Lots of big names have come out of Nova Scotia. From Anne Murray to Sarah McLachlan. But there are plenty of local artists who deserve radio play too! From John Gracie, David Myles and The Town Heroes to Heather and Jimmy Rankin. These artists all have produced Christmas albums that bring the joy of holidays into your home or perhaps your car on a snowy winter’s drive.
We’ve compiled our favourite Nova Scotia artist’s Christmas Albums. In no particular order here they are!
#1 The Barra MacNeils – The Christmas Album
Hailing from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, The Barra MacNeils have been making music since they were children. The group was barely into their teens when they started making music professionally. Their first album, The Barra MacNeils was released in 1986.
One of our favourite Christmas songs is their rendition of Christmas In Killarney.
#2 Rita MacNeil – Now The Bells Ring
Hailing from Big Pond, Cape Breton, Rita MacNeil won 11 East Coast Music Awards, three Juno Awards and four Canadian Country Music Awards.
Her album Now The Bells Ring is a staple in many Nova Scotia houses during the holiday season.
#3 John Gracie – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
John Gracie is a three time East Coast Music Award Male Artist of the Year. Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton... maybe you're starting to see a theme here. There is plenty of amazing music that comes out of Cape Breton Island.
Our favourite Gracie Christmas song is Cape Breton Christmas Morn. His lyrics take you back to a Christmas morning that you likely had as a child.
#4 Anne Murray’s Christmas Album
Anne Murray is one of the largest artists to ever come out of Nova Scotia, let alone Canada. Her song Snowbird written by Gene MacLellan brought her international stardom and the beginning of a list of #1 hits.
Anne Murray's Christmas Album is a certified hit and has a duet with Michael Buble and songs preformed with The London Symphony Orchestra.
#5 It’s Christmas With David Myles
David Myles has an ever growing fan base at home and abroad. Myles is based out of Halifax but is an import from Fredericton, NB. His list of award nominations and wins is too long to list.
His Christmas hit, Santa Never Brings Me A Bango is played on the radio this time of year and in many Nova Scotia homes!
#6 Sarah McLachlan – Wonderland
Another International artist to come out of Nova Scotia, Halifax's Sarah McLachlan's Christmas album Wonderland is a great addition to your holiday playlist.
McLachlan is a multiple Grammy and Juno award winner.
#7 Dave Gunning – Christmas
Dave Gunning is from Pictou County, Nova Scotia and has been nominated for a Juno Award, has won multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards and East Coast Music Awards.
He has two Christmas albums, Christmas and Christmas Too. One of our favourites is his original Christmas song, Daddy's Beer.
#8 Jimmy Rankin – Tinsel Town
Jimmy's the guy who wrote the Cape Breton Anthem, The Mull River Shuffle. Hailing from Mabou, Cape Breton and finding fame with his talented sibling group The Rankin Family, Jimmy's Christmas album, Tinsel Town is a must have in your Nova Scotia Christmas playlist.
We pulled the title track from the album for you to have a listen to.
#9 The Town Heroes – O Holy Night
Click add to playlist for the single O Holy Night by The Town Heroes. These Halifax indie rockers do the Christmas staple song justice in their rendition.
You can catch them this 2019 holiday season at:
The Fortress of Louisbourg on December 7th
The Nook and Cranny - Truro on December 13th
The Tipsy Muse Cafe - Fredericton on December 14th
The Carleton - Halifax on December 15th
#10 Heather Rankin – Imagine
Another piece of the ever successful Cape Breton group, The Rankin Family. Heather Rankin's Christmas album Imagine has original hits as well a some traditional holiday songs.
She told iHeartRadio, “One of my favourite things about Christmas back then is that my mother had a tradition of preparing a hot meal and serving it after midnight mass,” Rankin shared. “It was one of the few times we would go and do something together, the 14 of us. We would go to the church and then come home and have a meal and sometimes open gifts early."
#11 Còig – Carols
Còig is based out of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and is a multiple award nominee and winning group.
Here is a track from their album Carols. You can preorder their latest album Carols Too on their website, www.coig.ca
#12 George Canyon – Home For Christmas
George Canyon hails from Pictou County, Nova Scotia and has won multiple Juno and East Coast Music Awards. George really found his start after being runner up on the American television program Nashville Star.
If you're looking for a great country voice to add to your Nova Scotia Christmas playlist add George Canyon. Here's his song, Santa's On His Way.
#13 Bruce Guthro – Bound for Bethlehem
Bruce Guthro's Christmas album, Bound For Bethlehem is a great mix of traditional and original songs with a Celtic twist.
Guthrow is an award winning artist from Cape Breton who has topped Canadian music charts.
You can catch his Songwriters Circle at Casino Nova Scotia, December 11, 13 and 14th this holiday season. They will feature Joel Plaskett, David Myles and Mo Kenny.