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CPKC Holiday Train 2026 — a festive Christmas train in Calgary

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On December 11, 2026, the legendary CPKC Holiday Train will visit Calgary—a train brightly decorated with Christmas lights that travels across Canada and the United States every year, spreading holiday cheer and collecting donations for local food banks.

Calgary residents and visitors can look forward to an extraordinary Christmas spectacle: a festively lit train, live music, performances by famous Canadian artists, and the chance to support a good cause.

This is a wonderful opportunity to spend a winter evening with your family, show your children a real Christmas train, and soak up the festive atmosphere as the holidays approach.

🎅 What is the CPKC Holiday Train?

The CPKC Holiday Train is an annual charitable Christmas initiative organized by the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railroad company.

The project began in 1999 and has since become one of Canada’s most famous holiday traditions.

Every year, a specially decorated train sets off on a journey through cities in Canada and the United States. Its cars are covered with thousands of multicolored LED lights, creating an incredible spectacle after sunset.

But the main purpose of this journey is not just the festive atmosphere.

The CPKC Holiday Train helps raise funds and collect food for local food banks, which support families and individuals facing difficult circumstances.

✨ What awaits visitors in Calgary?

🚂 A festive train with thousands of lights

The star of the evening will be the CPKC Holiday Train itself.

It’s a real train, with cars decorated with bright Christmas displays, garlands, and festive designs.

When the train pulls into the station in the evening darkness, its multicolored lights create a special atmosphere.

For children, it’s a chance to see this unique Christmas train in person, and for adults, it’s an opportunity to take beautiful holiday photos and experience the spirit of Christmas.

🎶 A live concert right from a train car

One of the most interesting features of the CPKC Holiday Train is a special car that transforms into a concert stage.

Upon the train’s arrival, the side of the car opens, and the musicians perform right in front of the audience.

Performing in Calgary on December 11, 2026:

  • Sam Roberts Band—a popular Canadian rock band known for its energetic performances and numerous music awards.
  • Owen Riegling—a Canadian country artist who has gained popularity thanks to his songs and live concerts.

Guests will be able to listen to live music under the open sky and enjoy a festive concert amid the glow of Christmas lights.

🎄 A Christmas atmosphere for the whole family

The CPKC Holiday Train is an event that brings people of all ages together.

Children will be thrilled by the colorful train, the music, and the festive lights, while adults can spend a pleasant evening with their loved ones.

Unlike a typical concert, the combination of railroad romance, Christmas decorations, and live music creates a special atmosphere here.

Important: The CPKC Holiday Train is not a passenger tour. Visitors watch the train’s arrival and the concert from a designated viewing area. Passengers are not allowed to board the train.

❤️ Charity Goal: Supporting Food Banks

What makes the CPKC Holiday Train special is that it’s not just festive entertainment, but a large-scale charitable initiative.

During the train’s stops, organizers encourage visitors to support local food banks—organizations that provide food to individuals and families in need.

How can you get involved?

  • Bring non-perishable food items.
  • Make a voluntary monetary donation.
  • Spread the word about this charitable initiative to your friends and acquaintances.

Foods that food banks typically need include canned goods, pasta, rice, grains, and other non-perishable items.

Even a small donation can make a big difference for local families in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.

📅 Date, Time, and Location

The CPKC Holiday Train will arrive in Calgary on Friday, December 11, 2026.

  • Date: Friday, December 11, 2026
  • Time: 7:00–7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Anderson C-Train Station
  • City: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Performers: Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling
  • Cost: Free
  • Format: Outdoor holiday concert

The concert will last approximately 30 minutes, so we recommend arriving early to find a good spot to watch.

🚉 How to get to the venue?

The event will take place near Anderson C-Train Station—one of Calgary Transit’s light rail stations in southern Calgary.

The most convenient way to get to the venue is to take the C-Train.

Anderson Station is located on the Red Line, so you can reach it by public transit from various parts of the city.

If you plan to drive, keep in mind that during popular holiday events, the area may be crowded, and parking spaces are limited.

🧣 What should you know before visiting?

Since the event takes place outdoors in December, it’s important to prepare for Calgary’s winter weather.

A few helpful tips:

  • Dress warmly. A winter jacket, hat, gloves, and warm shoes will help you stay comfortable outdoors.
  • Arrive early. The holiday train attracts a large crowd, so it can get crowded near the station.
  • Bring your phone or camera. The brightly lit train makes a wonderful backdrop for Christmas photos.
  • Keep an eye on your children. If you’re coming with young children, keep them close, especially near large crowds.
  • Follow safety guidelines. Do not step onto the train tracks and follow the organizers’ instructions.
  • If possible, make a donation. This will help support the event’s charitable cause.

🎟 Do I need tickets?

No, admission to the CPKC Holiday Train is free.

You do not need to purchase tickets or register in advance to see the holiday train and concert.

However, the organizers encourage guests to bring food items or make voluntary donations to support local food banks.

Up-to-date information about the holiday train’s route, schedule, and stops can be found on the official CPKC website.

👉 CPKC Holiday Train Official Website

🎄 Don’t miss one of Calgary’s most spectacular Christmas events!

The CPKC Holiday Train is a wonderful opportunity to soak up the Christmas spirit, enjoy live music, see the unique holiday train, and do a good deed at the same time.

The event will be especially fun for families with children, as seeing a real train decorated with thousands of Christmas lights is an experience they’ll remember for a long time.

Mark your calendars for December 11, 2026—invite your friends and come to Anderson C-Train Station to welcome the CPKC Holiday Train together! 🚂✨

CPKC Holiday Train 2026 — a festive Christmas train in Calgary
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From May, 2025