13 Stops in our State

December 8-10

Free Concerts

The crisp autumn air means Christmas and the end-of-the-year holiday and festivities are just around the corner, and for Wisconsin families, that means the return of a beloved rolling tradition. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has officially announced the 2026 CPKC Holiday Train schedule, which will bring 13 festive stops to our state this December.

As the Dairyland Sentinel has highlighted in our 2024 and 2025 coverage of this cherished event, this moving celebration of lights, live music, and community generosity is an essential part of the Wisconsin winter experience.

Whether you’re bundling up the kids for the first time or carrying on a long-running family tradition, the 2026 tour promises incredible performances and an opportunity to support neighbors in need.

The 2026 Journey of Giving

Now in its 28th year, the CPKC Holiday Train program kicks off its 32-day journey on Nov. 19 in Montreal. Decked out in hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights, two trains will cross North America to visit 182 communities across six Canadian provinces and 13 U.S. states. (This year, the train is even expanding its route further south, visiting communities in Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas for the first time.)

But the true magic of the Holiday Train (we call it Christmas Train, let’s be honest) is its mission. Since 1999, the program has raised more than $28.3 million and collected over 5.6 million pounds of food for local food banks in the U.S. and Canada.

“Our railroaders take great pride in bringing the Holiday Train through hundreds of communities across our network to support people facing food insecurity,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel.

All CPKC Holiday Train events are free to attend. However, attendees are highly encouraged to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation. Every dollar and canned good collected at your local stop stays directly in your community to support your local food pantry.

Performers rotating throughout the 2026 route include American Authors, Magic!, Allen Stone and Sam Roberts Band, among others. Allen Stone is the performer at all 13 Wisconsin stops.

Complete 2026 Wisconsin CPKC Holiday Train Schedule

If you are wondering, “When and where does the Christmas train stop in Wisconsin?” we have you covered. Here is the complete breakdown of days, times, and locations for all 13 Wisconsin stops this December to help you plan your outing.

Tuesday, Dec. 8

Sturtevant: 7-7:30 p.m. – 9900 East Exploration.
Caledonia: 8:15-8:45 p.m. – 5 1/2 Mile Road railway crossing.

Wednesday, Dec. 9

Wauwatosa: 4:15-4:45 p.m. – Harwood Avenue railway crossing.
Hartland: 5:45-6:15 p.m. – West of the railway crossing at Cottonwood Avenue.
Oconomowoc: 6:45-7:15 p.m. – South Silver Lake Street railway crossing.
Watertown: 8-8:30 p.m. – Brandt Quirk Park.
Columbus: 9:15-9:45 p.m. – 395 N. Ludington St.

Thursday, Dec. 10

Portage: 1:15-1:45 p.m. – CPKC yard adjacent to Averbeck Street.
Wisconsin Dells: 2:45-3:15 p.m. – 100 La Crosse St.
Mauston: 4:15-4:40 p.m. – Division Street railway crossing.
Tomah: 5:30-6 p.m. – 205 N. Superior Ave.
Sparta: 6:50-7:20 p.m. – South Water Street and Milwaukee Street, south side of the CPKC tracks.
La Crosse: 8:30-9 p.m. – 601 St. Andrew St.

CPKC Holiday Train: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CPKC Holiday Train concert free?

Yes. Every Holiday Train stop and musical performance is completely free and open to the public. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation to support local community food pantries.

How do donations work, and where does the food go?

Representatives and volunteers from local food banks and pantries are stationed on-site at each stop to collect non-perishable foods and monetary gifts. Every single dollar and food item donated stays directly within that local community. CPKC also presents an official corporate donation check to local hunger-relief organizations during the presentation.

What happens during a typical Holiday Train stop?

The train arrives covered in hundreds of thousands of LED holiday lights. Once it comes to a complete halt, the stage door of a modified boxcar lowers to reveal the musicians. Following a 30-minute live concert and a brief presentation with local community leaders and food pantry directors, the stage door closes, and the train departs for its next stop.

Can attendees walk inside or ride the train?

No. Because the Holiday Train travels along active freight lines and operates on strict schedules, public boarding or walk-through tours are not permitted. All performances and viewing take place from outside the train on the ground.

How early should I arrive, and where is parking?

Crowds can be large, especially at weekend and evening stops. Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to find parking, drop off your food donations, and secure a viewing spot. Parking is arranged and managed by individual municipal police and parks departments, so check your local city or village website for street parking advisories and designated lots.

What should I bring?

  • Non-perishable food items (canned proteins, soups, nut butters, whole-grain cereals) or cash for the pantry bucket collections.
  • Warm layers, hats, gloves, and boots (temperatures along rail sidings and open depots are often windy and freezing).
  • Flashlights or glow sticks to keep children visible in evening crowds.

What are the safety rules near the tracks?

  • Stay at least 15 meters (50 feet) back from the tracks and train at all times.
  • Never step onto the tracks, cross between train cars, or stand on the ballast rock.
  • Keep children and pets closely supervised and well clear of the rails.

Does the train still run if it snows or rains?

Yes. The CPKC Holiday Train runs on schedule in rain, snow, or clear winter weather.

How can I track the train’s real-time location?

CPKC launches a live online train tracker on its website once the tour begins on November 19, allowing fans to track its progress along the rail corridor.