Each year, the dazzling festive train invites guests to experience the holiday spirit by enjoying the vibrant colorful lights, live music, and giving to local charities. The musicians play for free as the train rolls across the rails spreading holiday cheer. Once the train stops at its destination, the doors open, the stage lowers, and the music kicks off!
The event is free to attend; however, organizers encourage everyone to bring a food donation to support local families in need this holiday season.
The famous Holiday Train is lit up for its entire journey across the states so people can see it pass through their town, even if it’s not a scheduled stop.
The first stop in Illinois will be Sunday, November 23 in Franklin Park and the second stop will be in Gurnee on Tuesday, December 9.
November 23, Franklin Park- Arrives at 5:30 p.m. with musical guests Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde.
Address: South side of Ruby Street Railway Crossing, North of Franklin Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois
December 9, Gurnee- Arrives at 5:15 p.m. with musical guests American Authors and Pynk Beard.
Address: 4460 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois
Holiday Train Highlights
- 196 live music shows in six provinces and 13 U.S. states. Thirteen communities will be visited by the Holiday Train for the first time, with new stops in Maine (1), Louisiana (6), Oklahoma (1), Texas (4) and Ontario (1).
- Performers include Barenaked Ladies, Smash Mouth, Tyler Shaw, Brittany Kennell, Jade Eagleson, JJ Wilde, American Authors, Pynk Beard, Teigen Gayse, Lanco, Tiera Kennedy, and Dylan Marlowe.
- Since 1999, more than $26 million and over 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks have been collected in Canada and the U.S.