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.
Those wanting to see the show should gather in the parking lot area between the downriver boat launch and the railroad tracks. Please arrive by 7:15 p.m. to avoid missing the show due to the train’s arrival and the Iowa Street crossing being closed to vehicular traffic.
The downriver parking lot will not be closed (except for four spots by the clock tower) but the Iowa Avenue entrance to Riverside Park will be closed to vehicular traffic for the safety of the general public. The public is encouraged to park upriver, if possible, as the Cedar Street entrance will remain open. Please watch for pedestrians while entering and driving through Riverside Park.
The train will stop in front of the parking lot just downriver of the Iowa Avenue entrance to Riverside Park. The public is asked to stay on the river side of the fence between the parking lot and the railroad tracks. The stage will open on the parking lot side of the train opposite Pearl City Station.
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 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. 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 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.”
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.
For the full schedule and more details, visit cpkcr.com/holidaytrain.