The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is back after a 2-year hiatus!

It’s rolling through Minnesota this coming week, December 11th – 16th, and will be stopping in various cities for entertainment and to collect food donations. In fact, it has collected 4.5 million pounds of food since 1999.

It’s a 1,000-foot-long train with 14 rail cars all decorated with THOUSANDS of LED lights. Musicians Alan Doyle and Kelly Prescott will entertain onlookers with music and then go on their merry way to the next stop.

Of course, there will be other fun activities at each location, provided by each host.

AND THESE EVENTS ARE FREE! Just bring a food donation if you can.

For example, on Monday, December 12th at the St. Paul Union Depot station, there will be indoor fun before the 6:45pm arrival such as model trains on display, food and drink, and oversized games and craft stations.

Plus, Metro Transit is offering free rides to Union Depot during Hub for the Holidays. Go green and download your free pass at uniondepot.org/holiday.

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There are many holiday lights events throughout Minnesota, which I put together in my complete guide here.

But there are also many that are drive-thru only.

The last two years, drive-thru events were super popular due to COVID, but COVID and other germs are still around (unfortunately), so I’m thrilled to put together this list of drive-thru events.

These are perfect for our family because not only can it get really cold here in Minnesota, but some family members like my mom can’t walk very well, so everyone can enjoy these!

If you are looking for drive-thru events, this list is for you!

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25 Activities to Do With Your Kids This Christmas

Christmastime is always a favorite time of year for many families including ours, but can also be stressful and busy! It can feel like there are endless to-do lists, but it’s so important to take time to enjoy some time with loved ones.

We try to balance the busy with low-key fun, from baking to light displays to movies.

Are you looking for ideas for making memories with your kids during the holiday season? If so, check out this list of 25 activities to do with your kids this Christmas. These activities are fun, entertaining, and are sure to leave everyone smiling and laughing. 

Visit a Holiday Lights Event

Once it gets closer to the holiday season, it’s common for different places to have light shows that you can walk through. If you want to see some incredible lights on display, check out what types of light shows are available in your area. Your children will love seeing the bright lights and incredible colors while walking around. Just be sure to dress warm, especially if you’re in Minnesota! 

Here is a list of light displays and events in Minnesota. Some of my favorites include Bentleyville in Duluth, and Glow Holiday Lights in St. Paul.

Do a Drive-Thru Light Show

If you don’t want to do too much walking, or it’s just too cold outside, consider going to a drive-thru light show. With these light shows, you can stay in the car and follow a path to see some incredible light displays, including fun Christmas-themed characters, such as Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus. Often the lights are timed to music you can tune into on your radio. It’s an experience of a lifetime that you don’t want to miss.

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