CPKC Holiday Train 2026: Toronto and GTA Stops

The CPKC Holiday Train is one of the most charming free Christmas events in Ontario. A freight train decked out in thousands of lights pulls up at a railway crossing, a boxcar door drops down to become a stage, and a band plays a short holiday concert before the train rolls on to the next town. It’s free, and every stop collects food and money for the local food bank.

Toronto stop 2026

Detail	Toronto
Date	Sunday, November 29, 2026
Time	8:30 – 9 p.m.
Location	750 Runnymede Road
Cost	Free; bring a food bank donation

GTA and nearby stops 2026

Stop	Date	Time	Location
Milton	Fri, Nov 20	5 – 5:30 p.m.	Glen Eden Ski & Snowboard Centre, 5234 Kelso Road
Hamilton	Fri, Nov 20	8 – 8:40 p.m.	West Kinnear Yard, opposite Gage Park
Bowmanville	Sun, Nov 29	2 – 2:30 p.m.	Scugog Road and Wellington Street
Oshawa	Sun, Nov 29	3:15 – 3:45 p.m.	680 Laval Drive, behind Walmart
Toronto	Sun, Nov 29	8:30 – 9 p.m.	750 Runnymede Road
Vaughan	Mon, Nov 30	10:15 – 10:45 a.m.	Nashville Road rail crossing near the Old Grain Elevator

Other Ontario stops include Cambridge, Woodstock and London on November 21, Chatham and Windsor on November 22, Belleville, Trenton and Brighton on the morning of November 29, and Midhurst on November 30.

This year’s Ontario performers include American Authors, Tyler Shaw, Magic! and MARIS. Each stop features one of the acts.

How it works

The train arrives at the stop, the lit boxcar opens into a stage and the band plays for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then the train moves on. Times are scheduled to the minute, but trains can run late, so arrive early and be ready to wait a little in the cold.

What to expect at a Holiday Train stop

1. Arrive early. Crowds gather well before the scheduled time, and the train is often a few minutes early or late.
2. Listen for the whistle. The train pulls in slowly, lit from end to end with thousands of LED lights.
3. The boxcar opens into a stage. A short concert follows, usually around 30 minutes, with holiday songs and well-known Canadian and international artists.
4. Food bank volunteers collect donations throughout the event.
5. The train leaves for its next stop, and the crowd heads home.

What to bring

• A food bank donation. Non-perishable food (canned protein, pasta, rice, peanut butter and baby food are always needed) or a cash donation.
• Warm clothes and boots. You’ll be standing outside, often on gravel or in a parking area, for an hour or more.
• A flashlight or phone light for walking to and from the site after dark.
• Ear protection for little kids; the train and the concert can be loud up close.

Accessibility and parking

Stops are usually at railway yards or crossings, with limited parking and uneven ground. Take transit if you can, arrive early if you need a spot near the front, and check the CPKC Holiday Train website for any accessibility information for your stop.

History of the Holiday Train

The Holiday Train first ran in 1999 and has since raised millions of dollars and millions of pounds of food for local food banks across Canada and the United States. Every dollar and item collected at a stop stays in that community. It’s now one of the most beloved free holiday traditions in the country. See more Canadian Christmas traditions.

CPKC Holiday Train: FAQ

Is the Holiday Train free? Yes. Donations to the local food bank are encouraged but not required.

Can you board the train? No. It’s a stage and light show; the public stays on the ground.

What if it’s late? Schedules can shift with rail traffic and weather. Check the train’s live updates on the day.

Tips

• Arrive 30 minutes early to get close to the stage car.
• Bring non-perishable food or a cash donation for the local food bank. Donations are collected at every stop.
• Dress warmly. Stops are outdoors at railway crossings, and the Toronto stop is after dark.
• Stay behind barriers and follow volunteers’ directions around the tracks.
• Check for last-minute changes on the CPKC Holiday Train website or social media on the day.

More free Christmas events

• Toronto Christmas tree lighting ceremonies
• Free Christmas things to do in Toronto
• Toronto Christmas events in November
• Santa train rides near Toronto

See the full Toronto Christmas events 2026 calendar.