’Tis the Season for the CTA Holiday Train and Holiday Bus

The popular Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Holiday Train will begin service on Friday, November 25. To celebrate the 25th year of what is one of Chicago’s most anticipated traditions, the CTA Holiday Train this year welcomes a new companion: The Elves’ Workshop Train.

The Elves’ Workshop Train, like the Holiday Train, will be festooned with thousands of colorful lights, garland, bows and festive winter scenes. This six-car train will follow the Holiday Train on Saturdays, the busiest days for Holiday Train riders – to help ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy this festive holiday experience and tradition.

The two trains will join a popular third CTA holiday offering—the CTA Holiday Bus, also decorated from top to bottom—which will begin operating as part of regular service on Tuesday, November 29. 

“The CTA Holiday Train and Bus are iconic Chicago traditions that are enjoyed by thousands every year,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We’re pleased to expand on that strong Chicago tradition by offering the new Elves’ Workshop Train, which will allow even more customers to experience this unique holiday happening.”

The Holiday Train, Elves’ Workshop Train and Holiday Bus will each be staffed by Santa’s Elves who greet passengers with candy canes.  The Holiday Train also features an open flat car carrying Santa and his sleigh. The Holiday Train will eventually run on all eight rail lines and the Holiday Bus will run on 13 bus routes throughout the city.

Customers can track the whereabouts of Santa and the Holiday Train and Bus by using CTA Train Tracker, which will feature a digital candy cane next to the estimated arrival time information, and the dedicated Holiday Bus Tracker available at transitchicago.com/holidaybustracker. 

The Holiday Train, Elves’ Workshop Train and Holiday Bus will make all stops along their scheduled routes. Normal CTA fares apply.