As the festive season approaches, the much-anticipated 2023 Holiday Express train is spreading Christmas joy across North America.
With 191 stops across six Canadian provinces and 14 states, the two locomotives are currently en route, igniting the holiday spirit through community and a tradition of giving back.
The train will stop in Alberta Dec. 6 to 12, before crossing into B.C., with stops from the afternoon of Dec. 12 through to its final B.C. stop in Port Coquitlam Dec. 18.
Since its inception in 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised $22.5 million and gathered more than 5 million pounds of food for food banks across North America.
This year’s journey promises to be extra special as the Holiday Express resumes its free public stops, inviting families and communities to partake in the festive magic. The train, adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, serves as a festive backdrop for the memorable moments that unfold at each stop.
Partnering with local food banks and pantry groups in each town, the CPKC ensures all donations collected at each stop remain within the respective towns hosting the event.
“CPKC employees are very proud of the Holiday Train program! We know that hunger is an issue that can, and does, impact our neighbours. Over the years, the program has gained a tremendous following and we are honoured to continue this tradition from our family to yours,” say event organizers.
For those planning on attending for the first time, here’s what you can expect:
As the CPKC Holiday Train arrives to an eager crowd, the stage door lowers, revealing a band that kicks off the festivities with a joyous holiday tune. Local food bank officials take the stage for a brief presentation, highlighting the impact of the community’s generosity.
Following the presentation, the band resumes its performance, treating the audience to a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs, as well as popular original compositions. The final notes echo through the air as the boxcar door closes, signalling the train’s departure to the next stop on its festive journey.
This year’s lineup of performers adds an extra layer of excitement to the Holiday Express experience. With artists like Anyway Gang, BRELAND, Kiesza, MacKenzie Porter, Seaforth, Tyler Shaw, Dallas Smith, Tenille Townes, Trudy, and Virginia to Vegas, the musical performances promise to be nothing short of spectacular.
In eager anticipation for the arrival of the 2023 Holiday Express, those in attendance should remember a safe distance from the train at all times. By doing so, it ensures that this magical journey continues safely, spreading joy and making a difference in the communities it touches.
To find out if the 2023 Holiday Express is stopping in a town near you, be sure to check out the CPKC’s Holiday Train schedule.
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