Holiday Express Scheduled to Stop in Jefferson, Texas in December

It's about that time of the year again when the lighted CPKC Holiday Express with "Rudy" the Smiling Engine leads the way across the region.

Unfortunately, Texarkana is not on the schedule this year as we are set to get a visit from their other train the CPKC Lighted Holiday Train for the very first time on November 29. The CPKC Holiday Express the former KCS is now owned by a Canadian railroad group CPKC so if you want to see the lighted train carrying Santa Claus and his elves you will have to take the short drive from Texarkana to Jefferson on December 4, 2023. See the complete schedule here.

Both CPKC Holiday Trains are about 1,000 feet long with festive rail cars decorated with LED lights and holiday designs. The six-car CPKC Holiday Express features festive holiday-themed displays that will be visiting 20 communities in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi in November and December.

When the train arrives you will hear the sound of Christmas music playing to help get you into the Christmas spirit. Santa and his elves will be on board while the kids wait to visit with Santa and receive a free goodie bag.

Main Mission

The main mission is to support fundraising efforts for the Salvation Army so they can help people in the communities they visit who are in need during the busy holiday season. Since the program began 22 years ago, the Salvation Army has raised over $3.1 million dollars.

The CPKC Holiday Express is made possible through donors who continue to support this holiday tradition that's been around for over two decades.