We know, we know—Christmas already? Halloween hasn’t even passed! Trust us, we’re with you. But if you’re planning ahead for holiday events, you won’t want to miss the iconic Holiday Train when it rolls into town.
Make sure to save the date for this special event: a train decked out in dazzling Christmas lights, complete with live performances from talented musicians, making stops across Alberta to spread food, fun, and holiday cheer.
What exactly is the Holiday Train?
The Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) was established in 1881 to connect Canada coast to coast. Meanwhile, Kansas City Southern (KCS) began in 1887 as a small belt railroad in Kansas City and grew into a crucial north-south link, offering cross-border rail service between the U.S. and Mexico. In 2023, the two companies merged to form CPKC, the first-ever transnational railway that unites Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, with global headquarters in Calgary.
The Holiday Train started in 1999 as a way to bring Christmas joy to communities across Canada while raising funds and collecting food for those in need. Now in its 26th year, it’s raised more than $24.3 million and collected about 5.3 million pounds of food for food banks in both Canada and the U.S.
At every stop, the Holiday Train hosts free concerts by professional musicians on its glittering stage. CPKC encourages attendees to bring either a monetary donation or a heart-healthy food item to support local food banks and help fight hunger in their communities. Every contribution ensures that those in need can access food this holiday season.
What to Expect in Alberta
We have compiled all the Alberta stops for the CPKC Holiday Train below, as well as the musicians who will be gracing the freight car stages. Be sure to grab your food bank donation and head down the tracks for all the fun. Go to the link here for the full schedule and exact timing of every stop in Canada.
December 8
Stops at Medicine Hat, Tilley, Brooks, and Gleichen will feature performances by the American Authors, KT Tunstall, Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish.
December 11
Stops at Blackfalds, Olds, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin, Millet and Leduc will feature performances by Magic! and Sofia Camara.
December 12
Stops at Josephburg and Edmonton will feature performances by Magic! and Sofia Camara.
December 13
Stops at Innisfail, Olds, Didsbury and Airdrie will feature performances by Magic! and Sofia Camara.
December 14
One stop this day at Calgary that will feature performances by Magic! and Sofia Camara.
December 15
The final stops in Alberta will be at Cochrane, Stoney Nakoda, Canmore and Banff and will feature performances by Magic! and Sofia Camara.
