Elves’ Workshop Train to accompany the Holiday Train on Saturdays
You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry! Bringing smiles and cheers to a station near you is the ever-popular Allstate CTA Holiday Train, a dazzlingly decorated six-car train that includes Santa and his reindeer, along with some *new* twists this year: a red interior floor, colorful LED signage displays and more overall lights than ever before! The Allstate CTA Holiday Train begins service on Friday, November 23, the day after Thanksgiving.
But, there’s double the fun this season as the Holiday Train will, once again, have a partner bringing smiles and joy to good little girls and boys. On Saturdays, families also can board the Allstate CTA Elves’ Workshop Train. This addition to the CTA Holiday Fleet, first introduced in 2016, will run behind the Allstate Holiday Train on Saturdays and is similarly decorated with thousands of colorful lights, garlands, bows and festive winter scenes. The Allstate CTA Elves’ Workshop Train will help even more train riders enjoy this merry holiday celebration.
Those CTA customers who prefer taking the bus and leaving the driving to Santa’s elves, will have a chance to hop on the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus. The exterior wrap of the bus features the adorable “Ralphie the Reindeer” leading the way with his green nose aglow and Santa’s sled in tow. As it has for several years, the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will make its public debut by rolling in the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, November 17.
In addition to hundreds of twinkling lights outlining the bus, the inside of the bus features artwork created by students at Foster Park Fine & Performing Arts Magnet Cluster School (8530 S. Wood, Chicago, IL 60620). Visitors also will find garland, bows, candy cane striping, holiday-themed seating, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ home, featuring a fireplace, for photos with Santa.
The Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will operate on various routes, beginning Tuesday, November 27.
“The Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus have become a beloved Chicago tradition that thousands look forward to each winter season,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We are happy to be able to bring out our Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet to spread the holiday cheer to our valued customers of all ages.”
Santa’s elves will staff the Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet, greeting passengers with smiles and candy canes. The Holiday Train also features the not-to-miss, fan favorite of them all: an open, flatbed car carrying Santa and his sleigh. The Allstate CTA Holiday Train runs on all eight CTA rail lines, while the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will run on 16 bus routes throughout the city.
Riders can find the Allstate CTA Holiday Train, using CTA Train Tracker at: transitchicago.com/traintracker. They also can see where the Holiday Bus is located - when in service – at: transitchicago.com/holidaybustracker.
The Allstate CTA Holiday Train, Allstate CTA Elves’ Workshop Train and Allstate CTA Holiday Bus will make all stops along their scheduled routes. Normal CTA fares apply. Full schedules and more information is available on the CTA website: transitchicago.com/holiday
Editor’s note: Media crews can take *new* photos, b-roll and ride the 2018 Allstate CTA Holiday Train at Midway Station on Friday, November 23. Setup is at 2:30 p.m. to get train’s arrival, standing shots and then take a brief ride with passengers.
Media crews also can take photos and b-roll of the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus at CTA Headquarters, 567 W. Lake Street, on Tuesday, November 27, at 9:30 a.m.
