CPKC Holiday Train 2025: Schedule, Artists & Stops
The CPKC Holiday Train 2025 is rolling back into town this year, with more stops and a bigger artist lineup. If you’ve never been, here’s the idea: a real train decked out in lights rolls across North America. At each stop, a boxcar opens into a stage where artists play a short set while food donations are collected for local food banks. It’s not a concert tour, not a promo, but something in between.
The shows are free, outdoors, and about 40 minutes long. No wristbands. No lines. Just music and a reason to gather. If you’re curious about when it’s coming to your area or who’s performing—this breakdown has all the key info for 2025.
CPkC Holiday Train 2025 Stops, Dates, and Performers
What is the CPKC Holiday Train?
The CPKC Holiday Train started in 1999 as a way to raise money and food for local communities. Since then, it’s raised over $26 million and more than 5 million pounds of food. Here’s what happens:
- The train arrives at a central location
- One car folds open into a stage
- A band plays for about 30–40 minutes
- You bring a donation if you can
- Then the train rolls out
There’s no pressure to stay long. Just show up, watch, donate if you’re able, and enjoy.
Quick Details & Dates
All donations collected at each stop stay local. You’re directly supporting food banks in your area.
- Canada route: Nov 19 to Dec 21 (Montréal to Gleichen, Alberta)
- U.S. route: Nov 22 to Dec 18 (Maine to North Dakota)
- Total stops: 196
- New stops this year: 13 (including towns in Ontario, Texas, Louisiana, Maine, and Oklahoma)
- Entry: Free
- Duration: Around 30–40 minutes
Who is Performing in 2025?
Artists rotate depending on location. Here’s the full 2025 lineup:
- Barenaked Ladies
- Smash Mouth
- Tyler Shaw
- Shawnee Kish (with Tyler Shaw in Ontario)
- American Authors
- Jade Eagleson
- Brittany Kennell
- JJ Wilde
- Teigen Gayse
- Tiera Kennedy
- Lanco
- Dylan Marlowe
- Pynk Beard
Check your city’s schedule to see who’s playing at your stop.
How the Stops Work
The shows are short, simple, and open-air. You’re watching from sidewalks or street-level areas. There are no ticket booths or crowd control setups. Expect a mix of holiday music, original songs, and some local shoutouts.
Here’s how it usually plays out:
- The train arrives
- The side opens into a lit-up stage
- Artists perform live
- The food bank collects donations
- The train heads to the next town
Ontario Stops & Lineups
These are confirmed dates and artist pairings in Ontario (as of October 2025). Keep an eye on local updates in case of time changes or weather delays.
23 November
Milton
- Time: 17:00–17:30
- Location: Glen Eden Ski & Snowboard Centre, 5234 Kelso Road
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
Hamilton
- Time: 20:00–20:40
- Location: West Kinnear Yard
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
24 November
Cambridge/Galt
- Time: 16:15–16:45
- Location: 10 Malcom Street
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
Ayr
- Time: 17:30–18:00
- Location: Inglis Street & Willison Street
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
Woodstock
- Time: 18:50–19:10
- Location: 199 Winniett Street
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
London
- Time: 20:30–21:00
- Location: Richmond Street & Piccadilly Street
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
25 November
Chatham
- Time: 14:45–15:15
- Location: Holiday Inn & Convention Center, 565 Richmond Street
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
Windsor
- Time: 18:00–18:30
- Location: Erie Street West & Janette Avenue
- Artists: American Authors + KT Tunstall
28 November
Finch
- Time: 14:45–15:15
- Location: James Street between William & George Street
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Merrickville
- Time: 17:00–17:30
- Location: 103 East Broadway & Country Road 2
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Smiths Falls
- Time: 18:30–19:00
- Location: 63 Victoria Avenue
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Perth
- Time: 20:00–20:30
- Location: Herriott Road
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
29 November
Belleville
- Time: 09:30–10:00
- Location: Keegan Parkway
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Trenton
- Time: 10:45–11:15
- Location: Railway Crossing on R.C.A.F. Road
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Brighton
- Time: 11:45–12:15
- Location: Prince Edward Street
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Bowmanville
- Time: 14:00–14:30
- Location: Scugog Road & Wellington Street
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Oshawa
- Time: 15:15–15:45
- Location: 680 Laval Drive
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Toronto
- Time: 20:30–21:00
- Location: 750 Runnymede Road
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
30 November
Vaughan
- Time: 10:15–10:45
- Location: Nashville Road
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Midhurst (Barrie)
- Time: 12:30–12:55
- Location: Anne Street North & Wenden Court
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
MacTier
- Time: 15:00–15:20
- Location: CPKC Station
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Parry Sound
- Time: 16:30–17:00
- Location: Festival Station – 1 Avenue Road
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Shawanaga
- Time: 17:30–18:00
- Location: Village Road
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Rutter
- Time: 19:10–19:40
- Location: Rutter Train Station
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
Sudbury
- Time: 21:15–21:45
- Location: 233 Elgin Street
- Artists: Tyler Shaw + Shawnee Kish
What to Bring
There’s no ticket or line—just walk up early to find a decent spot. Here’s what helps:
- Warm layers – You’ll be standing outside for a bit
- A donation – Canned goods or a small cash donation
- Light source – Some spots are dimly lit
- Friends or family – It’s a casual night out
What’s New This Year
The setup hasn’t changed much, but a few new things are happening in 2025:
- 13 new stops were added to the route
- The U.S. leg is bigger after the CPKC rail merger
- New lights on the American train honor the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express
- First-time visits to smaller Ontario towns
Whether you’re planning to catch a performance or donate to a local food bank, the CPKC Holiday Train 2025 is a festive way to celebrate the season while giving back to the community. Don’t miss the chance to experience the lights, music, and holiday spirit at a stop near you.
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