Are you ready for it?! North Americas most unique feel good holiday tradition is underway and it’s coming soon to a train station stop near you! That’s right Durham Region, the Holiday Train is back for 2024 and it had already started to make it’s way here. And we’re here to share everything you want to know about the CPKC Holiday Train 2024!
Why a Holiday Train?
This festively decorated train’s initiative is not only to bring holiday cheer but also to visit communities across North America in November and December to raise food, money and awareness for local food banks and food pantry organizations. Since 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised more than $24.3 million and more than 5.3 million pounds of food for North American food banks. There are two holiday traveling throughout North America to maximize the initiatives success and donations raised at a Holiday Train stop remain in that community.
What Happens at the Holiday Train Stops?
The excitement levels are huge as the decorated train pulls into each station. One of the trains’ boxcars opens up and the stage door lowers where the band opens with its first song. Visitors can take pictures and videos of the festivities. Next there’s a brief presentation with the local food bank officials etc. During the show volunteers are busy loading trucks with the food donations and money for their community. After the last song, the boxcar door closes and the train heads out to its next stop.
When is the Holiday Train coming?
Durham Region:
November 29th, 2024:
- Bowmanville at 2pm at Scugog Rd railway crossing at Wellington St.
- Oshawa at 3:15pm at 680 Laval Dr.
GTA:
November 29th, 2024:
- Toronto at 8:30pm at 750 Runnymede Rd
Nov 30th, 2024:
- Vaughan at 10:15 am at NW corner of CPKC railway crossing at Nachville Road
- Barrie at 12:30pm (lunch) at Anne Street North and Wenden Court
Fun Facts about the Holiday Train:
- The Holiday Train began in 1999, this is it’s 25th year
- The CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $24.3 million
- The CPKC Holiday Train has collected approximately 5.3 million pounds of food for community food banks in Canada and the U.S.
- The trains cover thousands of miles in 4 weeks
- There’s more than 160 stops
Popular questions about the holiday train:
- Can you ride the train? No
- How long does the train stay at a station? Half an hour
- What items is the food bank looking for? Each area is different so pls check with your local food bank, however cash donations are always appreciate because bulk buying power makes your donation go further.
- Do you have to go to a stop to see it? No the Holiday Train will be traveling along CPCK rail tracks in Canada and the USA…check out this example here:
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So now that you’ve heart that the Holiday Train is back for 2024 and everything about what to expect all you have do do is decide what day and location you are going to closest to you! Enjoy!
