The CPKC Holiday Train is bringing its lights and free concerts back for 2026, with stops beginning November 19 and continuing through December 20. If you’re looking for a holiday outing that doesn’t start with buying tickets, this one belongs on your list.
But before you search for the nearest stop, there’s an easy-to-miss detail: check both official route schedules, even if you aren’t crossing a border.
How to find your 2026 Holiday Train stop
CPKC runs two Holiday Trains. Its Canada train schedule includes stops in Maine and New York. The U.S. train schedule includes Canadian stops in Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
So, yes, a New York family needs to open the Canada schedule. Looking only at the country in the file name could mean missing your town entirely.
Each PDF lists the date, event time, city, address, and performers. Search both files for your town or state, then save the actual stop address along with the date. Start with CPKC’s official Holiday Train page whenever you check for updates.
These 10 communities are getting their first visit
CPKC’s 2026 announcement includes 10 first-time communities. Here are their dates and event times from the current U.S. train schedule:
- Blue Springs, Missouri: November 27, 1:30–2 p.m.
- Meridian, Mississippi: December 1, 4:15–4:45 p.m.
- Jackson, Mississippi: December 1, 7:30–8 p.m.
- Vicksburg, Mississippi: December 2, 2:45–3:15 p.m.
- Monroe, Louisiana: December 2, 5:45–6:15 p.m.
- Ruston, Louisiana: December 2, 7:30–8 p.m.
- Port Arthur, Texas: December 3, 5:30–6 p.m.
- DeQuincy, Louisiana: December 4, 3:15–3:45 p.m.
- Leesville, Louisiana: December 4, 5:30–6 p.m.
- Zwolle, Louisiana: December 4, 7:45–8:15 p.m.
Blue Springs has Magic! and MARIS on the lineup. The other nine stops above list Chase Rice and Madeline Edwards. These are just the new communities, so check the full schedules for returning stops, too.
What happens when the train arrives?
According to CPKC’s event FAQ, the illuminated train stops, its stage opens, and the band performs. A brief presentation with local food bank representatives is part of the event before the music continues and the train heads to its next stop.
The public cannot ride the Holiday Train. Plan on watching the show at the stop. Also, check your event’s listed time rather than assuming every concert happens after dark; several stops above are in the afternoon.
What to know before you go
Admission is free. CPKC warns that requests for payment for Holiday Train tickets are fraudulent, so skip any supposed ticket seller.
If you can, bring cash or nonperishable food for the local food bank. Representatives collect donations at the events, and contributions stay in the community where they’re given.
For parking and restrooms, check with the host city or town. CPKC says local organizers handle those arrangements, along with any additional entertainment or services. A concert address alone won’t answer every question about getting there with your family.
Keep at least 50 feet, or 15 metres, away from the tracks, and never stand on the tracks or the surrounding ballast rock for photos.
Before heading out, recheck your date, event time, and address on the official schedule page, then look up your host town’s event details.
