93.9 Lite FM

Ready or not, here comes Christmas: At 4:05 p.m. Thursday, holiday music will begin airing around the clock on WLIT 93.9-FM, the iHeartMedia adult contemporary station.

Edison the Reindeer will return as mascot of “Chicago’s Christmas Music Station” to kick off the format in the studio with Lite FM personalities Melissa Forman, Robin Rock and Mick Lee. The sounds of the season will air through the end of the year.

“93.9 Lite FM is ready to get Chicagoans in the holiday spirit,” Matt Scarano, president of iHeartMedia Chicago, said in a statement. “93.9 Lite FM’s non-stop Christmas music is the perfect opportunity to escape life’s challenges and celebrate the joy of the season.”

Last year the switch to Christmas music came on November 7. The earliest it has happened was November 2 in 2006 and 2007.

In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, Lite FM tied for ninth place among all Chicago radio stations. But if history holds, ratings should skyrocket to the top during the holiday period.

Lee, who doubles as program director and afternoon personality at Lite FM, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be Chicago’s home for holiday music and this year, listeners will find amazing contests and a few new surprises along with the Yuletide cheer we bring to Chicagoland every year.”