As the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train passes through parts of Michigan on its annual cross-continent tour, crowds tend to gather near the railroads just to catch a glimpse.
The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railroad company hosts the holiday train tour and events across Canada and the United States. Although there will not be an official program in Michigan, the train will pass through several cities in the southeastern region of the state after an event from 6-6:30 p.m. in Windsor, Ontario, on the evening of Nov. 25.
After the Windsor show at Erie Street West and Janette Avenue, where American Authors and KT Tunstall are set to perform, the train will travel through southwest Detroit, Melvindale, Allen Park, Taylor, Romulus, Milan, Britton, Adrian, Sand Creek, North Morenci and other areas as it makes its way to its next stop in Franklin Park, Illinois.
"Each year, this beautifully illuminated train travels across CPKC's network spreading holiday cheer and raising donations to help people struggling with food insecurity," according to a CPKC news release unveiling the 2024 train schedule and artist lineup from Nov. 21 through Dec. 20.
It is unclear what time after 6:30 p.m. the train will pass through southeast Michigan on Nov. 25, or whether its holiday lights will be on when it does.
Popular spots where crowds have gathered to cheer for the train as it passed through metro Detroit in previous years include Carbon Athletic Club in Detroit, Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park and Downtown Historical Park in Romulus.
While Thunderbowl Lanes has never hosted an official event for the holiday train, it has previously offered parking for spectators watching it pass through. This year, however, the bowling alley was purchased by Bowlero in June, and a manager told the Free Press they're uncertain if parking will be available again.
Train viewers are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from the tracks at all times. And dress warmly, as the train may take longer than expected to roll through each viewing city.
"It's wonderful to hear that individuals in Michigan are excited about the holiday train, and hopefully they're able to get an opportunity to see it as it comes through the community," said CPKC representative Terry Cunha.
For more information and to view a map of the train's schedule, go to CPKC's website.