Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 2026: Twin Cities Stops & Schedule

by Twin Cities FamilyOctober 13, 2026October 13, 2026

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 2026 | Twin Cities Area Stops

When: December 11 – 18, 2026
Where: 25 stops across Minnesota, including 8 in the Twin Cities metro
Cost: Free
Bring: A cash donation or nonperishable food for the local food shelf

Last updated October 13, 2026. Times verified against the official CPKC schedule.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is rolling back into Minnesota! Every December, a freight train covered in thousands of lights pulls into towns across the state, a stage folds open from one of the cars, and a free concert begins right there by the tracks. It’s one of our favorite holiday traditions in the Twin Cities, and it might be the only concert where the best seats are on a snowbank.

This year’s lineup features Allen Stone and Shawnee Kish + Jamie Fine, with 25 stops planned across Minnesota. Shows are free, and attendees are encouraged to bring cash or a nonperishable food donation. Local food shelves collect donations at every stop, and everything given stays in that community.

Times can shift, so check the official CPKC Holiday Train schedule before heading out.

Twin Cities Metro Holiday Train Stops

Greater Minnesota Holiday Train Stops

Saturday, December 12th

Red Wing: 7:15 pm | Bay Point Park overflow parking lot – Levee Road & Bay Point Drive, Red Wing, Minnesota
Hastings: 8:45 pm | CPKC Depot, 500 East Second Street

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will also stop in these Minnesota cities: Rochester, Owatonna, Waseca, Janesville, La Crescent, Winona, Wabasha, Kimball, Glenwood, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, Plummer, Thief River Falls, and Elbow Lake

Who’s Performing in 2026

This year’s Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Minnesota stops feature Allen Stone and Shawnee Kish + Jamie Fine performing live from the train’s stage.

What to Expect at the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train with Kids

The show is short and sweet. Each stop typically lasts about 30 minutes, which is roughly how long most kids can stand still in December anyway. The train arrives with its lights glowing, the side of a boxcar opens into a stage, and the music starts.

Arrive early. Metro stops draw big crowds, and the best views go to families who show up 30 to 45 minutes ahead. Bring a thermos of cocoa for the wait.

Dress for standing still. You’ll be outside without much movement, so think snow pants, boots, hats, and mittens for everyone. Hand warmers in pockets are never a bad idea.

Plan your parking. Many stops are at railway crossings with limited parking nearby. Expect to walk a few blocks, and consider a sled or wagon for little ones instead of a stroller.

Bring a donation. Cash or nonperishable food items go directly to the local food shelf at each stop. Letting kids carry the donation and hand it over is a nice way to bring them into the giving part of the tradition.

Watch the clock. Some stops run as late as 9 pm. If your crew fades early, look for a stop earlier in the evening or on a weekend.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train FAQ

Is the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train free?
Yes! Every show is free to attend. Donations of cash or nonperishable food are encouraged and go to the local food shelf at each stop.

Can you ride the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train?
No, the Holiday Train doesn’t carry passengers. It’s a working freight train decorated for the season, and the concert happens from a stage built into one of its cars.

Is it still called the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train?
Officially, it’s now the CPKC Holiday Train. Canadian Pacific merged with Kansas City Southern in 2023 to become Canadian Pacific Kansas City, but most Minnesotans still call it the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, and so do we.

What time does the Holiday Train come to Minneapolis and St. Paul?
In 2026, the train stops in St. Paul on December 13th at 7 pm and in Minneapolis on December 14th at 8:15 pm. See the full schedule above for every metro stop.

What should I bring?
Warm layers, a cash or food donation, and a little patience. A thermos of something hot doesn’t hurt either.

Does the Holiday Train stop in Hinckley, Duluth, or Rochester?
The Holiday Train only travels along CPKC rail lines, which don’t run through Hinckley or Duluth. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is returning to Rochester in 2026 as well as other SE Minnesota stop likes Winona, Wabasha, and Red Wing.

How long has the Holiday Train been running?
Since 1999! Over the years, it has raised more than $26 million and collected about 5.4 million pounds of food for food banks across Canada and the U.S.