The CPKC Holiday Train will be making multiple stops across Alberta for its 28th annual celebration, bringing live music performances and fun festivities to a number of communities in the province.
Each year during the winter holiday season, CPKC launches its Holiday Train in support of local food banks. According to CPKC, the train will be lighting up evenings throughout November and December with live music performances across the United States and Canada. Visitors are invited to check out the live tunes and bring a donation of food or funds to help support the giving spirit of the holidays.
When and where is the CPKC Holiday Train stopping in Alberta?
The holiday train will be making a total of 182 stops starting Thursday, Nov. 19. Its journey through Alberta will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 8, with 21 stops, including:
- Medicine Hat, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 3:15 p.m. (with performances from American Authors and Tyler Shaw)
- Tilley, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. (with performances from American Authors and Tyler Shaw)
- Brooks, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6:40 p.m. (with performances from American Authors and Tyler Shaw)
- Gleichen, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 8:45 p.m. (with performances from American Authors and Tyler Shaw)
- Calgary, Alta. on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Blackfalds, Alta. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Lacombe, Alta. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2:15 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Ponoka, Alta. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Wetaskawin, Alta. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 5:45 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Millet, Alta. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Leduc, Alta. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8:30 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Josephburg, Alta. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 6:15 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Edmonton, Alta. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 8:15 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Innisfail, Alta. on Monday, Dec. 14 at 12:55 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Olds, Alta. on Monday, Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Didsbury, Alta. on Monday, Dec. 14 at 3:45 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Airdrie, Alta. on Monday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Cochrane, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Stoney Nakoda, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 4:25 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Canmore, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
- Banff, Alta. on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7:15 p.m. (with performances from Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling)
Each performance will be approximately 30 minutes. For exact addresses and performance times, you can find the full CPKC Holiday Train schedule for 2026 on the event’s website.
Keep in mind, CPKC asks visitors checking out the holiday tradition to always stay 15 metres (or 50 feet) back from the tracks when viewing the Holiday Train. Guests should never take pictures or videos standing on the track or on the ballast rock; you are asked to always stand back from the locomotive and rail cars.
If you’re looking to continue a decades-old holiday experience, or maybe you’re starting a new tradition this year, the holiday train is definitely a spectacle worth checking out. Dress warmly, and get ready for a seasonal performance to remember.
When: Alberta stops starting from Tuesday, Dec. 8, to Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various stops across Alberta
Cost: Free
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Alyssa Gallardo
Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.
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