2009 Holiday Train

The Chicago Transit Authority is getting into the holiday spirit with the 2009 version of its popular Holiday Train. Santa and his helpers will ride the train passing out candy canes and season's greetings.

The spectacular train is an amazing sight - during the daytime and at night. The outside of the six-car train is adorned with holiday seasonal images. Thousands of twinkling lights outline the shape of the train and windows, with even more lights running across the tops of the cars.

Interiors of the cars are decked out with thousands of multi-colored lights, red bows, garland, and red and green overhead lighting. The hand poles are wrapped to look like candy canes.

As the train pulls into each station, Santa waves to the boarding passengers from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar that carries his reindeer and decorated holiday trees.

The Holiday Train will travel all CTA rail lines in November and December as part of regular rail service.  Normal CTA fares apply.

The train operates from about 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select weekdays (schedules for lines will vary), and will make stops at all stations along the respective routes.

Additionally, the train will operate continuously around the Loop on Wednesday, November 25, from about 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., around the time of this year's tree-lighting ceremonies in Daley Plaza.

Schedule

Detailed schedules will be posted here as they become available:

*See schedule for specific details on where and when the train will stop.