Get ready for a musical journey like no other! The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is back, and this year, it's bringing a whole lot of festive cheer to Minnesota. Mark your calendars, music lovers, because this train ride is about to become your new favorite holiday tradition!
The annual Holiday Train has just released its schedule for 2025, and it's packed with free concerts from some incredible artists. From November 22nd to December 18th, this brightly decorated train will be rolling through towns, spreading joy and raising funds for a good cause. But here's where it gets even more exciting: Minnesota gets its own special tour, featuring two amazing bands - American Authors and Lanco.
American Authors, known for their uplifting hit "Best Day of My Life," will be kicking things off with a series of performances across the state. Their energetic and feel-good music is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. And if you're a fan of their unique sound, you're in for a treat, as they'll be performing at various locations from December 12th to 14th. From La Crescent to Minneapolis, they'll be bringing their signature blend of rock and pop to stages across Minnesota.
But wait, there's more! Lanco, with their heartwarming hit "Greatest Love Story," will take over the second half of the Minnesota tour. Their soulful country tunes will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Catch them live from December 15th to 17th, as they make stops in Loretto, Buffalo, and other charming towns.
Here's a sneak peek at the Minnesota tour schedule:
American Authors:
- December 12th: La Crescent (2:15 p.m.), Winona (3:45 p.m.), Wabasha (5:45 p.m.), Red Wing (7:15 p.m.), Hastings (8:45 p.m.)
- December 13th: Cottage Grove (5:15 p.m.), St. Paul/Union Depot (7:00 p.m.)
- December 14th: Golden Valley (5:00 p.m.), St. Louis Park (6:15 p.m.), Minneapolis (8:15 p.m.)
Lanco:
- December 15th: Loretto (4:30 p.m.), Buffalo (6:00 p.m.), Annandale (7:30 p.m.), Eden Valley (9:00 p.m.)
- December 16th: Glenwood (10:15 a.m.), Alexandria (11:45 a.m.), Detroit Lakes (2:45 p.m.), Mahnomen (4:20 p.m.), Plummer (6:15 p.m.), Thief River Falls (7:45 p.m.)
- December 17th: Elbo Lake (4:30 p.m.)
And this is the part most people miss: the Holiday Train isn't just about the music. It's a community event with a heart. Professional musicians generously offer their talents for free, performing from the train's stage. But the real magic happens with Canadian Pacific's donations to local food banks at each stop. They encourage everyone to contribute, whether it's a monetary donation or a healthy food item. Since its first journey in 1999, the Holiday Train has made an incredible impact, raising over $26 million and collecting approximately 5.4 million pounds of food for food banks in Canada and the U.S.
So, are you ready to hop on board this musical adventure? The Holiday Train promises an unforgettable experience, combining the joy of live music with the spirit of giving. It's a unique way to celebrate the holidays and support your community. Don't miss out on this special tour!
And remember, music has the power to bring people together, so spread the word and invite your friends and family to join you on this festive ride. Let's make this Holiday Train tour a memorable one!
(P.S. Don't forget to check out the iconic magazine covers from the '80s and '90s in the gallery below!)
