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About This Quiz
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas — in Canada, that is! Whether you're a fan of country and western, jazz, pop, R&B, opera, the blues, or heavy metal (yes, heavy metal), we can practically guarantee there's a holiday album for every Canadian music fan. From big names like Justin Bieber and Michael Bublé to classic CanCon like Blue Rodeo and Stompin' Tom Connors, this quiz spans a dozen genres and shows just how many different takes there are on festive carols that have been sung thousands of times, by thousands of different people.
While you're probably familiar with the name of the artist or group in the questions you're about to see, you might find the actual title of their Christmas album evasive. Don't worry; we've provided plenty of clues to help you along the way — not to mention an abundance of Christmas music trivia about the musicians, singers and concept behind each album. You may think you've heard every possible rendition of "Jingle Bells" ever made, but have you heard it performed by William Shatner and Henry Rollins? What about your favourite carols sung en français? There are several French-language artists featured in this quiz who bring an entirely new and beautiful take to Christmas carols that have been traditionally performed in English.
So, have yourself a merry little Christmas, and test yourself on how much you know about the holiday music of the Great White North.
"Christmas Ornaments"
"Christmas Memories"
"Christmas Memories" is John McDermott's most well-known Christmas album. Its cover is recognizable even for most non-fans (it's a mainstay in church five and dime stores and thrift shops.) McDermott's sentimental tenor songs can be heard over the sounds of harp, piano and tin whistle music as well as a string quartet.
"Christmas Presents"
"Christmas Elves"
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"A Jann Arden Christmas"
This is one Jann Arden recording that is not "Insensitive" in any way. "A Jann Arden Christmas" is a poignant and emotional album from beginning to end. Released in 2015, be sure to check out her beautiful covers of "Happy XMas (War is Over)" and "Silent Night."
"Jann-vier"
"Jingle Bells with Jann Arden"
"Blue Christmas"
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"Wonderland"
Sarah McLachlan's ninth studio album, "Wonderland," was released in 2016 with plenty of fanfare from music critics. The wintery album was so well received, it garnered McLachlan a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album — a feat that is especially impressive for a Christmas album.
"Sweet Surrender"
"Possession"
"Fumbling Towards Christmas"
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"Wintersleep"
"How to Survive a Canadian Winter"
"Wintersong"
No stranger to the Canadian music scene, Sarah McLachlan's "Wintersong" may have been her first Christmas album, but it was her sixth album overall. The album features contributions from The Barenaked Ladies' Jim Creegan and fellow chanteuse Diana Krall.
"It's Winter in Winnipeg"
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"The McGarrigle Hour: Part II"
"The McGarrigle Christmas Hour"
Talk about talent! The roster of contributors to "The McGarrigle Christmas Hour" includes the following acclaimed contributors: Kate McGarrigle; her children, Rufus and Martha Wright; Anna McGarrigle and her husband and children; Emmylou Harris; Beth Orton and Chaim Tannenbaum (amongst others.)
"Rufus & Co."
"A Joyful Canadian Christmas"
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"Christmas With the Canadian Brass"
Toronto-based Canadian Brass have been making music since 1970. Their album, "Christmas With the Canadian Brass," is one of their most well-known recordings. Including classic pieces such as "What Child is This" and "The First Nöel," the album also features the Great Organ of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
"Tubas, Trombones and Twinkling Lights"
"Let's Kick Some Holiday Brass!"
"The Brass Quintet"
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"It's Been ..."
"Christmas with the Ladies"
"Barenaked for the Holidays"
The Barenaked Ladies album, "Barenaked for the Holidays," has something for everyone! In addition to Christmas songs, the album also features several Hanukkah songs — including "I Have a Little Dreidel" and "Hanukkah, Oh Hannukah" — as well as "Auld Lang Syne" (which is traditionally sung on New Year's Eve.)
"If I Had a Million Christmases"
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"Celine Dion: English Style"
"Bonjour English!"
"These Are Special Times"
Although "These Are Special Times" was Celine Dion's first English-language holiday album, it was her sixth English-language collection of songs (and her 17th album overall!) Select songs from Dion's Christmas album scored her a Japan Gold Disc Award, a Golden Globe, as well as Academy Award and Grammy Award nominations.
"Petit Papa Nöel"
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"Holidays Around the World"
"A World Music Canadian Christmas"
"Around the World in 12 Magical Days"
"Christmas Caravan"
"Christmas Caravan" is the title of the Sultans of String's holiday music collection. Inspired and influenced by the sounds of Cuban, French, Spanish and traditional Arabic music, the album also features the vocal talents of Nikki Yanofsky and Crystal Shawanda (as well as several other contributors.)
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"Christmas Turkey"
The Arrogant Worms' "Christmas Turkey" album includes 14 new comedy songs about Christmas — and one re-recording of "The Christmas Song" (which appeared on their first album.) A far cry from traditional carols, the track listings include titles such as "Santa Got Arrested" and "Oh God, I'm Santa Claus."
"LOL, It's Christmas!"
"Christmas Time is Weird"
"O Holy Moly Night"
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"Carol of the Electric Guitars"
"Mosh Your Way Through the Holidays"
"The Holly and the Ivy"
"A Heavy Mental Christmas"
Get ready to have a head-banging holiday with Helix! Released in 2008, "A Heavy Mental Christmas" is the 11th album by heavy metal group. Although it may be hard to imagine, Helix covers seasonal songs such as "Silent Night" and "A Wonderful Christmas Time" with enthusiastic gusto.
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"Jingle Bells"
"Frosty the Snowman"
"Baby, It's Cold Outside"
Holly Cole's hard-to-pin-down sound is a blend of moody jazz and sultry pop music, and her 2001 Christmas album, "Baby it's Cold Outside," is a perfect example of Cole at her absolute best. While all of the tracks on the album are memorable, Cole's cover of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here" truly shines.
"Winter Wonderland"
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"Count Your Blessings"
In 1994, Holly Cole, Jane Siberry, Rebecca Jenkins, Victoria Williams and Mary Margaret O'Hara recorded a live Christmas album for CBC Radio and NPR. Named after the first song in the performance, this beautiful album showcases three original songs in addition to a well-curated collection of seasonal favourites.
"The Lady Tenors"
"Hark! The Women Sing"
"God Rest Rest Ye, Merry Gentlewomen"
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"Country-Style Christmas"
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"
Crystal Shawanda released the album "I'll Be Home for Christmas" on her label New Sun Records after departing from RCA Nashville in 2009. Shawanda was the subject of a six-part Country Music Television documentary called "Crystal: Living the Dream" which shone a light on her hard work and perseverance in the music industry.
"A Holiday Hoedown"
"Ho Ho Honky-Tonk"
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"Comme je crie comme je chante"
"Lumieres d'hiver"
Emilie-Claire Barlow's Christmas album, "Lumiere d'hiver," features a combination of classic songs as well as three original compositions: the title track "Lumiere d'hiver" ("Winter Lights"), "Janvier" ("January") and "Le Dernier Noël" ("The Last Christmas").
"Bienvenue Nöel"
"Merry Christmas in the Key of Quebec"
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"An Oscar Peterson Christmas"
Oscar Peterson's "An Oscar Peterson Christmas" is such an important Christmas album that it's played on the Ontario Parliament Network during the holiday season. Peterson was Canada's most-esteemed jazz musician. Duke Ellington is rumoured to have called him the Maharaja of the keyboard.
"Christmas Jazz with the Oscar Peterson Trio"
"Jingle All the Way"
"Oscar Peterson's Winter Wonderland"
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"Christmas Songs Both Old and New"
"True North Christmas"
"Christmas"
Bruce Cockburn's holiday album (which also happens to be his 18th studio album), released in 1993 on True North Records, is simply titled "Christmas." The album includes Canada's oldest Christmas hymn, "The Huron Carol," or "Jesous Ahatonhia" — which translates to "Jesus, He Is Born" in the Huron language.
"Canadian Holiday Classics"
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"Under the Mistletoe"
It's a very Bieber Christmas! Justin Bieber released his debut Christmas album, "Under the Mistletoe," in 2011. Bieber brought his own sugary pop perspective to new holiday songs as well as Christmas standards like "Silent Night." Mariah Carey, Mel Tormé and Busta Rhymes also make appearances on the album.
"A Very Bieber Christmas"
"UnBielevable!"
"Merry Christmas! Love, Just Bieber"
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"Candles, Snow & Mistletoe"
Treasured Canadian children's performers Sharon, Lois & Bram released "Candles, Snow & Mistletoe" in 1993 alongside a CBC Television holiday special of the same name — the special was so well-received it was released on video and performed on Broadway.
"The Elephant Show's Christmas Album"
"Sharon, Lois & Bram Wish You a Merry Christmas"
"Holiday Fun"
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"A Country Christmas with Johnny Reid"
"A Very Country Christmas"
"Santa Baby"
"Christmas"
Simply titled "Christmas," Johnny Reid's festive collection of country-inspired tunes includes nine Christmas standards and two original songs: "Waiting for Christmas to Come" and "Christmas Time Again." Only one day after being released, the album was certified gold by the Canadian Recording Industry Association.
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"Diana Krall's Big Band Jazz Christmas"
"Christmas Songs"
In 2005, Diana Krall released her first full-length holiday album titled "Christmas Songs" (In 1998 she recorded "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" — a three-song EP). Krall performed Christmas standards such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Jingle Bells" with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra,
"It's Christmas Time in the City"
"Jazzy Holiday Standards"
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"What a Wonderful Christmas"
One of several Anne Murray Christmas albums, "What A Wonderful Christmas" came out in 2001 with much commercial success. It debuted at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, No. 6 on the U.S. Top Country Albums chart and No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart.
"Murray and Me"
"The Best Anne Murray Compilation So Far"
"Winter, Sleigh Rides and Anne Murray"
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"Anne Murray's Christmas Album"
Anne Murray released "Anne Murray's Christmas" in 2008 — the compilation of holiday songs featured 10 previously released tracks and four new songs (including a recording of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Michael Bublé and an unreleased live duet with Diana Krall from 2001).
"A Very Murray Holiday Album"
"O Canada! Anne Murray Sings Christmas Classics"
"Anne Murray in a Holiday Hurry"
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"Paul Brandt Wants to Know: Can I Sing You a Carol?"
"A Paul Brandt Christmas: Shall I Play For You?"
"A Paul Brandt Christmas: Can I Play For You?" (an affirmative response is highly encouraged for anyone who wants to have a very country Christmas) is largely composed of new songs, but it does save room for rock 'n' roll classics like Johnny Marks' "Run, Run Rudolph."
"Paul Brandt Asks You: Do You Like Music?"
"Paul Brandt: Christmas Delight?"
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"Paul Brandt's Christmas Celebration"
"A Gift"
If you chose "A Gift," you really know your Canadian country music trivia! Paul Brandt's sophomore album won two awards at the 2007 Gospel Music Association of Canada Covenant Awards. The album won Seasonal Album of the Year and the title track, "A Gift," won Song of the Year.
"Mary, Did You Know"
"Frosty the Cowboy"
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"A Cool Colin James Christmas"
"Colin James & The Little Big Band: Christmas"
Recorded in Nashville, "Colin James & the Little Big Band: Christmas" is a rockin' recording of treasured Christmas songs. Bluesy, infectious and chock-full of holiday magic, the album features get-up-and-dance numbers such as "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" and "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!"
"Christmas Jingles"
"Deck the Halls with Music"
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"Christmas in London, Ontario"
"Jingle Bells and R&B"
"Wonderful Christmas Time"
The McAuley Boys, an R&B quartet from London, Ontario, released their very first album, "Wonderful Christmas Time," in 1995. The group, which is composed of four brothers, had some incredible help from their mom — who invested $13,00 of her own money into recording and releasing the album.
"A Merry McAuley Masterpiece"
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"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
"Christmas at The Grand"
Jason McCoy's "Christmas at The Grand" is a star-studded holiday celebration with appearances by Colin James, Oscar Lopez and Belle Star. The album was recorded at The Grand — the oldest theatre in Calgary — and was later turned into a live TV special on Country Music Television.
"A Holiday in the Prairies"
"Little Drummer Boy"
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"Wintertide"
Alexander James Adams is a trans artist who transitioned in 2007 (he used to perform as Heather Alexander.) On the album, "Wintertide," Adams created duets using his male voice and recordings of his voice singing the same songs prior to transitioning.
"Reindeer on the Roof"
"Christmas Music for the Violin"
"Christmas Time's a Coming"
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"Frosty the Cowboy"
"A George Canyon Christmas Extravaganza"
"Home for Christmas"
The runner up on Nashville Star's second season, George Canyon is a familiar face for fans of country music. His first Christmas album, "Home for Christmas," has a track listing that includes "Blue Christmas" and "Away in a Manger" (amongst other familiar Christmas carols.)
"Let it Snow All Year Long!'
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"A Midwinter Night's Dream"
Loreena McKennit's second Christmas album is called "A Midwinter Night's Dream," a play on William Shakespeare's comedic play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This album is an extension of the now-defunct EP, "A Winter Garden" — eight new tracks were added to create a full-length holiday album.
"The Merry Mrs. Claus"
"Much Ado About Christmas"
"The Merchant of the North Pole"
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"A Country Christmas with Stompin' Tom"
"Merry Christmas, Canada!"
"Merry Christmas Everybody"
Canadian country legend Stompin' Tom Connors released "Merry Christmas Everybody" in 1973, sending his festive cheer from sea to shining sea. Connors was well known for never removing his black Stetson hat — he even refused to take it off at a 2002 dinner with Queen Elizabeth II.
"Holiday Fun with Stompin' Tom"
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"Christmas Together"
Hailing from Victoria, British Columbia, The Tenors released the album, "Christmas Together," in 2017. In true holiday spirt, the trio performed at the official Christmas at Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony that same year.
"Songs in the Key of Christmas"
"Holiday Songs"
"Christmas"
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"Petit Papa Nöel"
"Must Be Santa"
"Raffi's Christmas Album"
An instant classic for the young and the young at heart, "Raffi's Christmas Album" has earned the popular singer a permanent place in the holiday entertainment Hall of Fame. This joyous compilation of songs includes favourites such as "Up on the House-Top" and "The First Nöel."
"Every Little Wish"
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"To Drive the Cold Winter Away"
In terms of sound production, Loreena McKennit's album, "To Drive the Cold Winter Away," is very unique. Instead of using a traditional recording studio, McKennit recorded the album in two old churches and a Benedictine monastery — preserving natural ambient sounds and echoes to amplify the effect.
"Merry Christmas at the Cathedral"
"The Mystic's Dream"
"The Visit"
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"A Very Canadian Christmas"
"It's Christmas Time in the City"
"Merry Christmas From Michael Bublé"
"Christmas"
When Michael Bublé released his album, "Christmas," in 2011, it spent three weeks (non-consecutively) holding the No. 1 spot on the charts. Lucky for Bublé, his collection of jazzy Christmas standards (plus a few new holiday songs) never fails to move back into the Top 10 every holiday season!
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"Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas From Blue Rodeo"
"A Holiday Rodeo"
"Blue Christmas"
"A Merrie Christmas to You"
Canadian country rock band Blue Rodeo released its beloved holiday album, "A Merrie Christmas to You," in 2014. The collection of holiday songs features eight festive covers (including Paul Simon's "Getting Ready for Christmas Day") and two original songs by band members Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor.
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"Love is Everything"
"Child: Music for the Christmas Season"
Recorded at New York City's famous music club, The Bottom Line, "Child: Music for the Holliday Season" is composed of songs from two of Siberry's four 1996 performances at the venue. The other two were made into the albums, "Tree: Music for Films and Forests" and "Lips: Music for Saying It."
"Jane Siberry's Christmas Collection"
"Calling All Angels"
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"Christmas: From Space!"
"A Very Star Trek Christmas"
"Shatner Claus"
If you fully embrace the weird side of the holidays, then you'll love William Shatner's "Shatner Claus." How strange is strange? Well, Shatner's cover of "Jingle Bells" includes the voice of Henry Rollins, and Iggy Pop makes an appearance on "Silent Night" (Judy Collins and Brad Paisley also feature on the album).
"Shatner Covers Christmas"
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"Christmas: In English"
"Roch Voisine's First Canadian Christmas"
"Rochin' Around the Christmas Tree"
"Christmas is Calling"
Roch Voisine's first English-language Christmas album was released alongside a French-language Christmas compilation which was called "L'album de Noël." His French album was certified gold on the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique music charts in Quebec.
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