On Saturdays, the Allstate CTA Elves’ Workshop Train will follow the Holiday Train
‘Tis the season for the beloved Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet to roll through Chicago neighborhoods, spreading cheer to CTA customers of all ages!
When the Allstate CTA Holiday Train pulls into stations throughout the CTA system, riders can expect to see a festive, six-car train, that’s newly decorated with holiday scenes, countless sparkling lights and bright LED signage displays. Santa and his reindeer will, once again, ride along outside the train, traveling from line to line to greet children and their families. The Allstate CTA Holiday Train begins service on Friday, November 29, the day after Thanksgiving, and goes dashing through the snow – and any other weather - on all CTA rail lines.
Also coming to a station near you for the next several Saturdays is the equally popular Allstate CTA Elves’ Workshop Train. This train provides an opportunity for more families to ride and enjoy a merry experience on the city’s busiest shopping days. This addition to the CTA Holiday Fleet, first introduced in 2016, will run behind the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and is similarly decorated with thousands of colorful lights and festive winter scenes.
Santa enjoys taking the train, but he loves road trips too! Beginning Tuesday, November 26, the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus is a great way to see Santa and his elves for those customers who prefer taking the bus around the city. On the exterior of the bus, customers will see “Ralphie the Reindeer” and his bright green nose. In addition to hundreds of twinkling lights outlining the bus, the interior features artwork created by the talented students at Perkins Bass Elementary School (1140 West 66th Street, Chicago, IL 60621). Visitors also will find a miniature village, lights and holiday-themed seating. Best of all, the bus includes Mr. Claus on his sleigh, a perfect place to take memorable family photos!
Be sure to look for the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus in the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, November 23. It’s become a tradition for our bright and merry bus to make its debut at the parade, before operating on 15 different bus routes throughout the City of Chicago during the holiday season.
“Customers of all ages and backgrounds anticipate the arrival of the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Allstate CTA Holiday Bus every year,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “Our festive fleet is an iconic feature of Chicago’s holiday season and we’re so happy thousands of families enjoy these fun rides.”
Passengers hoping to catch a ride on these one-of-kind holiday attractions can find the location and route of our Allstate CTA Holiday Train, using CTA Train Tracker at: transitchicago.com/traintracker. They 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, 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