CPKC Holiday Train Crosses Canada: A Magical Winter Tradition

Experience the CPKC Holiday Train in London, Ontario: A Night of Music, Lights, and Giving

The Heart of the CPKC Holiday Train: Supporting Local Food Banks Across Canada

The CPKC Holiday Train Crosses Canada: A Magical Winter Tradition  has become one of Canada's most beloved winter celebrations, lighting up the holiday season with a festive blend of music, community, and giving. For 27 years this annual event has brought holiday cheer to towns and cities across the country, offering families a chance to gather together and celebrate in a truly unique way. As the CPKC Holiday Train winds its way across Canada, brightening the night with thousands of coloured Christmas lights, it stops at communities along the way to offer free concerts to those who wait in anticipation at the side of the railway tracks. In a heartwarming twist, event attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations in exchange for the live music performances. These contributions directly support local food banks, and CPKC matches every donation, amplifying the spirit of giving that lies at the heart of the season. At its core, the CPKC Holiday Train is a celebration of community, where people come together to share in the joy of music while supporting those who need it most during the holiday season.

CPKC Holiday Train Crosses Canada: A Festive Journey Across the Country

The CPKC Holiday Train's journey is much more than just a dazzling display of lights and music. Each year, it crosses Canada, bringing a message of hope, unity, and giving. In fact, the train itself is a symbol of the holiday season, with its brightly lit cars transforming the dark winter nights into a spectacular sight. In this way, as it travels through towns and cities along the Canadian Pacific Railway route, it brings people together to support a shared cause - helping local communities in need.  We have had the privilege of seeing it in several other stops across Canada, including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Kamloops, which are all communities we've visited while travelling by train between Toronto and Vancouver  on Via Rail's The Canadian.  As a result, when we learned the train was making a stop in London, Ontario we couldn't wait to welcome it into our community. We headed downtown with excitement and anticipation in our hearts, to join the families, friends, and neighbours who would gather along the tracks, ready to enjoy a night of music, lights, and the spirit of giving.

A Festive Celebration for the Holiday Train at Molly Bloom's Irish Pub, London, Ontario

Watching the CPKC Holiday Train roll into London, Ontario, is a magical experience, and we've learned from previous years that Molly Bloom's Irish Pub offers one of the best views in town. Despite the chilly air, the pub has become a community gathering spot for this highly anticipated family-friendly event. Even before the train arrived, the festive atmosphere was already in full swing inside the cozy pub and restaurant. In particular, children eagerly lined up for face painting, emerging with glittery snowflakes, penguins, and reindeer painted proudly on their smiling faces. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted families, offering hugs and photo opportunities, while Molly Bloom's staff collected generous non-perishable food donations for the London Food Bank. Amazingly, boxes of pasta, cans of soup, and other staples and holiday treats quickly filled donation boxes, demonstrating the spirit of giving that defines this holiday tradition.

As the night progressed, the sense of community and anticipation grew stronger. Conversations flowed across tables, with hot chocolate, mulled wine, and pints of ale adding to the warmth of the evening. Moreover, children feasted on cups of popcorn and candy, and struggled to contain their excitement while working of holiday crafts.

Finally, when the CPKC Holiday Train's arrival was imminent, everyone flooded up onto the spacious outdoor patio at Molly Bloom's Irish Pub. Its long wooden tables offer the best views of the tracks, and we were pleased to see most of them had been reserved for children. Families shared blankets and adjusted mittens and hats and everyone turned their faces to the east, eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of the train's lights in the distance. As a result, the excitement in the air was palpable, and when a distant whistle sounded a huge cheer erupted from the waiting crowd.

Experience the CPKC Holiday Train in London, Ontario: A Night of Lights and Music

When the CPKC Holiday Train arrives in London, Ontario, it does so in a burst of colour and sound, transforming the quiet winter night into a lively celebration of holiday spirit. As such, the town's long-standing tradition of welcoming the train has made it a favourite among locals, who gather to watch the train roll into view. The glow of the train's lights is visible for miles, sparking excitement in both children and adults alike.  As the train approaches, the atmosphere becomes electric. Suddenly, the festive season is alive with music and the hum of anticipation. As a result, for many, the CPKC Holiday Train in London, Ontario, has become an essential part of kicking off the holiday season. The music and lights bring joy to all ages, while the charitable mission reminds everyone of the importance of community and giving. Therefore, even though we typically focus on more nature-centred activities like winter birding or exploring top trails for winter adventures hiking, the CPKC Holiday Train Crosses Canada: A Magical Winter Tradition has become a favourite annual Christmas tradition for us as well.

CPKC Holiday Train in London, Ontario: Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde Rock the Stage

The magic of the CPKC Holiday Train goes beyond its lights and decorations - it is the music that really brings the crowd together. In London, Ontario this year, when the central carriage of the train unfolded to magically create a platform, we had the pleasure of seeing two incredible acts on stage: Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde.

Smash Mouth, known for their timeless hits like "All-Star" and "Walkin' on the Sun," brought their high-energy performance to the stage, drawing cheers and sing-alongs from fans of all ages. On the other hand, JJ Wilde, a rising Canadian rock music star from Kitchener, Ontario, delivered an electrifying set that had the crowd on their feet, dancing and clapping along.  In addition, this year's other performers include Bare Naked Ladies, American Authors, and others, making an event you don't want to miss.

Overall, the free concert brought additional energy to the already festive atmosphere, turning the railway station into an open-air winter concert venue. Children danced on the tables and clapped mitten clad hands to the beat while adults sang along and captured the moment on film. As a result, it was a truly heartwarming evening of holiday cheer.

The True Spirit of Giving: Supporting Local Food Banks

While the lights and music are certainly the highlights of the event, the true heart of the CPKC Holiday Train lies in its mission to raise support for local food banks. In particular, since its inaugural journey in 1999, 27 years ago, the effort has raised more than $26 million and gathered an astonishing 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks across Canada and the United States. As a result, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local communities, particularly during the holidays when many families face increased challenges. Specifically, the simple act of bringing a can of soup or a box of pasta can make a big difference in someone's life. As such, in each community, volunteers from the local food bank are on hand to collect donations and thank attendees for their generosity, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the CPKC Holiday Train's mission.

Tips for Enjoying the CPKC Holiday Train

If you plan to catch the CPKC Holiday Train as it crosses Canada this winter, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Arrive Early: Crowds build up 45–60 minutes before the show. Arriving early ensures a good spot.
2. Bring Donations: Non-perishable food items or a monetary donation to support local food banks are highly encouraged.
3. Dress Warmly: The event takes place outdoors, so be sure to bundle up, especially for children.
4. Ear Protection: The train's whistle and music can be loud, so consider bringing ear protection for young children if they are sensitive to loud noises.
5. Parking: Nearby parking can fill up quickly, so consider walking or taking transit to the event.
6. Check the CPKC Holiday Train Schedule: The train may run slightly ahead or behind schedule depending on the weather, so be sure to check the official schedule.

A Winter Tradition That Unites Communities Across Canada

The CPKC Holiday Train crosses Canada each winter, spreading holiday cheer and bringing communities together for a worthy cause. As a result, whether you're watching the lights flicker in the distance or dancing along to your favourite holiday tunes, the experience is one that families cherish year after year.

As the train rolls through cities like London, Ontario, the sense of community grows stronger. In particular, neighbours gather, share in the festivities, and contribute to local food banks, all while creating lasting memories of the holiday season. For many, like us, the arrival of the CPKC Holiday Train marks the official start of the holiday season, and it's an experience that never fails to spark joy and gratitude.

Whether you're looking to experience a family-friendly festival, enjoy a free concert, or simply take in the beauty of the holiday lights, the CPKC Holiday Train is an event you won't want to miss. And as the train continues to cross Canada, it's certain to spread more holiday spirit, generosity, and goodwill to communities across the nation.

CPKC Holiday Train Crosses Canada

 Footer A Night of Music, Lights, and Giving with the CPKC Holiday Train in London, Ontario