It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as Santa and his reindeer dash through the snow on the CTA Holiday Train and make their way throughout Chicago starting Friday, November 29. Now in its 22nd year, Mayor Emanuel and the CTA are reminding Chicagoans that the Holiday Train is a festive and one-of-a-kind tradition that’s unique to Chicago and is a fun way to enjoy the city during the holiday season.
Santa will travel in his sleigh on an open flat car that is pulled by a six-car CTA train. Customers are invited to ride inside the passenger rail cars, which are decorated with multi-colored lights, bows and garland and feature holiday music.
The Holiday Train’s first destination is the Green Line. The train will travel along all CTA rail lines beginning in late November and continue through December as part of its regular rail service – normal CTA fares apply. Schedules for each individual line are listed below and are subject to change.
- Green Line: November 29-30 and December 3
- Orange/Brown Lines: December 4, 5, 6 and 7
- Pink Line: December 10 and 11
- Blue Line: December 12, 13 and 14
- Red Line: December 17 and 19
- Purple Line Express: December 18 and 20
- Red/Purple Lines: December 21
- Yellow Line: December 23
Customers can track the whereabouts of Santa and the Holiday Train by using CTA Train Tracker, which will feature a candy cane next to its estimated arrival time information.
Each year CTA staff work with Santa to ensure customers enjoy their ride on the Holiday Train. CTA personnel also generously donate cash to buy and prepare food baskets for needy families that are distributed each year to selected community groups.
Detailed timetables for the Holiday Train will be posted on CTA’s website at transitchicago.com/holidaytrain. For information about all other CTA routes and schedules, call 312-836-7000 or visit transitchicago.com.
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