By any measure, 2025 was an amazing year for Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jake Vaadeland. Now, he’s looking to close it out in style with his Goodness Gracious! It’s Christmas! Tour, coming to Alberta starting with Sherwood Park on Friday, November 28.
It’s the second holiday-themed tour for Jake Vaadeland and his band, The Sturgeon River Boys. “Last year was the first Christmas tour, and it went way better than we expected,” Vaadeland says. “We were kind of blown away by how much we enjoyed it and the response from the crowd.”
Recordings from the first tour were compiled into the Goodness Gracious! It’s Christmas! EP, which was released November 14. This go-round, Vaadeland is looking to make the shows bigger and better.
“It is quite a big production. There’s more hands on-deck, more people involved than just the band,” Vaadeland explains. “We bring the whole stage with us — the fireplace, the grandfather clock, and of course a Christmas tree.”
Although the show will be a fun-filled experience including acting, comedy, and maybe the odd stunt, Vaadeland’s bluegrass-tinged renditions of timeless Christmas songs will remain centre-stage, along with the joy and memories they bring.
“I grew up on the farm where Christmas was a big deal,” Vaadeland recalls. “When we sang those songs, you just felt it with all your might…the point of the song is to make us happy this time of year, and grateful for the love we receive from others and show to others.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys will be heading off to Europe, with tour dates in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, and more. No stranger to touring abroad, Vaadeland is excited to connect with his audience the same way he does at home.
“Europe has some of the most receptive crowds we’ve ever had,” Vaadeland says. “We’re pleasantly surprised every time we go. Some folks act like they’re hearing this music for the first time, and they make me feel so appreciated.”
As far as New Years’ Resolutions are concerned, Vaadeland can be forgiven for being stumped. 2025 was a whale of a year for him, picking up a Juno for Best Roots Album, along with a Canadian Country Music Award for Best Alternative Country Album. As if that wasn’t enough, Vaadeland also became the youngest person to be certified Road Gold, having sold 25,000 tickets in 12 months across Canada.
“I try not to think too much about the success of the year, because that can create nerves or pressure that the next year has to be the same or better,” Vaadeland says. “We’ll do what we think is important: play as many shows as we can, travel to as many places as we can, and enjoy being face-to-face with people, putting on wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.”
Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys’ Goodness Gracious! It’s Christmas! Tour has stops across Alberta this Holiday season. Visit jakevaadeland.com to find the show nearest you!
