Holiday Train Rolls into North Louisiana Bringing Cheer and Music

There is nothing better than watching a child's face light up when he or she sees Santa Claus. And if you combine that with a decorated holiday train, the joy from youngsters is simply amazing.

If you have little ones, you do not want to miss this special holiday event.

The CPKC Holiday Train Is Coming Back to North Louisiana

We will celebrate Christmas in just over a month and we are starting to see decorations and holiday items all around us. One of the coolest holiday traditions is headed our way this year.

The CPKC Holiday Express Train will be in town in just a few days. This magical train has delighted crowds across the nation and even into Canada for more than 25 years.

What Is the CPKC Holiday Train?

The CPKC Holiday Train is part of the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway, a merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern.

Each year, the Holiday Train raises money, food, and awareness for community food banks. A donation is made at every stop, and visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to help local families.

Since its debut in 1999, the Holiday Train has helped raise over $26 million and more than 5.4 million pounds of food across North America.

North Louisiana Takes Center Stage

The train will make 7 stops in Louisiana this year and that includes visits to Shreveport and Coushatta in north Louisiana.

Both stops will feature the train’s signature holiday spectacle, live music, and community celebrations.

Shreveport Stop: Sunday, November 30

Location: 4550 North Lake Shore Drive
Time: 7:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

The Shreveport stop is expected to draw one of the largest crowds in the state — and for good reason. This stop will feature performances by Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde, who will take the stage inside one of the Holiday Train’s glowing boxcars.

Families can expect a mix of holiday classics, modern favorites, and a few surprises as the event kicks off the season for the Ark-La-Tex.

Coushatta Stop: Wednesday, December 3

Location: CPKC tracks at Front Street (between East Carroll Street & Alonzo Street)
Time: 8:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Just down the tracks from Shreveport, Coushatta will welcome the CPKC Holiday Train for a Wednesday night performance. This stop features Dylan Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts, who will provide a festive, country-leaning soundtrack for the evening.

This small-town stop is expected to attract families from all across Red River and Bossier Parishes. It offers a more intimate experience compared to larger cities.

What Happens at a Holiday Train Stop?

If you have never been to one of these events before, get ready for a treat. The brightly lit Holiday Train rolls in and stops in front of the crowd. The stage door lowers and the band performs an opening number.

Local food bank representatives and community leaders join the performers for a short presentation. The musicians return for a full mini-concert of holiday and original songs.

When the final note plays, the stage closes and the train heads toward its next destination.

A Free Holiday Tradition for North Louisiana

Every Louisiana stop — including Shreveport and Coushatta — is free to attend, though donations to local food banks are encouraged and greatly appreciated.

Other Stops for the Holiday Train in Louisiana

Tuesday, Dec 2

• Baton Rouge – 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm
  CPKC Yard, 1401 Foss Street

• Gonzales – 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm
  CPKC tracks between Felix Avenue & East Ascension Street

• LaPlace – 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  CPKC tracks at 529 Hemlock Street

Wednesday, Dec 3

• Simmesport – 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
  CPKC railway crossing at N Live Oak Street

• Pineville – 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm
  CPKC railway crossing at Melrose Street & Wadley Street

You can click here to get more details about the Holiday Train.