Here at Team GDW, it is so easy to became overwhelmed by the annual blitz of holiday tunes that start falling into the email inbox from early November onwards. We are always happy to share a few of these selections with our final Snappy Singles feature for this year – but no sooner had the choices been made for that article, the arrival of many, many more tunes brought with it our own sense of festive fever.
With so many choices, and so little time to write in-depth about them all, we’re going to shake up the inbox and pour out a generous serving of TWENTY holiday hits, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. Consider this your own Holiday Hits Jukebox – we’ll even alphabetize this random selection by artist/band name for you AND provide a Spotify playlist for your listening pleasures during your daily ‘eggnog’ break…
Alex Exists, “Never Christmas Without You”
For emerging Toronto artist Alex Exists, the arrival of Christmas brings with it many bad memories – and offers this tune for those who may feel a little lonely during this holiday season.
Alex Whorms, “Christmas Morning”
I’m always a sucker for a fine piano ballad, and Hamilton, ON singer-songwriter Alex Whorms delivers this stunning original holiday tune, co-produced by our good pal Mark Lalama (Dizzy & Fay).
Bet Smith & The Currie Brothers, “That Christmas Train”
Our good friends from Gravenhurst, ON return with a classic-country kinda festive treat – focusing on holiday traditions that include potatoes, pie, grandparents, trains, and sleigh rides.
Bryan Adams, “Let’s Get Christmas Going”
Yes – even this Vancouver, BC ‘household name’ has jumped onto the holiday music bandwagon for 2022, releasing this fun ditty about every kid’s favorite time of the year.
Cassie & Maggie, “Vixen”
Nova-Scotian siblings Cassie & Maggie share this trad-folk number from their new holiday-themed album – this choice focusing on Santa’s smoooooothest reindeer (not the red nosed fella).
Christina Martin, “Reason To Celebrate”
For Nova-Scotia singer-songwriter Christina Martin, this single touches on the complicated feelings or holiday-themed memories (for some) that start creeping to the forefront at this time of year.
David Myles, “Silver Bells”
Popular Nova-Scotia-based crooner David Myles teams with Joshua Van Tassel, Dean Drouillard, Breagh Isabel, Leith Fleming-Smith, and Asa Brosius for a pedal-steel filled cover of a true jazz classic.
Emi Jeen, “All Together For Christmas”
Montreal-based alt-pop artist Emi Jeen is a self-professed huge fan of Christmas, but also confesses that it took two years to finally create her own original holiday tune. This was definitely worth the wait.
Jerry Leger, “Father Christmas”
Yes, I know that we featured Toronto’s Jerry Leger earlier this week, but as a long-time fan of ‘British Invasion’ greats, The Kinks, there was simply no way I could not share this great Ray Davies cover.
Logan Richard, “It Could Be Christmas”
Where’s the holiday music from PEI, I hear you ask? We have you covered, fear not, as Logan Richard shares this original tune that reminds him of Christmas Eve memories curled up by the fireplace.
Madison Violet, “Behind The Christmas Lights”
Folk-roots duo Madison Violet spread an important message focusing on acceptance and love for all who find themselves having to hide their true authentic self when going home for the holidays.
Maggie’s Wake, “Christmas Is Coming (For You)”
Born from the ashes of Celtic fusion group Rant Maggie Rant, Maggie’s Wake are a London, ON-based collective of talented local artists (including our good pal Lindsay Schindler) – check them out!
Nikki Yanofsky, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Acclaimed Montreal, QC jazz artist Nikki Yanofsky not only covers a holiday gem, she recorded the song to tape on an old ribbon mic, and photographed the cover on old film for a true retro experience.
Shannon Butcher, “You’re Getting Nothing For Christmas (But My Love)”
Toronto jazz artist Shannon Butcher mixes vintage and modern sounds with this new composition, accompanied by great musicianship and featuring special guest trumpeter John MacLeod.
Stars, “Christmas Anyway”
Before embarking on a Christmas tour, Stars not only shared a new holiday release, but are donating half of the proceeds to help provide a safe environment for indigenous women and their children.
The Sheepdogs, “I’m Ready For Christmas”
This is not the first time that SK retro-rock band The Sheepdogs have shared Christmas tunes, and if we’re honest, we’d take an entire album’s worth if they were so inclined. Tinsel not included.
The Surfrajettes, “Marshmallow March/All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Toronto’s female four-piece surf rockers deliver a pair of holiday tunes in their own distinct style – mixing things up with an original composition and a twang-laced cover of THAT famous seasonal tune.
Timothy Scott Bignell, “Bundle Up Baby!”
Waterloo, ON singer-songwriter Tim Bignell not only composed this tune in time for the holiday season, he also wrote it to celebrate his wife Julie’s birthday. Old Man Winter is coming – so bundle up baby!
Two Late To The Party, “Again, Christmas”
This Calgary, AB indie-folk group recently debuted their first Christmas single, with their collective harmonies and gentle beat giving this holiday tune a timeless aura from the opening notes alone.
Villages, “Merry Christmas (From the Dowie Dens)”
This holiday tune from Halifax, NS indie-folk quartet Villages was quite possibly the earliest to reach our ears and our attention this season. Proof that Atlantic Canadians are always ready for a party.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
