On Tuesday, December 16, the festive 1000-foot-long train rolls into town, bringing lights, music and a chance to support the local food bank.
The holiday season lights up an extra notch this year in Golden as the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train chugs in for a community event to remember. On Tuesday, December 16, the train will arrive at the rail yard across from the 7-Eleven on 10 Avenue N. (Highway 95) at approximately 8:45 p.m.
Expect an immersive holiday spectacle: one of the CPKC’s signature trains, decked out in LED lights, rolling rail-cars converted into concert stages, and a live performance by the Canadian band Barenaked Ladies.
But the train isn’t just about lights and music. It’s about community and giving. The Holiday Train program supports food banks and raises both food and cash donations across Canada and the U.S.
Here in Golden, the local beneficiary is the Golden Food Bank Society, which distributes emergency food assistance to households in town and Area A.
“One in five British Columbians is struggling with food insecurity… in Golden and Area A, we’ve seen a steady rise in demand for food access support.” – Golden Food Bank Society
What does it mean for Golden
For a smaller community like ours, the arrival of the Holiday Train is a big deal — and it makes sense. The rail yard parking lot venue across from 7-Eleven offers a gathering spot in town, combines entertainment and charity, and draws people from the rural area. This is both a community event and a chance for local businesses and families to join in the spirit.
It also gives the food bank a spotlight at a time when donations are more needed than ever. Many in our community may not be aware of the trend upward in food-bank usage; this event helps connect the dots between fun and meaningful giving.
What to Know & Bring
• Time & place: Tuesday, December 16, at about 8:45 p.m. (arrive early to find parking and vantage points) at the CPKC parking lot across from the 7-Eleven on 10 Avenue, Golden.
• Dress warm: December evenings in Golden can be crisp. Bring a coat, gloves, maybe a thermos of hot cocoa.
• Donations: Consider a monetary donation via the local Virtual Food Drive to help the food bank purchase bulk items and fresh produce.
• Gracious giving: If you choose to bring non-perishable items, ensure they are unopened, undamaged, and inside the best-before guidelines. The food bank guidelines ask for this.
• Location strategy: The best spot to view the train and stage may be near the crossing or the rail yard directly facing the 10th Avenue side. Arrive early to secure a good vantage point.
A Quick Look Back
The Holiday Train began in 1999 under the predecessor railway operations, and since then has become a beloved annual tradition. It travels across Canada and the U.S., stopping in dozens of towns to combine bright holiday cheer with an important charitable mission.
Since merging and rebranding under CPKC, the network continues the tradition and lists the Golden stop among its British Columbia dates.
Community Invitation
To all our readers: mark the date and join in. Bring your friends, bring the kids, bring your donation. Let’s make our stop on the Holiday Train not just a moment to watch a train roll through, but an occasion to show that Golden knows how to come together.
