The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will return to Minnesota this December, bringing free concerts and a festive atmosphere to numerous communities. This annual event also serves as a critical fundraiser for local food banks, encouraging attendees to contribute food or monetary donations. The train's journey through Minnesota is scheduled from December 12th to December 17th, featuring live musical performances at each stop.
Key Takeaways
- The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will visit Minnesota from December 12th to 17th.
- Two musical acts, American Authors and Lanco, will perform.
- All events are free, with donations encouraged for local food banks.
- Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised over $26 million and collected 5.4 million pounds of food.
Annual Tradition Supports Local Communities
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is a charitable initiative that combines festive entertainment with community support. Since its launch in 1999, the program has consistently aimed to raise awareness and funds for local food banks across North America. The train itself is brightly decorated with thousands of LED lights, creating a unique visual spectacle as it travels.
At each stop, a railcar opens to become a stage for musical performances. This year, two popular bands will perform for Minnesota audiences. The first half of the Minnesota tour will feature American Authors, known for their hit song "Best Day Of My Life." The second half will include Lanco, a country music group with the popular track "Greatest Love Story."
Impactful Donations
Since its inception in 1999, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected approximately 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks in Canada and the United States. This ongoing effort highlights the significant role the train plays in addressing food insecurity.
Minnesota Schedule and Musical Guests
The Holiday Train's Minnesota itinerary begins on December 12th and concludes on December 17th. American Authors will perform at the first set of stops, primarily in southeastern and central Minnesota. Lanco will take over for the remaining dates, covering western and northern parts of the state.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as the train's stops are brief but packed with activity. These events are designed to be family-friendly, offering free entertainment while promoting a charitable cause.
American Authors Performances (December 12th - 14th)
- December 12th:
- 2:15 p.m. - La Crescent
- 3:45 p.m. - Winona
- 5:45 p.m. - Wabasha
- 7:15 p.m. - Red Wing
- 8:45 p.m. - Hastings
- December 13th:
- 5:15 p.m. - Cottage Grove
- 7:00 p.m. - St. Paul/Union Depot
- December 14th:
- 5:00 p.m. - Golden Valley
- 6:15 p.m. - St. Louis Park
- 8:15 p.m. - Minneapolis
A Brief History of the Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train program began in 1999. It was created to raise food, money, and awareness for local food banks across Canadian Pacific's network. The train travels across Canada and the United States, stopping in dozens of communities. Each event provides a free concert and serves as a collection point for donations. This initiative has grown significantly over two decades, becoming a cherished holiday tradition for many.
Lanco Performances (December 15th - 17th)
- December 15th:
- 4:30 p.m. - Loretto
- 6:00 p.m. - Buffalo
- 7:30 p.m. - Annandale
- 9:00 p.m. - Eden Valley
- December 16th:
- 10:15 a.m. - Glenwood
- 11:45 a.m. - Alexandria
- 2:45 p.m. - Detroit Lakes
- 4:20 p.m. - Mahnomen
- 6:15 p.m. - Plummer
- 7:45 p.m. - Thief River Falls
- December 17th:
- 4:30 p.m. - Elbow Lake
Encouraging Community Donations
While the concerts are free, the core purpose of the Holiday Train is to support local food banks. Canadian Pacific makes a donation at each stop. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own donations. These can be either monetary contributions or non-perishable food items. Food banks often prefer cash donations because they can purchase specific items in bulk at lower prices, maximizing the impact of each dollar.
"The Holiday Train is more than just a festive event; it's a vital program that helps feed families in need during the holiday season. We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the music, and consider bringing a donation to support their local food bank," a representative stated.
According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 people in the United States faces food insecurity. Events like the Holiday Train provide crucial support, especially during the colder months when demand for food assistance often increases. The collected donations directly benefit the communities where the train stops, ensuring local support for local needs.
Planning Your Visit
For those planning to attend, checking local conditions and arrival times is advisable. Train schedules can sometimes be subject to minor adjustments. Dress warmly, as many stops are outdoors in December. The atmosphere is generally festive, with families gathering to see the illuminated train and enjoy the live music.
Parking can be limited at some locations, so planning ahead for transportation is recommended. The events typically last about 30 minutes, including the arrival of the train, the concert, and the departure. This allows the train to cover many communities within a tight schedule.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train continues to be a successful example of corporate social responsibility combined with community engagement. Its annual journey brings joy and much-needed resources to towns across its route, making the holiday season brighter for many.
