CPKC Holiday Train begins 182-stop journey of music and giving Nov. 19

CALGARY, AB, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) today announced the 2026 CPKC Holiday Train program will kick off Nov. 19 in Montreal, beginning a 32-day journey in support of local food banks through music, celebration and giving, with stops in 182 communities across Canada and the United States.

"Our railroaders take great pride in bringing the Holiday Train through hundreds of communities across our network to support people facing food insecurity," said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. "This year, we are going farther south than we ever have before, visiting 10 communities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri for the first time.

"Through the generosity of the thousands of families and fans who come out to see the Holiday Train and support local food banks, whether for the first time or as part of a long-running holiday tradition, we can spread the joy of the season and support the giving spirit of the holidays," Creel added.   

Holiday Train Highlights

• 182 live music shows in six provinces and 13 U.S. states. The Holiday Train will visit 10 communities for the first time, with new stops in Missouri (Blue Springs), Mississippi (Meridian, Jackson), Louisiana (Vicksburg, Monroe, Ruston, DeQuincy, Leesville, Zwolle) and Texas (Port Arthur).
• Performers include American Authors, Magic!, Maris, Chase Rice, Madeline Edwards, Allen Stone, Jamie Fine, Shawnee Kish, Rafaëlle Roy, Tyler Shaw, Sam Roberts Band, and Owen Riegling.
• Since 1999, more than $28.3 million and over 5.6 million pounds of food for community food banks have been collected in Canada and the U.S.

For 28 years, the CPKC Holiday Train has brought communities together to support neighbours facing food insecurity. Today, millions of people across Canada and the U.S. continue to rely on food banks for assistance, making community support more important than ever. CPKC encourages attendees to bring a cash donation or non-perishable food item, with all contributions staying in the local community to help families in need.

"There's nothing quite like the magic of the CPKC Holiday Train arriving in Edmonton, bringing our community together for great music and a great cause, and ultimately helping our neighbours in need," said Marjorie Bencz, executive director of Edmonton's Food Bank, where the Holiday Train will stop Dec. 13. "As the train lights up the night, every donation of food and funds helps us give food to our neighbours. We are so grateful for the warmth and generosity of Edmontonians who bundle up, show up, and make a real difference. Thank you, CPKC Holiday Train, for visiting and helping our community." 

For the musicians taking part, the CPKC Holiday Train represents more than a performance. It is a chance to connect with communities, share holiday cheer and support families experiencing food insecurity.

"The CPKC Holiday Train is one of the most special events of the holiday season! Not only are the lights and music spectacular, but it brings people together to give back to their communities and support friends, family, neighbours and those in need," said Zac Barnett of American Authors. "We feel so fortunate to take part in the celebration that makes such a meaningful impact."

"We are so grateful to be invited back on the CPKC Holiday Train," said Nasri Atweh of Magic!. "Not only do we get to see so many beautiful parts of the world, but we get to see all the smiling faces every time they open up the train doors and give everybody that came out there in the cold a little bit of warmth and some holiday cheer. It's always been my favorite time of year."

Follow the 2026 CPKC Holiday Train journey using #CPKCHolidayTrain and join the conversation online. For the latest tour updates, event information and announcements, visit CPKC's official social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Be aware of fake accounts impersonating CPKC or the CPKC Holiday Train, and rely on CPKC's verified channels for trusted information.

CPKC reminds all music and rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 15 metres or 50 feet back from the tracks when taking photos/videos or viewing the Holiday Train. Never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast rock and always stand back from the locomotive and rail cars.

About CPKC

With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf Coast to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing approximately 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.

SOURCE CPKC