By Tammy Galvin

Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to start a new holiday tradition or make new memories as the CP Holiday Train rolls into the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs later this week (Dec. 8 – 11). For the past 17 years, the train has raised money, food and awareness for local food banks and food shelves across Canada and the United States.

Unfamiliar with the train? Well imagine a festively decorated locomotive coming ‘round the bend pulling several boxcars decked out with millions of blinking lights, glowing wreaths, and of course, a Christmas tree. Regardless of the station or train stop that you choose, this is truly a site to behold, complete with performers Colin James and Kelly Prescott.

Simply bring an item or two for your local food shelf (cash donations are also accepted) and take in the sights and sounds of the season suitable for all ages. Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than $12 million and 3.9 million pounds of food for North American food banks. The best part? Anything raised in a community stays in that community, and CP makes donations at each stop.

This year, the train is adding three new stops to its Minnesota trek: New Hope, Golden Valley and St. Louis Park, in addition to normal line up of Hastings, Cottage Grove, St. Paul, Northeast Minneapolis, Loretto, and Buffalo.

While the festivities at each stop may differ—some have horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cocoa and at St. Paul’s Union Depot the European Christmas Market—the train is truly a sight to behold and will be at its stop, rain, sleet or snow.

For the complete schedule and times click here.