CPKC Holiday Train

On November 28th I headed to Finch to catch a train, not just any train, but the CPKC Holiday Train. The train gets its name from the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, a combination of two historic railways. In its 27th season, it chugs across Canada and the United States stopping at two hundred locations to offer free live performance in its quest to raise money and collect heart-healthy food to support food banks.

Jeremy, the train’s engineer was on hand to present a $4000 cheque on behalf of CPKC to the Community Food Share organization which services over 8000 individuals in Winchester, Morrisburg, and Finch. All food and monetary donations raised in Finch will remain in the community. Since its inauguration, this initiative has raised more than 26 million dollars.

A one-minute countdown signalled the start of the show before the front panel of the carriage opened up dramatically spouting smoke and revealing Teigen Gayse, a Métis singer and songwriter, singing her original song, “Hey Christmas,” followed by the well known “Santa Baby.” This up-and-coming artist was the recipient of the 2023 British Columbia Country Music Association (BCCMA) Female Artist of the Year.

Country singer, Jade Eagleson, from Bailieboro, Ontario, a small community within Peterborough County followed Teigen’s performance. A multiple music award winner, most recently as the 2025 CCMA Male Artist of the Year, Jade started his set with the carol “Joy to the World” and ended with “Honky Talkin’,” from his album Honkytonk Revival released in 2021.

The half-hour show ended with a high energy duet performance. Many stayed to watch the train depart with farewell honk and waves from the staff. A final “Merry Christmas,” shouted from the back of the caboose was the signal to head home.

The CPKC Holiday train will be making its way slowly towards British Columbia with multiple stops along the way until December 21st.