The CPKC Holiday Train is a Canadian Christmas tradition that makes stops in Agassiz, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam.
The train travels across Canada and the United States from late November until mid-December. At each stop there is a free concert and an opportunity to support local food banks.
Holiday Train Concerts & Fundraising Events
The CPKC Holiday Train has been a Christmas tradition of the Canadian Pacific Railway for more than 20 years. The event requests donations of cash or food. Any non-perishable food items or amounts of cash are accepted. It’s a fun event supporting a great cause, so donate generously.
Since its first run in 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected over 5 million pounds of food for food banks across North America.
In 2024 alone, the train raised over $1.7 million and collected more than 130,000 pounds of food. At every stop, CPKC donates to the local food bank and encourages guests to give food items or cash.
Free Live Music from the CPKC Train
Each stop typically features a live concert by professional musicians performing on the train’s stage. Shows are usually free, family-friendly and last about 30 minutes.
Performers for 2025 have not been announced yet.
In 2024, there were two different featured artists. MAGIC! and Sofia Camara performed at each stop in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
CPKC Holiday Train in 2025
In addition to its usual Canadian stops, the 2025 Holiday Train will add new U.S. stops, including Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana.
To accommodate this expansion the old Holiday Express equipment is being retired after 23 years. Honouring its legacy “Rudy” the reindeer engine will appear in lights as part of the new Holiday Train’s design.
Lower Mainland Stops
The CPKC Holiday Train traditionally makes five stops in the Lower Mainland each December. In 2024, these took place over two days.
Below is last year’s schedule for reference. The 2025 timetable will likely follow a similar pattern, but with exact dates and times to be confirmed.
Agassiz on December 19th, 2024
The first Lower Mainland stop of the CPKC Holiday Train was outside the Agassiz Agra Centre on Pioneer Avenue and the event ran from 5:45 to 6:15 pm.
Last year’s food and cash donations benefitted the Agassiz-Harrison Community Services Society.
Maple Ridge on December 19th, 2024
The CPKC Holiday Train visited Maple Ridge by the Port Haney West Coast Express train stop across from Billy Miner Pub at 22355 River Road.
The event took place in Maple Ridge from 8:00 to 8:30 pm on December 19th (shortly after the event in Agassiz). There were also other activities earlier in the evening.
Donations collected at this location have in the past benefitted the local Friends in Need Food Bank.
See our article about the CPKC Holiday Train in Maple Ridge to learn more about this event.
Pitt Meadows on December 19th, 2024
The Pitt Meadows event took place at the railway crossing at the West Coast Express Station at the corner of Harris Road and Advent Road. The location is near the Pitt Meadows Museum General Store at 12294 Harris Road and the event took place from 9:05 to 9:35 pm on December 19th. That was just after its stop in Maple Ridge on the same night.
Donations of cash and food in Pitt Meadows have in the past benefitted the Friends in Need Food Bank.
Port Moody on December 20th, 2024
The CPKC Holiday Train visited Port Moody behind the Rec Centre at 300 Loco Road and the event began at 5:45 pm on December 20th. The train departed after at about 6:15 pm.
In previous years the festivities in Port Moody typically run for an extra couple of hours. There were bonfires, craft activities, carol singing and other events to enjoy nearby on the same evening. Whether this is the case in 2025 is yet to be confirmed. Click Port Moody Event for more information about evening activities in previous years.
Donations received last year benefitted Share Family & Community Services.
Port Coquitlam on December 20th, 2024
Port Coquitlam also got its CPKC Holiday Train visit on December 20th (shortly after the concert in Port Moody). The train was at the Port Coquitlam West Coast Express Station at 2125 Kingsway Avenue from 7:15 to 7:45 pm.
Donations of food and cash collected last year benefitted Share Family & Community Services.
What to Expect at the CPKC Holiday Train Events
At each stop of the CPKC Holiday Train, you can expect to see a few thousand people and train cars with Christmas lights. The train pulls up, the stage door lowers, the bands get ready and then the music plays for about 30 minutes.
During the event, partway through the selection of Christmas-themed tunes, there is usually an official welcome and presentation by local dignitaries and people from the local food bank.
Lasting around 45 minutes from start to finish, the events are pretty small and short, but they are fun and the music is great.
The Holiday Train itself is approximately 1,000 feet long and consists of two GP20C 2200 series locomotives. The train’s more than 12 rail cars are decorated with Christmas LED lights. You can’t go on the locomotive, but it’s exciting to see.
Don’t forget to take non-perishable food items and/or cash to donate to your local food bank if you attend the event!
CPKC Holiday Train Christmas Video
Below is a video of the CPKC Holiday Train in 2018. The scene is of the train and its cars just after its concert with the Sam Roberts Band and just before it departed for its next stop in Port Coquitlam.
Tips & Advice
Below are some tips to help you make the most of your CPKC Holiday Train experience.
TIP #1: Bring a food or cash donation as local food banks benefit directly.
TIP #2: Arrive early for the best view as concerts are short and popular.
TIP #3: Dress for the weather. Shows are held outdoors and take place rain or shine.
Other Information
See the CPKC Holiday Train website for more details about the events.
Check out the following for ideas on other things to do:
