Canadian Pacific Holiday Train to pass through Metro Detroit for the first time in 3 years — here’s how to see it

(WWJ) -- If you’re looking for a great way to ring in the holiday season, this might get you on the right track!

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will pass through Metro Detroit for the first time since 2019, and it will visible at several different crossings in Wayne and Washtenaw counties on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 1.

A handful of local businesses are hosting viewing parties where people can gather to enjoy food, drinks, live music and other holiday activities while waiting to spot the decked-out locomotive.

Here are a few places where you can catch a glimpse of the Holiday Train:

-Carbon Athletic Club in Detroit
Address: 111 Gates, Detroit
Event time: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
**Tickets must be purchased

-Downtown Historical Park in Romulus
Address: 11120 Hunt St, Romulus
Event time: 6 p.m.

-Firebird Foods in Belleville
Address: 149 South St, Belleville
Event time: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

-Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park
Address: 4200 Allen Road, Allen Park
Event time: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

The train could come anytime between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., so those planning to attend an outdoor viewing party should prepare to dress warm as they wait.

Additionally, those gathering are warned to stay 50 feet back from the tracks at all times as the train passes.

The Holiday Train’s trip through Metro Detroit is part of its greater cross-continental journey, which starts in Maine and makes stops in dozens of cities to host live events and concerts before concluding its trek in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Because Southeastern Michigan is not an official stop on the train’s tour, Canadian Pacific officials note that there’s a chance the lights not be turned on as it comes through, though that has not stopped people from gathering to see it in the past.

First launching in 1999, the festive 14-car train has raised $21 million and five million pounds of food for food banks across North America, according to the Canadian Pacific website.

After pivoting to a virtual format in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many will be happy to see the train come rolling through their communities in-person once again.

"The Holiday Train is all about families and communities coming together to celebrate the season and help those in need,” said Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer in a statement. "We are excited to be back out on the rails and in our communities, taking these two beautiful trains across our network and sharing the joy that comes with gathering in the spirit of giving."

Find out more about the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at CP.ca.

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