Gather the family and kick off the holiday season with the arrival of the Holiday Train in Gurnee, Illinois, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026. The free event will take place from 4-6 p.m. The train is estimated to arrive at 5 p.m., followed by a holiday concert at 5:15 p.m.

Admission is free, but organizers invite attendees to make a difference by bringing nonperishable food items. Donations will support the Northern Illinois Food Bank and provide meals to local families in need. Every contribution, big or small, brings hope to the community.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train is nearly 1,000 feet long with 14 rail cars. Each car is decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights and holiday designs.

The train is expected to arrive on the east side of the railroad tracks near Depot Road. Park at one of the locations below and walk to Depot Road and Old Grand Avenue.

Entertainment:

• Holiday concert by Allen Stone
• Free photos with Santa Claus
• Patch 22 Petting Zoo
• DJ

Parking Available: 

• Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave.
• Viking Middle School, 4460 Old Grand Ave.
• Warren Township High School, 500 N. O’Plaine Road

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