Credit – Neil Zeller/CPKC Holiday Train
The beloved Holiday Train is back for its 27th year, rolling through Upstate New York and spreading holiday cheer while helping those in need.
This unique tradition, run by Canadian Pacific, isn’t just about lights and music—it’s about giving back.
The trains make stops in more than 150 communities across Canada and the U.S., including spots in the Adirondacks, where they collect food and donations for local food banks along the way.
Credit – CPKC Holiday Train196 Live Performances in 6 Provinces & 13 States
The 2025 tour kicks off on November 19, featuring 196 live music performances across six Canadian provinces and 13 U.S. states.
“Every year, our railroaders take great pride in bringing the Holiday Train across our network, this year reaching even more communities for the first time,” says Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “It’s incredible to see communities come together every year to celebrate while supporting local food banks.”
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Fans can look forward to performances from artists like Barenaked Ladies, Smash Mouth, Jade Eagleson, JJ Wilde, American Authors, Pynk Beard, Teigen Gayse, Lanco, Tiera Kennedy, and Dylan Marlowe. Tyler Shaw and Brittany Kennell will entertain during the New York stops.
READ MORE: Holiday Magic Awaits at Lavender & Lights in Central New York
This year’s U.S. stops will also feature a new light display honoring the legacy of “Rudy” and the recently retired Kansas City Southern Holiday Express, which delighted communities across the U.S. South for nearly 25 years.
Credit – CPKC Holiday TrainNew York Train Stops
Here’s where you can see the holiday train and help local food banks this holiday season.
Monday, November 25
Menards 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM
Menand Road railway crossing at Ganser Smith Memorial Park
Mechanicville 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
300 Park Avenue, the parking lot adjacent to CP tracks
Credit – CPKC Holiday TrainTuesday, November 26
Fort Edward 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Amtrak Station, 70 East Street
Port Henry 5:40 PM – 6:05 PM
Amtrak Station, 20 Park Place
Plattsburgh 7:50 PM – 8:20 PM
Amtrak Station, 121 Bridge Street
Rouse Point 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Pratt Street Railway Crossing
Credit – CPKC Holiday TrainMillions of Dollars & Food
The Holiday Train has raised $26 million and collected over 5.4 million pounds of food since its journey began in 1999.
It’s a festive, feel-good experience—perfect for the whole family, and a reminder that the holidays are about giving, music, and coming together.
Get the full schedule and more details at cpkcr.com/holidaytrain.
11 Christmas Towns in New York to Get You in the Holiday SpiritNew York City may be home to the Rockefeller Christmas tree but there are several small towns and villages that will get you in the holiday spirit with all the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Gallery Credit: Credit – Polly McAdams Credit – Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce#1 Skaneateles, New YorkStep back in time and enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way with Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, New York. The celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs every weekend through December. Charles Dickens and his cast of over 50 characters interact with holiday shoppers throughout the town that decorated for the holidays.
Credit – Mira Earls#2 Seneca/Bedford Falls, New YorkFor one wonderful weekend every holiday season, Seneca Falls New York transforms into Bedford Falls, the town in the iconic Christmas movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’
Credit – Henry LawIt’s a Wonderful Life MuseumThe 79th Anniversary Celebration of “It’s a Wonderful Life” will run from December 12-14 with several cast members making an appearance.
Credit – Henry LawRinging of the BellsIt ends with the ringing of the bells every year to honor those who have left an impact on the community.
Credit – Vidlers#3 East Aurora, New YorkHundreds gather in the streets of East Aurora, New York to celebrate the holiday season each year. The Annual Carolcade is Saturday, Dec. 20 from 7 to 8 PM along Main Street, where stores are all decked out for Christmas.
Credit – Vidler’s Hotspot for Holiday MoviesVidler’s 5 & 10 store, on Main Street in East Aurora, has even been used as the backdrop for several made-for-TV Christmas movies.
Credit – Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce#4 Lake George, New YorkThere are several events to celebrate the holidays in Lake George, New York. From Light up the Village and Festival of Lights to the Village Stroll.
Credit – Think StockWinterfestThe Lake George region is a blizzard of other winter activities too. Enjoy dog sled and sleigh rides, skiing, tubing, snowshoeing & hot chocolate at Winterfest, the annual Winter Carnival every weekend in February.
Credit – The Southlands Foundation#5 Rhinebeck, New YorkChristmas kicks off with the official tree lighting and a parade of lights with Santa in Rhinebeck, New York.
Credit – Hallmark Movies & MysteriesRhinebeck, New YorkRhinebeck was also the backdrop for Miracles of Christmas original movie, “Last Vermont Christmas,”
Credit – Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce#6 Ellicottville, New YorkChristmas in Ellicottville, New York, is like a scene from your favorite Hallmark movie. The streets are brightly lit for the holiday season to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Credit – Ellicottville Chamber of CommerceEllicottville, New YorkThanksgiving weekend there are horse-drawn carriage rides, kids crafts, cookie decorating, fire truck rides with Santa, and even Buddy the Elf makes an appearance in town.
Credit – Lake Placid ADK#7 Lake Placid, New YorkLake Placid, New York transforms into a dreamy winter wonderland for the Christmas season.
Credit – Lake Placid ADKHoliday Village StrollEnjoy the Christmas lights, Jingle Bell run, skating at the Olympic Center, the official tree lighting, and Santa’s fire truck parade at the Holiday Village Stroll.
Credit – Santa’s Workshop#8 North Pole, New YorkThere’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than at the home of jolly ole St Nick. North Pole, New York is home to Santa’s Worksop & the storybook village that is covered in holiday lights for Christmas.
Credit – Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce#9 Cooperstown, New YorkMain Street in Cooperstown, New York is all decked out for the holidays where Santa and Mrs. Claus meet with visitors inside the Christmas Cottage at Pioneer Park.
Credit – Cooperstown Chamber of CommerceSanta Letter MailboxLetters to Santa can be deposited at the Christmas Cottage mailbox. Be sure to put a return address. Santa answers all his letter.
Credit – Jody Grenier#10 Syracuse, New YorkThe annual Christmas tree lighting lights up Clinton Square in Syracuse, New York.
Credit – Central Adirondack Association#11 Old Forge, New YorkThe holiday season kicks off with Christmas on Main Street in Old Forge, New York. The annual event held on Thanksgiving weekend is filled with activities. From lights and decorations to Santa and wagon rides, there is something for the entire family.