November 21-December 20, 2024
Various location
The 2024 CPKC Holiday Train is set to spread holiday cheer from November 21 to December 20, 2024, as it makes its way through communities across Canada and the United States. This beloved tradition, organized by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), combines festive lights, live performances, and a charitable spirit to raise awareness and donations for local food banks. Since its inception in 1999, the Holiday Train has become an iconic part of the season, bringing people together in celebration while supporting those in need.
In Ontario, the CPKC Holiday Train will make multiple stops, giving residents a chance to enjoy the spectacle. Some key stops include Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, and London, with specific dates and times available on the official schedule. Each stop features a boxcar stage where talented musicians perform holiday classics and original songs, making for a lively and heartwarming event. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make monetary donations to support their local food banks.
One of the standout aspects of the Holiday Train is its focus on community support. Over the years, the event has raised millions of dollars and collected thousands of pounds of food for food banks across North America. The train, adorned with dazzling lights and holiday decorations, becomes a symbol of hope and generosity during the festive season, and the joy it brings to communities is matched only by the impact it makes on families in need.
To get the full schedule for Ontario stops, click here to view the PDF schedule. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the CPKC Holiday Train this year and contribute to an important cause while enjoying holiday entertainment with family and friends.
“The Holiday Train program is close to the hearts of our CPKC family. Our railroaders take great joy in joining communities across our network as they come together in the giving spirit of the holidays,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “We are proud to support local food banks as we fight food insecurity by collecting food and raising money and awareness. I am grateful to all the railroaders and community members who have supported the Holiday Train over the past quarter century and made it such a success.”
– Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Office
Every pound of food and dollar raised at each stop goes to the local food bank, which helps feed those in need in that community.
What’s a Holiday Train event like?
A typical Holiday Train event goes like this: the train arrives and pulls to a safe stop in front of the crowd. The stage door lowers and the band opens with its first song. After that, a brief presentation takes place with local food bank officials and other dignitaries. Once complete, the band resumes performing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs. The whole event lasts about 30 minutes. Once the band plays its farewell show, the boxcar door closes, and the train slips off to the next stop.
It’s important to keep a safe distance away from the train so we can safely continue our journey.
