Customers can join Santa and his elves aboard the Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet, and celebrate the season throughout the city.
Santa Claus is back in town! The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Santa are pleased to announce one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions is back! The Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will soon be rolling through neighborhoods, spreading cheer to CTA customers of all ages.
“This tradition is made possible by the CTA frontline employees who have spent months getting the 2023 Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus ready for service,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “I encourage passengers to pass along their appreciation to the elves onboard the holiday fleet, who will shared those glad tidings with their fellow employees.”
“My elves and I wait all year to return to Chicago,” said Santa Claus, from his North Pole home. “Christmastime can be such a busy season for the elves and me, so I’m asking for some help from CTA riders. I need you to spread holiday cheer to all the bus operators, rail operators, janitors, and station staff you see throughout the system— I couldn’t ride my sleigh through town without them.”
Allstate CTA Holiday Train details
The Allstate CTA Holiday Train begins dashing through the snow – and all other weather – next Friday, November 24, the day after Thanksgiving. Serving all eight rail lines, when the Allstate CTA Holiday Train pulls into stations, riders can expect the spectacle of a six-car train, decorated with holiday scenes, countless sparkling lights and festive LED signs. Santa and his reindeer will, once again, ride along outside the train, traveling from rail line to rail line to greet children and families.
Customers looking to catch a ride or picture can follow the Allstate CTA Holiday Train via CTA Train Tracker at: transitchicago.com/traintracker. Look for the candy cane icon to find the Holiday Train and when it might be getting close to your neighborhood station.
Allstate CTA Holiday Bus details
Beginning Tuesday, November 28, the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will begin winding its way throughout Chicago neighborhoods traveling 16 routes this year. On the exterior of the bus, customers will see “Ralphie the Reindeer” outlined in festive lights. Inside the bus, visitors will find a miniature village, lights and holiday-themed seating. Best of all, the bus includes Mr. Claus, in his sleigh, on a rooftop, ready to deliver toys!
Be sure to look for the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus in the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, November 18. It’s become a tradition for our bright and merry bus to make its debut at the parade before operating throughout the city.
Fans also can see where to hop aboard the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus by tracking its location at: transitchicago.com/holidaybustracker.
The Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will make all stops along their scheduled routes. Normal CTA fares apply. Schedules and other information – including the Bus Tracker Map - are available on the following CTA website: transitchicago.com/holiday