Racine County, Wisconsin was ablaze with holiday spirit as the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolled in on Saturday night. The event brought together hundreds of people, who bundled up in blankets and gathered at Sturtevant Station to enjoy the festive festivities. For many, this has become a cherished tradition.

The Holiday Train Brings Joy and Hope

The Wade Family's Experience

The Wade family came out to see the holiday train. Sa’Vana Wade, who is leaving for college next year and this was her last year doing the train with them for a while, smiled as she said, "It feels really good." They have made it a yearly tradition to watch the train, and this year was especially special for them.The family was bundled up in blankets, but the excitement was palpable. It was a moment of togetherness and celebration before Sa’Vana embarks on her new chapter in life.

The Engstrom Family's Fun

Emily Engstrom of Beach Park danced along to the live music, sharing the excitement with her family. "We’re having fun, you and me," she laughed. Her mom, Heather Engstrom, has attended the event for years and loves watching the train pull in and seeing all the little ones having a good time. "Everyone’s having a good time. There’s a lot of happy people, like our daughter here, and just families enjoying a good time."The Engstrom family's presence added to the festive atmosphere, making the night even more memorable.

After Sturtevant - Caledonia Stop

After stopping in Sturtevant, the train also rolled into Caledonia. While the train brings lots of holiday cheer through the festive lights and musical concerts, it’s also raising money and awareness for local food banks. Saturday night’s stops raised $3,000 for the Racine County Food Pantry, helping local families in need. This shows the true impact of the Holiday Train beyond just entertainment.

Community Excitement and Beyond

Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than $24.3 million and collected about 5.3 million pounds of food for community food banks. At each stop in southeast Wisconsin, musical guests like The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy perform, adding to the festive atmosphere.The train will make additional stops on Sunday in Wauwatosa, Hartland, Oconomowoc, Watertown, and Columbus. It's a journey that spreads joy and support throughout the region.To learn more about the CPKC Holiday Train, click here. Get a full list of Holiday Train stops here.Talk to us: Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.Verification:It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device. Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip