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40 Ways to Holiday, Day 16: December 8

In 2017, there are exactly 40 days from Thanksgiving Day to New Years Day. And with the elimination of the eighth floor display at Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis and Holiday Lights in the Park in Saint Paul, along with the disappointing change from tradition at Holidazzle, more people than ever are looking for new holiday activities. Enter “40 Ways to Holiday.” Each day between November 23 and January 1 will have at least one event worth checking out, along with plenty of giveaways along the way! Find the full list of days here.

Day 16: Friday, December 8

Featured pick: Union Pacific Holiday Train

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The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into the Twin Cities tonight. Photo credit: Canadian Pacific

If you have a kiddo who loves trains, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is a MUST. It will roll through 171 communities along their tracks throughout Canada and the United States this year. Each stop includes performances and a dazzling train inspired by the holidays. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations which will go to local charities. You aren’t able to hop aboard the holiday train, but the 30 minute event is worth it.

The Minnesota portion of the holiday train’s route actually start December 5 in Rochester. It begins its journey through the Twin Cities today: it’ll arrive in Hastings around 8:30 p.m.; expect the program to start at 8:45 p.m. Stops over the weekend include Cottage Grove, Northeast Minneapolis, New Hope, Golden Valley, Saint Louis Park, Loretto, Buffalo and Annandale.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Thursday, December 8
Hastings
8:30 p.m. arrival
8:45 p.m. program
Additional stops in Cottage Grove and Minneapolis on December 9; New Hope, Golden Valley and Saint Louis Park on December 10; Loretto, Buffalo, Annandale and Kimball on December 11.

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The little train engineer in your house will love to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train roll in. Photo credit: Canadian Pacific

Other happenings

  • The Anoka County Fairgrounds host a free Holiday in Lights celebration starting tonight. They’re be hayrides, live music and an appearance by Santa and his blushing bride, Mrs. Claus. Holiday in Lights runs through Sunday in Anoka.
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The Anoka County Fair will dazzle during their free Holiday in Lights event starting tonight.
  • Union Depot’s outdoor Christmas Market continues this weekend. The European-influenced shopping experience includes craft vendors, German imports and much more. Metro Transit is offering free rides (you’ll need to fill out this survey and download a pass if you go tonight). Special appearances during tonight’s 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. event include Santa, reindeer, and a concert by the Simley High School Choir.  Union Depot’s European Christmas Market runs December 1 – 3 and 8 – 10.