What says Holidays more than trains? And this time, a real train - the CPKC Holiday Train! The train arrives from the South at 6:45PM, though it's visible along the road from Cottage Grove for perhaps 10 min before that. Before that, the St Paul European Market happens just north of the Station, easy walking distance for both. The Marketplace is open until 6PM.
Gathering
Let's make a loose plan of meeting at the Christmas Marketplace right around 5PM. Don't worry, if we don't get together the event is still fun. I'll post where I land on the website.
5:00-6:45 PM: VIP Lounge opens, enjoy concessions, holiday shopping, model trains, family activities including oversized games and craft stations.
5:30 PM: Free General Admission gates open
6:45 PM: Train arrival
7:00-7:45 PM: Outdoor live concert by Tenille Townes and Breland!
7:45-8:00 PM: CP Holiday Train Departs
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop i
n 20 Minnesota towns on its annual ride (2023 is its 25th anniversary!) through the northern U.S., bringing live entertainment and Christmas cheer in exchange for donations to local food banks. The train arrives about 6:45 PM on Sunday, December 10th and spends the evening there. We'll have plenty of time to view the train and the show.
Need more details? The State of MN has even more info at MN Holiday Train Schedule | Explore Minnesota, and the Christmas Marketplace details are European Christmas Market.
Since the train moved to Sunday the 10th, this will be the Club's holiday event, freeing Saturday the 9th for your own holiday purposes.
Parking
Thanks to a couple of our intrepid memebers, we know that parking will be full at the Depot. By they time 5:00 PM rolls around the likeliest spaces are at the far north end of the Union Depot parking lots. THere are a couple of options to consider.
- Parking, good walking shoes, and patience (my particular choice)
- Light Rain trains roll to CHS field, just a couple of blocks from the Depot. The green line continues regular service until well after 10 PM westbound.
- Uber to the station is easy, but finding one after may be a challenge
- There is a taxi stand at Union Depot
Dinner After
Since the train, and I presume most of us, are departing at 8 PM on a 'school night', I will try to find a casual place to grab a bite rather than a sit down dinner close to the event. I've been advised by most places nearby that they will be either very crowded, or close at 8PM on Sundays. Suggestions are always welcome.
