MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train is rolling back into Muscatine this holiday season, bringing festive lights, live music, and a spirit of giving to the riverfront. The train will make its stop at Riverside Park on Tuesday, November 25, arriving at 7:30 p.m. Performances by Grammy-nominated pop rock band Smash Mouth and Canadian rock star JJ Wilde will follow from 7:45 to 8:15 p.m.
Now in its 27th year, the CPKC Holiday Train travels across North America each season to raise funds and collect food for local food banks, helping families in need. Since its launch in 1999, the program has raised over $26 million and collected more than 5.4 million pounds of food across Canada and the United States.
“The Holiday Train is one of our favorite traditions,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “Every year, our railroaders take great pride in bringing this beautiful train filled with lights and music across our network, spreading holiday cheer while supporting those experiencing food insecurity.”
Each stop on the Holiday Train tour features a free live concert from one of the featured artists. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations to support local food pantries. In Muscatine, donations will benefit The Salvation Army, which will be on site to collect contributions.
The Muscatine stop has become a highlight of the community’s holiday season, with thousands gathering downtown to welcome the train as its 14 brightly decorated railcars illuminate the night.
This year’s Holiday Train also debuts a new light display honoring the legacy of “Rudy” and the recently retired Kansas City Southern Holiday Express, which delighted communities across the U.S. South for nearly 25 years.
🌟 About the Performers
Smash Mouth – Known for mega-hits like All Star, Walkin’ on the Sun, and I’m a Believer, Smash Mouth has earned multiple platinum albums, Grammy nominations, and over one billion streams on Spotify. Their infectious pop-rock sound has been featured in major films, including Shrek.
smashmouth.com
JJ Wilde – Since her breakout debut album Ruthless in 2020, JJ Wilde has topped charts with hits like The Rush, Best Boy, and Mercy. The JUNO Award winner made history as the first woman since Alanis Morissette to win “Rock Album of the Year.”
jjwilde.com
🚂 Holiday Train Highlights
- 196 live shows across six Canadian provinces and 13 U.S. states
- 13 new stops added this year, including in Maine, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Ontario
- Performers include Barenaked Ladies, Smash Mouth, Tyler Shaw, Brittany Kennell, Jade Eagleson, JJ Wilde, American Authors, Lanco, and more
For the full schedule and more details, visit cpkcr.com/holidaytrain.
🌐 About CPKC
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States, and Mexico. With 20,000 employees and over 20,000 miles of track, CPKC connects customers across North America’s key markets with sustainable freight solutions. Learn more at cpkcr.com.