CP Holiday train brings festive cheer to crowds in Waterloo region
After two years of virtual concerts, the Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train was back on track for multiple stops in Waterloo region.
On Wednesday, the train stopped in Cambridge and Ayr.
“It’s been a couple of years that we have not been able to do all the normal typical Christmas things, so it’s really nice that things are opening back up, and we can feel safe and comfortable,” said one event goer in Ayr.
In Ayr, it was at Inglis Street and Willison Street at around 5:30 p.m, wowing the big crowd that came by to admire the lights.
“I thought they were just going to be lights. I didn’t expect them to be flashing and changing colours and everything,” said one excited kid.
The second of CP’s two brightly decorated festive trains left Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 22. It is travelling through New York, southern Ontario and down through Chicago to Kansas City before returning to Canada with a final show in bound for Weyburn, Sask.
At whistle stop concerts along the way, it is collecting food donations and money for local food banks.
“Brings me back to when I was a kid. When I was a kid, it seemed like everything was easier, and simpler and more jolly. We almost didn’t come because it was almost inconvenient, and we thought this is what makes the memories. When you look back and think about the happy times, it’s because our parents did this for us,” said one man, enjoying the show in Ayr.
The train rolled into the Old Galt Train Station at 4 p.m., with a half-hour concert by Lindsay Ell and JoJo Mason set for 4:15 p.m. to 4:45. With the City of Cambridge will hosting a “Winterfest preshow” with live entertainment and special visits form Santa and friends, beforehand.
More information about the CP Holiday Train’s route is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.

U.S. downs Chinese balloon, drawing a threat from China
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian aircraft and threatened repercussions.
Former Israeli PM: Putin promised not to kill Zelenskyy
A former Israeli prime minister who served briefly as a mediator at the start of Russia's war with Ukraine says he drew a promise from the Russian president not to kill his Ukrainian counterpart.
New study highlights increasing prevalence of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian boys, young men
Canadian researchers are drawing attention to the increasing prevalence of 'a pathological pursuit of muscularity' among Canadian boys and young men, with a new study that found one in four were at risk of developing what's known as muscle dysmorphia.
Justice minister open to amending bail laws, OPP commissioner says change 'needed now'
Justice Minister and Attorney General David Lametti says he is open to amending bail laws, which have come under increased scrutiny following the shooting death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer.
China says it strongly opposes U.S. move to shoot down balloon
China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that it expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the United States' use of force to attack its airship.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
'It's devastating': Homeless Canadians at risk as Eastern Canada endures extreme cold, advocates say
As the majority of Eastern Canada stays indoors during an extreme cold weather alert, homeless shelters are struggling to keep up with the demand from unhoused people as temperatures continue to drop.
Extreme cold can bring frostbite and hypothermia. Here are the symptoms to watch for
Canadians will continue to bundle up in the country's east this weekend as a recent bout of extreme cold persists in much of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. CTVNews.ca looks at the signs and symptoms for frostbite and hypothermia to watch for if exposed to extreme cold.