Chicago's Holiday Train is Ready to Ride Again!

The first time I discovered the CTA Holiday Train, I was determined to go on it with our son. We checked the schedule, got to the station in plenty of time, and the train pulled up and was packed. Packed tighter than the usual rush hour train, my son took one look and said, “that’s too crowded,” and I had to agree. We turned around, headed back up the stairs, and walked home in the cold. The adult in me knew it was the right call, but the kid in me was disappointed.

Fast forward to the next year, and I was determined! We researched and discussed how it might start crowded but was likely to get less crowded after a certain station. The train pulled up, the doors opened, and we jumped on. It was crowded but not horrible, and the decor was so mesmerizing that we barely noticed the other people. We stuck it out, made it past the Fullerton station and the train was ours! We rode all the way to the end of the (Purple) line and had a blast, singing along with the Christmas music and eating the Candy canes the CTA ‘Elves’ were passing out. We were rewarded with getting the chance to meet Santa while at the Linden stop before grabbing some pizza and hopping back on the train for the ride home.

It’s not something I try to do every year, but it’s definitely worth riding every now and then. A few tips from my own experience with the train are to:

Plan ahead and look at the schedule, but expect the posted times may shift
Travel as lightly as possible because space is limited, and sometimes there are people on the train commuting home from work in addition to the festive riders. Leave the giant backpacks and diaper bags at home.
Ditch the stroller to help with crowds and space, PLUS the CTA Elves may not let you board with it.
Like any other day, the cars at the front or back of the train usually have the most space. Move down the platform to hop on one of these cars for the chance of more room.
Be patient and have fun!

Here is the most current schedule, but please check the CTA site for updated information! Please note that all times are approximate, and expect a fifteen-minute shift in either direction. You can use the CTA Train & Bus Tracker as well to help plan your ride.

2024 Allstate CTA Holiday Train Schedule

🟧 🟩 Ride the CTA Holiday Train November 29, 2024

🟩 Ride the CTA Holiday Train (📸 with Santa) November 30, 2024

🟩 🟧 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 3, 2024

🟧 🟫 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 4, 2024

🟧 🟫 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 5, 2024

🟧 🟫 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 6, 2024

🟧 🟫 Ride the CTA Holiday Train (📸 with Santa) December 7, 2024

🩷 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 10, 2024

🩷 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 11, 2024

🟦 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 12, 2024

🟦 Ride the CTA Holiday Train December 13, 2024