There’s a lot to love about Christmas in Wisconsin – and the annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is one of them. Each year, set aglow by twinkling lights, the festive train heads out on a journey to spread some holiday cheer around the state. Every year is different, but Wisconsin is typically one of the six states this festive railroad will stop in. Read on for all the details about the Holiday Train in Wisconsin, so you don’t miss this Yuletide treat this year!

Canadian Pacific’s Holiday Train made its first journey back in 1999. Over the past few decades, it’s become a favorite holiday event for many – and it’s sure to become one of yours, too.
CPKC/Facebook
Like a Christmas light show on wheels, the train is 1,000 feet long and made up of 14 rail cars, which are covered in twinkling LEDs and holiday designs.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Tony Lawson/Flickr
The intricate displays are meticulously crafted, synchronized, and maintained.
Each year, the Holiday Train travels through several U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The route includes stops in just six states - and Wisconsin is one of them.
Terry Lawson/Flickr
While it can change from year to year, Sturtevant and Oconomowoc are on the list! After leaving Sturtevant, it will make 12 other stops in Wisconsin, the last of which is typically in La Crosse.
CPKC/Facebook

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Though the train itself is a truly mesmerizing sight, there’s more to the train than meets the eye.
CPKC/Facebook
At each stop, the train transforms into a pop-up concert venue. Meghan Patrick, Tanika Charles, Tyler Shaw, and Kelly Prescott are just a few of the artists who have performed in the past at all of the Wisconsin stops, or will do so this year.
CPKC/Facebook
CPKC/Facebook
Peep this year's full artist lineup on the CPKC website!
The best thing about Wisconsin's Holiday Train, though, is that it’s all for a good cause – fighting hunger.
CPKC/Facebook
In exchange for the holly jolly entertainment, attendees are asked to make a donation to their local food bank.
CPKC/Facebook
To date, this free community event has raised billions of dollars towards hunger relief, and a nearly equal amount of food.
If you haven't added the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train to your bucket list yet, make sure you do!
Tony Webster/Flickr
Get a sneak peek behind the scenes of this magical, party-filled Holiday Train:

For more information or to view this year’s train schedule, visit the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train website. You can also check out the CPKC Facebook page.

So, did you know about Wisconsin’s Holiday Train? If so, did you ever see it in person? Know of another unique holiday event? Tell us in the comments section.

While this train’s lights are in motion, you can also opt to head out and do some holiday lights driving of your own! This year, add a drive-thru Christmas light display to your Christmas list as well. Or, if you’d like to keep the train theme going, this renovated train caboose (hot tub included!) is a pretty cute way to escape the in-laws for a bit!

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Holiday Train In Wisconsin

Jennifer | November 01, 2023

Are there any Christmas train rides in Wisconsin?

Absolutely! Wisconsin offers several Christmas train experiences that are popular during the holiday season. Here are just a few Christmas train rides around the state:

  • Canadian Pacific Holiday Train: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is a unique holiday tradition that travels through Wisconsin, featuring a brightly lit train with live music performances and a focus on supporting local food banks.
  • East Troy Electric Railroad Christmas Trains, East Troy: The East Troy Electric Railroad offers holiday-themed train rides, including the Christmas Limited Train, where passengers can enjoy the scenic countryside and visit with Santa.
  • Jingle Bell Express, Riverside and Great Northern Railway, Wisconsin Dells: This family-friendly train ride includes a visit from Santa, holiday music, and the opportunity to enjoy the winter scenery of the Wisconsin Dells.
  • The Polar Express Train Ride, Mid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom: This popular event brings the classic children's book to life, offering a magical journey to the North Pole with Santa Claus, hot cocoa, and holiday entertainment.
  • Santa's Special Train, National Railroad Museum, Green Bay: Families can enjoy a festive train ride with Santa Claus, where children have the opportunity to visit with Santa, receive a small gift, and participate in holiday activities.

 

Please note that route details and operation schedules vary from year to year, so it's a good idea to check with each specific railroad for the most up-to-date information on this year's Christmas train experiences. Of course, Wisconsin has several holiday trains to choose from around the year as well!

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