2025 Christmas Train Schedules Wisconsin Stops
We still call it the Christmas train and it’s making several stops in Wisconsin.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is more than just a seasonal spectacle; it’s a heartwarming tradition that chugs through the snowy landscapes of Canada and the United States, spreading holiday cheer and supporting food banks along its route. Launched in 1999 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this festive locomotive is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, transforming it into a moving beacon of holiday spirit.
Each year, as the first snows begin to fall, the Holiday Train embarks on its journey, its cars painted with yuletide scenes and festooned with wreaths and garlands. The train doesn’t just offer visual delight; it also hosts impromptu concerts at various stops, featuring performances by local and sometimes nationally-recognized musicians, who play from a stage car, serenading spectators with Christmas carols and holiday hits.
But the true magic of the Holiday Train lies in its philanthropy. At each whistle-stop, communities gather not only to marvel at the spectacle but to donate to local food banks. Since its inception, the initiative has collected over 5.5 million meals, embodying the spirit of giving during the season of goodwill. This moving celebration of lights, music, and generosity has become a cherished tradition, reminding everyone of the warmth and community that the holidays are meant to foster.he Holiday Train will visit communities across the CPKC network in Canada and the U.S. in November and December 2025, raising food, money and awareness for local food banks and food pantry organizations.
Wisconsin Christmas Holiday Train Schedule
Here’s a look at the train’s schedule in Wisconsin:
Dec. 9
Sturtevant, 7-7:30 p.m., 9900 East Exploration
Caledonia, 8:15-8:45 p.m., 5 1/2 Mile Road railroad crossing
Follow this story every morning.
Get Key Reads, our free daily email: the Wisconsin news that matters, in four minutes or less.
Dec. 10
Wauwatosa, 4:15-4:45 p.m., Harwood Avenue railroad crossing
Hartland, 5:45-6:15 p.m., Cottonwood Avenue railroad crossing
Oconomowoc, 6:45-7:15 p.m., South Silver Lake Street railroad crossing
Watertown, 8 to 8:30 p.m., Brandt Quirk Park
Columbus, 9:15 to 9:45 p.m., 395 N. Ludington St.
Dec. 11
Portage, 1:15-1:45 p.m., Averbeck Street
Wisconsin Dells, 2:45-5:15 p.m., 100 La Crosse Street
Mauston, 4:15-4:40 p.m., Division Street railway crossing
Tomah, 5:30-6:00 p.m., 205 North Superior Ave.
Sparta, 6:50-7:20 p.m., South Water Street & Milwaukee Street
La Crosse, 8:30-9:00 p.m., 601 Saint Andrew Street
Brian Fraley is the publisher of Dairyland Sentinel, which he founded in 2023. A native of Milwaukee, he grew up in Wauwatosa. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and has been involved in Wisconsin public policy, politics and journalism since 1985. He currently lives in Waukesha County with his wife and two daughters.
Dairyland Sentinel follows a published Editorial Policy, Ethics Statement and Corrections Policy.
Start tomorrow as Wisconsin’s best-informed reader.
The Wisconsin news that matters, in four minutes or less.
Already a subscriber? Support this reporting with a tax-deductible gift.
