Canada’s iconic Christmas train is back on its cross-country journey
Published on Nov 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Canada’s iconic Christmas train is back on its cross-country journey, bringing one of the country’s most beloved holiday traditions to life once again. Its name? The CP Holiday Train.
The rolling light show is crossing thousands of miles to deliver music, festivities, and charity at every stop.
Crowds are already lining the tracks to see the train glowing in its full Christmas glory.
This year’s route is the biggest the train has taken in years.
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Canada’s iconic Christmas train is back
The CP Holiday Train first launched in 1999, and it’s grown into one of Canada’s most recognizable holiday events.
The train runs two routes across the country, one covering the east and the other pushing through the west, stopping at towns and cities along the way.
Each stop is a mini festival as the rail cars fold open to reveal a live stage for holiday concerts, and thousands gather for the shows, with some communities treating the train’s arrival as their official start to the season.
This year’s lineup consists of some amazing talent like American Authors, Smash Mouth, and the Barenaked Ladies, with performances by celebrated country artists like LANCO and Emily Ann Roberts.
The entire train is covered in LED light displays of Christmas scenes with Santa, snowmen, and festive delights.
The holidays are coming
Beyond the spectacle, the Holiday Train has a major charitable mission.
Every concert is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate food or money to their local food banks.
The campaign has raised millions of dollars since it began, and this year the goal is bigger as communities face rising demand.
CPKC, the company behind the train, is the combination of two historic railways – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS).
The organization also donates money at each stop to boost the outreach even further.
Families often follow the train across multiple towns, making it a road trip tradition.
With dozens of stops scheduled through December, the Christmas Train remains one of the most iconic ways Canadians kick off their holidays, lighting up the country one station at a time.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
