2026 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at Union Depot + More!

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (NOW the CPKC Holiday Train) is coming to Minnesota! Find out where and when this popular train will make its stops.

There’s just something about trains and Christmas that go hand in hand! The CPKC Holiday Train starts rolling into Minnesota in mid-December.

The train makes several stops along the way while also collecting donations for local food shelves. You’ll find live music and entertainment at the stops.

The train will roll into several Minnesota locations from December 11 – 18, 2026. We are sharing this a little early so you can check the map and get the perfect spot and date on your calendar.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Stops:

• December 11: Rochester, Owatonna, Waseca, Janesville
• December 12: La Crescent, Winona, Wabasha, Red Wing, Hastings
• December 13: Cottage Grove, St. Paul/Union Depot
• December 14: Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis
• December 16: Loretto, Buffalo, Annandale, Kimball
• December 17: Glenwood, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, Plummer, Thief River Falls
• December 18: Elbow Lake

What’s a CPKC Holiday Train event like?

A typical Holiday Train event goes something like this: The train arrives and pulls to a safe stop in front of the crowd. The stage door lowers and the band opens with its first song, followed by a brief presentation with the local food bank officials and other dignitaries on stage.

Once the presentation is done the band resumes the show, singing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs, and popular original songs. After the final song the boxcar door closes and the train is on its way to the next stop.

Please ensure that you keep a safe distance from the train at all times so the train can safely continue our journey.

The Minnesota schedule can be found on their website, alongside the exact addresses, performers, and times.

Union Depot Holiday Train Stop

Once again, the Holiday Train will be making a stop at Union Depot – this time on Sunday, December 13. Visitors who arrive at the concert early can stay warm and enjoy concessions and activities inside Union Depot—a unique feature compared to other stops along the train’s route.

Union Depot Holiday Train Schedule on Sunday, December 13:

• 11 am – 6 pm: European Christmas Market
• 4:30 – 7 pm: Visit with Santa in the Waiting Room (hot chocolate and cookies available)
• 6:45 pm: Train arrival
• 7 – 7:30 pm: Outdoor live concert with Allen Stone
• 7:30 – 7:45 pm: Holiday Train departs

Skip the parking hunt! Metro Transit is offering free rides to Union Depot. Grab your free pass for Sunday, December 13 here.

The Holiday Train shows are free to attend, although they ask attendees to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation if they’re able. A local food shelf will collect both canned goods and cash donations, which can make an even greater impact than food donations.