Dashing Through ND: The CPKC Holiday Train Schedule

Dashing Through the North Dakota Snow

You better not pout, and you better not cry, because once again, this year, the CP Holiday Train is coming our way. This will be the 28th year of spreading cheer along the tracks of North America, while collecting food and raising money for those in need.

This year's CP Holiday Train will run later this year from Friday, December 18 to Saturday, December 19. Much later this year, as last year's holiday train came in November and during the middle of the week. A much better schedule for us, in my opinion.

Not only will the train emit beautiful beams of Christmas lights, but it will also make stops along the way in North Dakota for a concert performance. This year's artists performing in North Dakota include singer-songwriters Shawnee Kish and Jamie Fine.

Shawnee Kish

Cindy Ord, Getty Images

Jamie Fine

Amanda Edwards, Getty Images

This Event is Also a Benefit

The Holiday Train is more than just a light show and concert. They also collect food donations for the local food banks. You can also bring a donation for your local food pantry.  They include Carrington Daily Bread in Carrington, North Dakota, the Central Dakota Food Pantry in Harvey, North Dakota, the Minot Area Homeless Shelter Coalition in Minot, North Dakota, and the Kenmare Food Pantry in Kenmare, North Dakota.

(SEE ALSO: Rick Rider's Tour of the Grand Ole Opry)

Since 1999, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has raised more than $21 million and 5 million pounds of food for North American food banks. All donations raised at a Holiday Train stop remain in that community.

All concerts are free, but the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train asks that you bring an item for the local food bank.

This Year's Holiday Route

Friday, December 18th:

Hankinson - 122 1st Street.  The train arrives at 6:30 pm.  Performance from 6:45 pm to 7:15 pm.

Enderlin - CP Depot, 101 Harvest Lane.  The train arrives at 9.00 pm.  Performance from 9:15 pm to 9:45 pm.

Rick Rider via LeEtta Schafer

Saturday, December 19th

Carrington - Carrington Depot at 601 6th Avenue NE.  The train arrives at 1:30 pm.  Performance from 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm.

Harvey - 600 Lincoln Avenue.  The train arrives at 3:45.  Performance from 4 pm to 4:30 pm.

Minot - Main Street Crossing.  The train arrives at 6:30 pm.  Performance from 6:45 pm to 7:15 pm.

Kenmare - 1st Ave SW and Central Avenue (East side of tracks).  The train arrives at 8:30 pm.  Performance from 8:45 to 9:15 pm.