread holiday cheer than through music, smiles, and some jingle bells.
Fatima Naveed, another first time Dial-A-Caroler, was “shocked to show up to Dial-A-Carol to see a bunch of people sitting alone or with friends singing songs to strangers.”
“I couldn’t have imagined doing it without friends,” Naveed said. “I see how kids, students, and grandparents liked calling in, including my family, and spreading joy.”
As a free event, student volunteers and callers participate for the tradition, holiday joy, and pure fun. From news broadcasts, radio stations, celebrities, and just kind callers, you never know who may be on the other end of the call.
Dial-A-Carol is always in need of more callers and international participants. To join the fun next December, call +1(217) 332-1882 to request your favorite Christmas song.
Norah Springborn is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International. She knows a lot of Christmas songs.
