Full Breakdown
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train 2025: Schedule and Impact
10/11/2025, 2:12:04 PM
Overview of the Holiday Train Tour
The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train is set to embark on its 2025 tour from November 19 to December 21, covering various locations across the U.S. and Canada. This annual event combines festive celebrations with charitable efforts, as the train raises funds and collects food for local food banks. The U.S. leg of the tour will commence on November 22 in Hermon, Maine, and conclude on December 18 in Kenmare, North Dakota.
Schedule and Performers
The Holiday Train will make numerous stops in Minnesota from December 12 to December 17, featuring performances by the band American Authors on December 12 and Lanco on December 15. Key stops in Minnesota include:
- December 12: La Crescent, Winona, Wabasha, Red Wing, Hastings, Cottage Grove, St. Paul, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis.
- December 15: Buffalo, Annandale, Eden Valley.
- December 16: Glenwood, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, Plummer, Thief River Falls.
In total, the train will visit 20 locations in Minnesota, with free concerts encouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations for local food banks.
Charitable Impact
Since its inception in 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised over $26 million and collected approximately 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks across Canada and the U.S. Each stop on the tour includes a donation to the local food bank, reinforcing the train's mission to combat food insecurity. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to this cause, ensuring that local food shelves receive necessary support during the holiday season.
Official Statements
Keith Creel, CEO of CPKC, expressed pride in the Holiday Train's ability to reach more communities each year, stating, “We are thrilled to send this beautiful train filled with lights and music to spread the joy of the season and proud to support the giving spirit of the holidays assisting people experiencing food insecurity.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the Holiday Train is widely celebrated, some critics argue that the focus on entertainment may overshadow the pressing issue of food insecurity. They suggest that more direct actions could be taken to address the root causes of hunger rather than relying on seasonal events.
What's Next
The Holiday Train will continue its journey through various states and provinces, with new stops planned in communities that have not previously hosted the event. This expansion aims to enhance community engagement and support for local food banks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every year, our railroaders take great pride in bringing the Holiday Train across our network, this year reaching even more communities for the first time,” — Keith Creel, CEO of CPKC
- “But it’s more than entertainment: the event is tied to local food banks and encourages donations to help combat food insecurity in each community.” — CPKC Holiday Train Overview
The CPKC Holiday Train remains a significant tradition, blending festive cheer with a commitment to community support, making it a highlight of the holiday season for many.
