Have a very Canadian Christmas with these carefully curated carols
By: Daniella Lopez
(David Beale/Unsplash)
As the snow begins to fall and the temperature drops below zero, Canadians are gearing up — and bundling up — for Christmas. Whether you celebrate the festive season by keeping cozy indoors or adventuring outside, one thing is for sure: you’ll need holiday tunes.
Here are 10 songs by Canadian artists to instantly add to your holiday playlist. That is if they aren’t there already.
All these songs and many more can be found on our playlist, A CanCulture Christmas. Available now on Spotify and Apple Music.
Michael Buble - “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas”
When thinking of Christmas songs, you surely can’t forget about the ones sung by the King of Christmas. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” is perhaps one of the most famous festive songs to put you in that holly, jolly spirit. Buble’s deep voice is comforting on every Christmas playlist, and while you probably don’t need a reminder, this song will ensure that you don’t forget festivities is right around the corner.
Celine Dion - “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”
Originally recorded by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, “Happy Xmas” is a protest song against the Vietnam War. Dion’s rendition of the song is one of the most popular, as her unique singing style and soft, soothing voice are instantly recognizable on this track. Again, here’s another Christmas song staple to listen to in front of the fireplace with some hot chocolate in hand.
Alessia Cara - “Make It To Christmas”
Christmas is often seen as a holiday best spent with a partner. In this song, Cara sings about the lack of hope she has in her relationship lasting until Christmas. “Just make it to Christmas,” she sings, her melancholic lyrics accompanied by an upbeat tempo that creates a stark contrast. Nonetheless, this song has a happy beat with the realistic woes of the holiday season.
Ryland James - “Please Come Home for Christmas”
Are you missing someone this holiday season? Well, this song may be for you. One of James’ most popular songs is his cover of the original 1960s carol. “Please Come Home for Christmas” was also covered by The Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi, each covering it in their own unique way. James makes his version stand out as he combines the genres of rock, blues and pop to form a contemporary ballad. His strong voice stands out among the music.
If the ballad isn’t your jam, James has some other Christmas music to get you in the spirit. He released his Christmas EP titled A Little Christmas in 2020 and came out with a newer Christmas song in 2021 called “A Christmas to Remember.”
Nikki Yanofsky - “Mistletoe”
Not the Mistletoe you were expecting, huh? While, the Montrealer is best known for singing the 2010 Winter Olympics theme song, I Believe, at the opening and closing ceremonies, she also has a new collection of holiday tunes. In this song, Yanofsky sings about all the Christmas festivities — from candy canes to hot apple cider to, of course, mistletoe.
Bryan Adams - “Christmas Time”
While Christmas songs usually include bells and brass, who said we couldn’t listen to a bit of rock too? Adams’ iconic Christmas song is perfect for when all those other holiday jingles start to sound the same. Although it was written and recorded in Vancouver during the 1980s, this song wasn’t released until 1985. In 2019, Adams released a music video for the song. If the title doesn’t ring a bell, just give it a listen, and you’ll surely know it.
Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine - “It’s Me and You (This Christmas)”
Canadian duo Woods and Fine released this song in 2018. The pair is best known for premiering on CTV’s The Launch, a music competition where contestants compete to have their debut song broadcast commercially. Shortly after the season aired, they released their single “Ain’t Easy.” While the duo has since parted ways, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the holiday joy they left behind. Whether they’re singing about romance or friendship, this is the perfect song to listen to with your loved ones.
Arkells - “The Last Christmas (We Ever Spent Apart)”
One of the newer Christmas songs on this list, the Arkells gifted us this carol in 2021. The lyrics make it quite clear that the band is referencing Christmas during the global pandemic. “Last Christmas, I didn’t get to hug ya,” they sing. “It almost broke my heart.” This song will surely bring back the memories of the odd holiday season we endured during 2020.
Virginia to Vegas, Alyssa Reid - “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
It’s a song that has been covered time and time again, but Virginia to Vegas’ version of this song is quite unique. Instead of the deep, jazzy voice often showcased during the male parts in the song, Virginia to Vegas brings a more contemporary pop style. Reid accompanies his voice with strong vocals as well. Overall, the two voices pair nicely together.
Justin Bieber - “Mistletoe”
Finally, saving the best for last, Bieber’s “Mistletoe” is a classic Christmas tune that holds a special place in all our hearts. This song was released as part of Bieber’s only Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe, in 2011. It reached the top 10 on Canadian charts and holds the record for the highest Christmas song debut in Billboard Hot 100 history. Gear up for Christmas with this song because, as Bieber sings, “It’s the most beautiful time of the year.”