CPKC Holiday Train 2026: Schedule, Artists & Stops
The CPKC Holiday Train 2026 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 2026 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 23 to Dec 20 (Montréal to Port Coquitlam, British Columbia)
- U.S. route: Nov 21 to Nov 26 (Jackman, Maine to Rouses Point Junction, New York)
- Entry: Free
- Duration: Around 30–40 minutes
Who is Performing in 2026?
Artists rotate depending on location. Here’s the full 2026 lineup:
- American Authors
- Tyler Shaw
- Rafaëlle Roy
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 November 2026). Keep an eye on local updates in case of time changes or weather delays.
28 November
Finch, Ontario
- Time: 14:45–15:15
- Location: James Street between William Street & George Street
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Merrickville, Ontario
- Time: 17:00–17:30
- Location: South side of Broadway Street railroad, crossing near By Street
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Smiths Falls, Ontario
- Time: 18:30 – 19:00
- Location: 63 Victoria Avenue, Smiths Falls Train Station
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Perth, Ontario
- Time: 20:00 – 20:30
- Location: Wilson Street Railway Crossing
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
29 November
Belleville, Ontario
- Time: 9:30 – 10:00
- Location: West of storage facility on Keegan Parkway
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Trenton, Ontario
- Time: 10:45 – 11:15
- Location: RCAF Road Railway Crossing
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Brighton, Ontario
- Time: 11:45 – 12:15
- Location: Prince Edward Street, East of railway crossing
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Bowmanville, Ontario
- Time: 14:00 – 14:30
- Location: Scugog Road & Wellington Street
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Oshawa, Ontario
- Time: 15:15 – 15:45
- Location: 680 Laval Drive. Behind Walmart off Stevenson Road South
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Toronto, Ontario
- Time: 20:30 – 21:00
- Location:750 Runnymede Road
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
30 November
Vaughan, Ontario
- Time: 10:15 – 10:45
- Location: N.W. corner of the CPKC railway crossing at Nashville Road, near the Old Grain Elevator
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Springwater (Midhurst), Ontario
- Time: 12:30 – 12:55
- Location: 2231 Nursery Road
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
MacTier, Ontario
- Time:15:00 – 15:20
- Location: CPKC Station
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Parry Sound, Ontario
- Time:16:30 – 17:00
- Location: Festival Station – 1 Avenue Road
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Shawanaga, Ontario
- Time:17:30 – 18:00
- Location: Village Road
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Rutter, Ontario
- Time:19:10 – 19:40
- Location: Rutter Train Station
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Sudbury, Ontario
- Time:21:15 – 21:45
- Location: VIA Train Station – Elgin Street
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
1 December
Cartier, Ontario
- Time: 10:45 – 11:15
- Location: 3 Spencer Avenue
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Chapleau, Ontario
- Time: 16:15 – 16:45
- Location: 50 Dufferin Street
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
White River, Ontario
- Time: 21:00 – 21:30
- Location: 102 Winnipeg Street
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
2 December
Mobert, Ontario
- Time: 09:15 – 09:45
- Location: Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Band Office
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Heron Bay, Ontario
- Time: 11:15 – 11:45
- Location: ESSO Building
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Marathon, Ontario
- Time:12:30 – 13:00
- Location: Curling Club – Stevens Avenue
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Schreiber, Ontario
- Time: 15:00 – 15:30
- Location: North Shore Harvest Food Cupboard Building
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Nipigon, Ontario
- Time: 17:45 – 18:15
- Location: 60 Front Street. Across from Town Hall
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Time: 20:45 – 21:15
- Location: 440 Syndicate Avenue
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
3 December
Ignace, Ontario
- Time: 09:15 – 09:45
- Location: CPKC Train Station
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Dryden, Ontario
- Time: 11:45 – 12:15
- Location: Queen Street & Earl Avenue
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Vermilion Bay, Ontario
- Time: 13:00 – 13:30
- Location: Bay Street Railway Crossing
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Kenora, Ontario
- Time: 15:20 – 15:50
- Location: Wholesale store, 8th Avenue South
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
Ingolf, Ontario
- Time: 16:40 – 17:10
- Location: Mile 31.3
- Artists: American Authors and Tyler Shaw
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
Whether you’re planning to catch a performance or donate to a local food bank, the CPKC Holiday Train 2026 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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