Corey Isenor – Tannenbaum
A blog favourite, Corey Isenor, has created a charming, all instrumental, EP for the season. Very fittingly, each of Tannenbaum’s four tracks are named after a different tree for a folk and organic, had to say it, holiday release. Tannenbaum is available on Bandcamp.
Hey Rosetta! – A Cup of Kindness Yet
Providing some of the best holiday music this season, St. John’s Hey Rosetta! have put together a stellar EP, A Cup of Kindness Yet. Featuring both original songs, the Paul Simon-esq “Carry Me Home” is a true highlight, and the band’s take on the traditional song “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” both traditional and original numbers come together with the exceptional closer “New Year Song.” A Cup of Kindness Yet is available on iTunes.
Jordan Klassen- Santa Klassen
This two-song EP may possibly give you chills within the first 30 seconds of listening. Jordan Klassen has a knack for using a vast array of instruments in each song, creating full and pretty arrangements. The first track, “The Ghost of Christmas Past,” shows off Klassen’s great vocal range over wonderful percussion and keyboards. His take on “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella” is a joyous and wondrous thing to behold. Both songs are available for free from Bandcamp.
Pistol George Warren- “Blue Hawaii”
While not strictly a Christmas song, the cover art for this song features the nine-piece band dressed in Christmas attire, so this definitely merits a mention. The classic track takes on a slightly rougher rock edge while at the same time being just as relaxing as the song originally was. Great stuff. The track can be downloaded from Bandcamp.
Ben Caplan & the Casual Smokers- “Fairytale of New York”
This Celtic Christmas classic has been redone thanks to Ben Caplan and his collaboration with Norwegian band Katzenjammer. Instead of the Celtic beats you’ll instead be treated to some lovely strings, and of course Caplan’s tremendously growly voice.
The Modern Grass- Swingin’ Around the Christmas Tree Vol. 3
Halifax outfit The Modern Grass have been doing this for three years now- it’s a bunch of classic Christmas songs done instrumentally, in a mashup of genres that can touch on blues, jazz, folk, country and more. Swing around to their Bandcamp to purchase it (or any of their other fine offerings).
Said The Whale – West Coast Christmas EP Collection
Bringing together all of their holiday songs since the band’s beginning in 2007, Said The Whale have put together a really special collection for fans. With mostly new seasonally songs, Said The Whale put a very refreshing, and very West coast friendly, spin on the holidays. West Coast Christmas EP is available for pay what you want on Bandcamp.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada 4 
It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that this compilation is possibly the greatest gift for Canadian indie fans countrywide. This compilation is just as excellent as its predecessors. It’s got everything from Maylee Todd to Kathryn Calder to Digits to Minotaurs to Del Bel to Carnival Moon, doing a range of original songs to covers of Joni Mitchell’s “River” and “Little Drummer Boy.” Best of all, this massive compilation is completely free.
Chilly Gonzales – “A Minor Christmas Medley” 
Pianist Chilly Gonzales is getting into the Christmas spirit with “A Minor Christmas Medley.” Available for free download from Soundcloud, Gonzales’ song is the perfect addition to your swanky Christmas party playlist.
Jim Bryson - Instant Holiday Album 
Teaming up with a whole bunch of friends, which includes folk favourite Jeremy Fisher, the multi-talented Jim Bryson and co. sound like they’re having a great time and you can’t help but either listening to their holiday record. Highlighted by the adorable “Snoopy and the Red Baron,” a duet with Fisher, what makes it all even better is the fact that all the proceeds from Instant Holiday Album will go to The Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa and Royal Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s “You Know Who I Am” Foundation.
Quiet Parade & Dance Movie- “The Christmas Song”
A collaboration between two fantastic East-coast acts has produced this cover of a song originally by The Raveonettes. The dual vocals and gentle instrumentals make this a wonderful cover to behold. Free from Bandcamp.
Nova Scotia Christmas mix
The East coast is already pretty well represented on this roundup, but if you’re looking for it all in one place check out this playlist. It’s a mixture of new and old tunes totaling just over an hour, so if you’re in need of a last-minute playlist for your Christmas party, you’ve found it.
Triple Gangers- Christmas Special
Triple Gangers hit the nail on the head every time they release a song. They’ve just unveiled their Christmas Special that is undoubtedly the sexiest recording on this list. The opening song “CCMMWF” (you might be able to figure out what it stands for if you listen to the lyrics) has some lyrics that will make you blush and some exceedingly catchy keyboard hooks. It also features a remix of the band’s track “Molly.” Get it!
