The Holiday Train Minnesota is a festive and charitable event organized by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It’s an annual tradition where a specially decorated train travels through various communities to spread holiday cheer and raise money for local food banks. The train is decked out in thousands of colorful LED lights and features live musical performances by well-known artists.
In Minnesota, the Holiday Train typically makes multiple stops, and these locations vary from year to year. Some of the past stops in Minnesota have included cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several smaller towns along the railway route. The specific stops and schedule can change, so it’s a good idea to check the official Canadian Pacific website or local news for the most up-to-date information.
Is the CP holiday train free?
The Holiday Train is a wonderful family event for so many reasons:
Get into the Holiday Spirit-
The train’s festive decorations and live music performances create a magical holiday atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for both kids and adults.
Community Involvement-
The event promotes community engagement and solidarity. It often serves as a fundraiser for local food banks, encouraging attendees to bring donations to support those in need during the holiday season.
Live Holiday Music-
Renowned artists and bands perform on the train, entertaining the crowd with holiday tunes. It’s a unique opportunity for families to enjoy live music in a cozy, outdoor setting.
Family Time
Attending the Holiday Train is an excellent way for families to spend quality time together. It’s a chance to bond, take photos, and create lasting memories.
Accessibility-
The train makes stops in various towns and cities, making it accessible to people across Minnesota, so families from different regions can easily participate.
Free Family Friendly Fun Event-
The event is usually free, so families can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank.
The Holiday Train is a heartwarming, community-focused, and family-friendly tradition that brings the joy of the holiday season to Minnesota and many other places along its route. This year, the performers making stops in Minnesota are artists The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy!
Where does the holiday train stop in Minnesota?
FULL Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 2025 Schedule in Minnesota
Friday, December 12th:
La Crescent at The Commadore Food and Spirit parking lot, 215 South Chestnut Street
Winona at 3:45pm with the performance at at Amtrak Station, 65 East Mark Street
Wabasha at 5:45pm with the performance at Gambie Avenue railway crossing by Bruegger Park
Red Wing at 7:15pm Bay Point Park overflow parking lot – Levee Road & Bay Point Drive, Red Wing, Minnesota
Hastings at 9:15pm with the performance at CPKC Depot, 500 East Second Street
Saturday, December 13th:
Cottage Grove at 5:15pm with the performance at South Seiben Bridge, 7064 W Point Douglas Road
St. Paul at 7:00pm with the performance at 7:15pm at St. Paul Union Depot, 214 E 4th Street
Sunday, December 14th:
Golden Valley at 5:00pm with the performance at Railway Crossing at Golden Hills Drive
St. Louis Park at 6:15pm with the performance at Railway crossing at the intersection of W. Lake Street and Library Lane
Minneapolis at 8:15pm with the performance at Lions Park on 37th Avenue between 37th Avenue and Stinson Blvd
Monday, December 15th:
Loretto at 4:30pm with the performance at Hennepin County Road 19 railway crossing
Buffalo at 6:00pm with the performance at 5th Street NE railway crossing
Annandale at 7:30pm with the performance at West side of Downtown Park over the Harris Street West railway crossing
Eden Valley at State Street railroad crossing, also Lanco and Tiera Kennedy known as State Hwy 22
Tuesday, December 16th:
Glenwood at CPKC station, 20-15th Street NE
Alexandria at 8th Avenue E railway crossing adjacent to Hubbard Feed Mill at 8th and Nokomis
Detroit Lakes at Holmes Street railway crossing near Holmes Community Center (826 Summit)
Mahnomen at West of U.S. 59 and South of E Washington Avenue
Plummer at Main railway crossing on Central Avenue
Thief River Falls at North of City Hall, 405 3rd Street East
Wednesday, December 17th:
Elbow Lake at U.S. State Hwy 59 railway crossing
Related Article: Holiday Events at the Union Depot
Canadian Pacific Train 2025 Schedule in Wisconsin
December 9th, 2025
20:15 – 20:45 Caledonia, Wisconsin 5 1/2 Mile Road railway crossing
16:15 – 16:45 Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Harwood Avenue railway crossing, American Authors and Pynk Beard Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Dec 10th, 2025
17:45 – 18:15 Hartland, Wisconsin Cottonwood Avenue railway crossing, American Authors and Pynk Beard Hartland, Wisconsin
18:45 – 19:15 Oconomowoc, Wisconsin South Silver Lake Street railway American Authors and Pynk Beard crossing, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
20:00 – 20:30 Watertown, Wisconsin Brandt Quirk Park, Watertown, American Authors and Pynk Beard Wisconsin
21:15 – 21:45 Columbus, Wisconsin 395 North Ludington Street, American Authors and Pynk Beard Columbus, Wisconsin
December 11th, 2025
13:15 – 13:45 Portage, Wisconsin Averbeck Street, Portage, Wisconsin American Authors and Pynk Beard
14:45 – 15:15 Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 100 La Crosse Street, Wisconsin Dells, American Authors and Pynk Beard Wisconsin
16:15 – 16:40 Mauston, Wisconsin Division Street railway crossing
17:30 – 18:00 Tomah, Wisconsin 205 North Superior Avenue, Tomah
18:50 – 19:20 Sparta, Wisconsin South Water Street & Milwaukee American Authors and Pynk Beard Street, Sparta, Wisconsin
20:30 – 21:00 La Crosse, Wisconsin 601 Saint Andrew Street, La Crosse, American Authors and Pynk Beard
Learn more about the CP Holiday Train and see the full schedule of stops here.
Related Article: Your Family’s Guide to the Holidays in Minnesota
