Get more Christmas music from Newfoundland and Labrador! And check out the whole 2025 Advent Calendar.
Old Toy Trains is one of those songs that feels like it’s always been around. It’s hard to believe it was written in the late 1960s (by Roger Miller).
Maybe it’s the train imagery that does it — in Newfoundland, references to trains tend to feel instantly historical, as if they belong to another time entirely.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the song, and this new version by The Once, from their brand-new EP Fallen Tree (Side B), only enhances that feeling.
It’s a beautiful, simple rendition that lets the song breathe.
Oh, and if you’re suddenly searching for Fallen Tree Side A — don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything. It’s not out yet. The band promises Side A will arrive next year.
It’s kind of nice to have something on the 2026 Christmas list to look forward to already.
Give ‘Old Toy Trains’ a listen.
2 days until Christmas… The Once find the magic in Old Toy Trains
3 days til Christmas… Doug White celebrates the simple pleasure of the season in Christmas Time Once More.
4 days til Christmas… mark the shortest day with this tune from Matthew Hender’s 2024 ep Winter Solstice.
5 days until Christmas… Check out Josh Janes take on Pleas Come Home For Christmas
6 days til Christmas… Check out Jerry Stamp with King Nancy and their rockier take on the Wham! classic.
7 days until Christmas… Clare Follett takes a Joni Mitchell classic and makes it her own.
8 days to Christmas… Rum Ragged’s rendition of “Jingles The Christmas Cat” is good Christmas fun.
9 days… if you love Christmas music with jazz charm — Beep Bop’s for you.
1 day until Christmas… Alan Doyle, Bryan Adams and friends make Ron Hynes modern day classic shine.