The CPKC Holiday Train Comes to Baton Rouge: Community Event Guide

Every year as the holiday season kicks into full gear, a magical tradition rolls through communities across North America—the CPKC Holiday Train. This fully illuminated train, decked out in hundreds of thousands of LED lights, travels from coast to coast spreading holiday cheer while raising money, food, and awareness for local food banks. And on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Holiday Train makes its stop right here in Baton Rouge at 1401 Foss Street from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Now in its 27th year, the CPKC Holiday Train has become one of the most anticipated holiday events wherever it stops. For Baton Rouge families, it's an opportunity to experience something truly unique—a concert performed from the stage of a decorated train car, surrounded by twinkling lights and the spirit of community giving. The event is completely free to attend, though donations of non-perishable food items or cash for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank are strongly encouraged. Since the program began, it has raised more than $22 million and collected 5 million pounds of food for communities across North America.

What to Expect at the Holiday Train

The CPKC Holiday Train is a spectacular sight to behold. The 14-car train is decorated with hundreds of thousands of bright LED lights depicting holiday scenes, including a massive Christmas tree, Santa and his reindeer, and festive characters that light up the night. When the train pulls into the station, a special boxcar transforms into a stage where musicians perform a free holiday concert for the gathered crowd. The whole experience lasts about 30 minutes—brief but absolutely magical, especially for children seeing it for the first time.

If you're planning to attend, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early to secure parking and get a good viewing spot. The location at 1401 Foss Street is near downtown Baton Rouge, so street parking fills up quickly. Consider parking in a nearby downtown garage and walking, or use a rideshare service to avoid the parking hassle altogether. Dress in warm layers since December evenings in Louisiana can be cool, and bring your camera because the illuminated train makes for incredible photos.

Before the train arrives, volunteers from the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank will be on-site collecting donations. This is a great time to drop off your food items or make a cash contribution. The atmosphere is festive, with families gathering and children buzzing with excitement as they wait for the train to appear. When those lights finally come around the bend and the train pulls into the station, the collective gasp from the crowd is something special. The concert features popular holiday songs that get everyone singing along, and then the train departs for its next stop, leaving behind hearts full of holiday spirit.

Why Food Drives Matter in Our Community

The CPKC Holiday Train's mission hits close to home for many Louisiana families. According to Feeding America, Louisiana has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the nation, with approximately 1 in 7 Louisianans—including 1 in 5 children—facing hunger. That means neighbors, coworkers, and classmates in our own community don't always know where their next meal will come from. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank serves 11 parishes in our region, distributing millions of pounds of food annually to families in need, and your donations at the Holiday Train event go directly to supporting these efforts.

If you're bringing food donations, the food bank needs shelf-stable, non-perishable items such as canned vegetables and fruits, canned proteins like tuna and chicken, peanut butter, rice and pasta, cereal, canned soups, and boxed meals. Cash donations are also incredibly valuable because food banks can often purchase food at wholesale prices, meaning your $1 donation can provide multiple meals. Whether you bring a single can of green beans or write a check, every contribution makes a difference for families struggling during the holiday season.

The Holiday Train is also a wonderful opportunity to teach children about generosity and helping others. Take them grocery shopping beforehand and let them pick out items to donate. Explain that not all families have enough food and that our donations help make sure everyone can enjoy holiday meals. These conversations stick with children and shape their values, turning a fun family outing into a meaningful lesson about community and compassion.

The Spirit of Community in Baton Rouge

Events like the CPKC Holiday Train showcase something special about Baton Rouge—our sense of community. When a train rolls into town and thousands of people show up with donations for their neighbors in need, it demonstrates the heart of who we are as a city. This community spirit is one of the many reasons people choose to make Baton Rouge home. When you buy a house here, you're not just purchasing property—you're joining a community that comes together in times of celebration and in times of need.

Our community has a remarkable track record of generosity. When the devastating floods of 2016 struck, Baton Rouge came together in extraordinary ways. Neighbors rescued neighbors in boats, strangers opened their homes to displaced families, and donations poured in from across the region. That same spirit shows up at events like the Holiday Train, at volunteer organizations throughout the city, and in the everyday kindness of neighbors looking out for each other. In Baton Rouge neighborhoods, it's common for people to bring meals to sick neighbors, watch someone's kids in a pinch, or simply be there when times get tough.

If you're drawn to the community-focused spirit that events like the Holiday Train represent, you'll find it in neighborhoods throughout Greater Baton Rouge. Spanish Town, the historic neighborhood just north of downtown, is famous for its community involvement and annual Mardi Gras parade organized entirely by residents. The City of Central is known for its exceptional schools and family-oriented community where neighbors know each other's names and kids play freely outside. Prairieville offers a friendly, small-town feel with community pools, playgrounds, and walking trails that bring residents together. Denham Springs has a tight-knit atmosphere where annual events bring the whole community out, and Walker offers that same small-town connection with deep roots spanning multiple generations.

Making the Most of December in Baton Rouge

The CPKC Holiday Train on December 2nd is just the beginning of a month full of holiday celebrations in Baton Rouge. The Festival of Lights takes place on December 5th at North Boulevard Town Square, transforming downtown with half a million twinkling lights and a 35-foot Christmas tree. Central's Christmas Parade rolls on December 6th, and the Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade happens on December 9th. Santa Rocks the Rowe at Perkins Rowe and BREC's Let It Sneaux both happen on December 13th, followed by Magnolia Mound's Creole Christmas on December 14th. The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou performs at the River Center on December 20th and 21st, and the month wraps up with Red Stick Revelry on New Year's Eve downtown.

Throughout December, you can also enjoy Louisiana Lights at Burden Museum and Gardens, ZooLights at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, and the Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights display on Picardy Avenue. These events offer wonderful opportunities to experience different parts of our community while soaking in the holiday spirit. If you're considering a move to Baton Rouge, attending these events is a great way to explore different neighborhoods and get a feel for the community atmosphere in various parts of the city.

Holiday events also reveal a lot about neighborhoods. Drive through potential areas at night and look for communities with lots of decorations—these often indicate strong neighborhood associations and residents who care about their properties. Notice whether the streets feel welcoming and safe, whether you see families out walking, and how the overall vibe feels. These observations during the holiday season give you insights into a neighborhood's personality that you might miss during a standard summer home search.

Finding Your Place in Our Community

There's a reason real estate professionals always say the three most important factors in buying a home are location, location, location. But what makes a location great isn't just about commute times and school ratings—it's about community. When you attend an event like the CPKC Holiday Train, you're experiencing what community means in Baton Rouge. You're standing shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors, singing holiday songs together, and giving generously to help those in need. These are the moments that transform a house into a home and a neighborhood into a community.

At the Southern Homes Team, we understand that buying a home is about more than square footage and price per square foot. It's about finding a place where you belong—where you can raise a family, build friendships, and put down roots. That's why we take time to help our clients understand not just the houses we show them, but the communities those houses are part of. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of Spanish Town, the family-friendly atmosphere of Central, or the growing communities of Prairieville and Denham Springs, we can help you find the neighborhood that feels like home.

If you're inspired by the community spirit of events like the Holiday Train and you're thinking about making Baton Rouge your home, we'd love to help. Browse our current listings to explore homes in neighborhoods throughout Greater Baton Rouge, or contact our team for personalized guidance on finding the right community for your lifestyle. You can also read testimonials from our clients to hear how we've helped other families find their perfect place in this wonderful community.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the CPKC Holiday Train stopping in Baton Rouge? The CPKC Holiday Train stops in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM at 1401 Foss Street near downtown. The event is free, but donations of non-perishable food items or cash for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank are encouraged.

What should I bring to the Holiday Train event? Bring non-perishable food items like canned goods, peanut butter, rice, pasta, and cereal for the food bank. Cash donations are also welcome. Dress in warm layers, bring a camera for photos, and arrive 30-45 minutes early to find parking and get a good viewing spot.

How long does the Holiday Train event last? The actual stop is brief—typically about 30 minutes total. The train arrives, performers put on a holiday concert from the specially designed stage car, and then the train departs for its next stop. The short duration makes it family-friendly even for young children.

Is the CPKC Holiday Train event good for kids? Absolutely! The illuminated train is magical for children of all ages, and the concert features fun, family-friendly holiday music. The brief duration is perfect for young attention spans, and it's a great opportunity to teach children about giving to those in need.

Where does the food and money donated go? All donations collected at the Baton Rouge stop go to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, which serves 11 parishes in our region and distributes millions of pounds of food annually to families facing hunger in our community.

What other holiday events are happening in Baton Rouge in December? December is packed with events including the Festival of Lights on December 5th, Central Christmas Parade on December 6th, ZooLights, Louisiana Lights at Burden, Magnolia Mound Creole Christmas on December 14th, The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou on December 20-21, and Red Stick Revelry on New Year's Eve.

Which Baton Rouge neighborhoods are known for strong community spirit? Neighborhoods known for active communities include Spanish Town, City of Central, Broadmoor, Prairieville, Denham Springs, and Walker. Each offers different price points and amenities but shares a common thread of neighborly connection and community involvement.

How can I get involved with food bank volunteering beyond the Holiday Train? The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank accepts volunteers year-round for warehouse sorting, mobile pantry distribution, and special events. Visit brfoodbank.org to learn about volunteer opportunities and how you can help fight hunger in our community.

Ready to Find Your Community?

The CPKC Holiday Train reminds us what's truly important about the places we call home—not just the houses themselves, but the communities that surround them. In Baton Rouge, we're fortunate to live in a place where neighbors help neighbors, where strangers become friends at community events, and where the spirit of giving is alive year-round.

If you're looking for a home in a community that embodies these values, the Southern Homes Team is here to help. With deep roots in the Baton Rouge area and a genuine love for our community, we can help you find not just a house, but a place where you truly belong. Contact us today to start your home search, or explore available listings to see what's available in neighborhoods throughout Greater Baton Rouge.

Wishing you a season filled with generosity, community, and the warmth of home!

The Southern Homes Team is consistently ranked among the top Baton Rouge Realtors, verified by RealTrends and recognized as a Best of Baton Rouge award winner.