So much fun, but a limited run! You really have to catch it. We missed it yesterday by a hair. But if you use check the line it's on that day and go to the CTA train tracker, you can select the line and it'll appear as a green tree on the map view. It only passes through once a day I think. All the cars were decked out and Santa and his sleigh had their own car. His elves had buttons and candy canes inside. Make sure you get there early. Definitely recommend! read more

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It was a fun thing to do but here are some tips: - if you are a commuter and just want to ride it for a few stops, then feel free to jump on the train anytime. But if you are like us who wanted to let the little one to have this experience, start from the beginning. Otherwise you are met with a lot of crowds and will be hard to move around. - don't get off thinking you can hop on a different car. Holiday train has staff in every car and they will have to stop you if that car is full. read more

Many thanks to the CTA volunteers who make this annual event possible. Last year I happened upon the event when planning for my family's visit to Chicago. My family loved it, especially since that weekend the train was on the orange/green line platform which my godson saw each time the train went by. He had a double dose that weekend plus the additional viewing from my apt window. This year my family visited again and we trekked to the blue line which was en route to our dinner in logan square. We waited patiently and the Holiday train did not disappoint! Our little friend was so surprised! The train was packed!!!! We got off a few stops after to take Santa's elves workshop train which was less crowded. So for next year, it will be just as fun to watch Santa on his sleigh driving by then hop on the less crowded Elves' workshop train. Of note, I saw a CTA Holiday bus a week ago as I was leaving Mariano's in the South Loop. read more

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I'm a total adult and sucker for this thing. I thought someone was pulling a prank on me when I first heard about it, but then I saw it in real life, I felt the magic. Chicago feels so cold and grey around this time of year, especially during the work commute, so this train is truly a delight. It's crazy crowded on the weekend with the kids, but honestly not as bad as during rush hour. The candy canes are actually not bad! I think there's like a juice in the middle. read more

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I've heard about the CTA holiday train a long time ago but I never had the opportunity to ride it until today. I planned carefully and checked out the CTA website for times and locations and thankfully they were running on the purple line this weekend! They are here for one more day and then it's off to another line. The train ran a little behind schedule but that was fine. As long as I was under the heat lamp it's all gravy. So about 15 minutes later, the holiday train in all its Las Vegas glory comes through our stop! Apparently Santa Claus on the train is a big deal. Throngs of parents with their children wait aimlessly for their chance to get a picture of Santa. Then here lies poor Santa with his security elves out in the cold but nonetheless sending their Christmas cheer to all that greet Old St. Nick. My dad goes ahead and hi fives him as he passes him by. Noice. Upon entering, your greeted by his elves that happily give you a candy cane. Everything in the interior train cabin is decorated from the floor to the ceilings. The upholstered seats are even decorated too! Gayla Peevey's "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" was playing in the background which set the mood along with many other Christmas classics. The only reason for 4 versus 5 stars was due to the Untimeliness of the train. It was about 15 mins behind schedule but I guess it's because Santa is a celebrity and everyone wants a piece of him. In addition to that, in order to make up for lost time, I noticed the train would only stop for less than a minute per station to stay on schedule. Which is unfortunate for some families that missed the train as I noticed parents carrying their crying toddler(s) attempting to chase and somehow stop the train from moving so that they could get on. Overall fun for families and definitely something to do at least once during the holidays. read more

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It's the most wonderful time of the year. If you wanna check out whether or not your tax money is well-spent, hop on the CTA Holiday Train when you're running into one! Rosa J. determined to get on the train of the day. By the way, the CTA official website has a list of "train schedules." The paper copy is also available upon request. Today's "Santa Express" began at 1601 hour at the CTA Midway Orange Line station, traveling northeast bound. Upon reaching Roosevelt in South Loop, the train ran the Green line route westbound to Harlem/Lake. Yes, this train didn't smell at all. In fact, a light cinnamon scent was infused to enhance the holiday spirit. The CTA crew members who dressed like elves passed out peppermint and holiday train schedule brochures. They were happy to send seasonal greetings to each and every patron on board. It was kind of fun to see the passenger's priceless facial expressions; they looked like they just got on the "Cash Cab." Do you remember that show? The decorations were on point. Especially the exterior with the real-time Santa with his reindeer. Yes, he works for CTA because he sounded like one. His typical CTA train-operator tone came out when approaching stations in the loop area. "Hey, bystanders with their phones trying to snap a photo or two...Safety First!" The music was decent, featuring the Christmas classics and "My Only Wish This Year" by that legendary Britney Spears. I'm pretty sure that those who have had a Christmas album make lots of money out of the loyalty program. My journey with the CTA Holiday Train ended at the CTA Ridgeland Green Line station. It was cool to see some fun stuff with my beloved CTA that I utilize to commute daily. I may get on another one sometime this month when I have a day off from work. read more

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These trains might actually be the mythical Santa Claus. I'm not kidding. If you are a bah humbug sort, this train will honestly make you believe in Christmas magic again. I haven't ridden in the inside of one of the trains since about 2002 (but I remember lots of tinsel and Christmas music piped in over the intercom - a welcome change from the usual announcements). Each year since, however, it seems I am always greeted by a magical appearance of the train at just the right time and it revives my Christmas spirit. This year I saw it above Lake Street like a flying sleigh. I was walking with and griping to a friend of mine about how I was sick of Chicago winters and how I might be moving to Washington D.C. in June. Suddenly above our heads (without the appropriate jingle or anything though) on the Green Line loop tracks, the CTA Christmas train appeared. We watched it go by in awe (it is my friend's first holidays in Chicago so she was struck silent) and suddenly I realized Chicago was a very special place and I might just stay. So apparently this train also reads minds about timing and has some sort of mind control (or it was just a Miracle on Lake Street). I'm about as cynical as they come so when this train makes my grinch heart grow three sizes larger just seeing a passing Santa in an open car (poor guy), it obviously warms even the hardest of hearts (even if it freezes Santa). As has been mentioned in other reviews, catching one of these specially decorated trains is a Christmas miracle. It's not every train on the line mentioned in the schedule (hence how I haven't actually rode it in six years). But if you believe enough (and it senses you need it), you might just see the festively decorated piece of Chicago lore. It's not a myth, it just only appears to those desperate for Holiday cheer (or so it would seem). read more

I am not a magical xmas spirit kind of girl. Not even close. Magic happened on Friday night on the Blue Line. I was heading down to the Clark and Lake station after spending the day at the Art Museum with a friend. Just a routine walk down the stairs to catch the train and I hear santa with his HO-HO and I think, ahh crap, I am not in the mood for someone dressed as santa being all creepy down by the tracks. NOT CREEPY, the exact opposite of creepy. There was a flat bed all decked out between two L trains with a live person dressed as santa and some elves on it. I was a bit taken back and frightened at first, but then i boarded the decorated train. It was not only decorated on the outside like the house in National Lampoons Xmas Vacation, but the inside looked like xmas vomited all over it as well. It was freaking FUN. I mean seriously a happy, enjoyable moment on the train. I recommend you pick up a schedule, of when it will be on a LINE near you. Although, i must say the surprise of it really made it worth it. The only thing irritating were the passengers that complained about where their money was going. OH SHUT UP, at least they aren't charging us extra for it, which would be the absurd thing to do. I think it's nice that they put our money to make something that is otherwise a drag to be on, delightful and happy. Even this scrooge was overjoyed. UPDATE ( 5 or so hours later since I wrote this review): My friend Jordan B. ( yelp user name) says: PS - the decorations are all donated by CTA employees and they volunteer their time to run the train, and the train doesn't use any extra electricity so the thing actually costs us nothing! I say: SO THERE YA STUPID FACES WHO WANTED SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. It's just nice people, doing nice things. So shut yo mouth. read more

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As someone who doesn't think that this is the most magical/happy/(insert another glowing superlative here) time of year, I think this is pretty damn cool. I've lived in the Chicago area my whole life, and have ridden the El almost as long, but had never seen the train until this year. The first time I saw it was Thanksgiving eve and I was lucky enough to be up close and personal, on an El platform. Yes, a bedazzled train with a few lights, glitter, and Santa made this Grinch crack a smile. The second time I saw it, I was in my car. I was so mesmerized by the sparkly train at night, that I almost caused a car accident. Whoops! The train didn't change my feelings about this time of year, but like I said it is pretty damn cool. read more

FIVE big ass STARS FOR THE CTA HOLIDAY TRAIN! On any given day, there's usually something pretty gross, sad, scary, unpleasant happening during my CTA travels. But all of the bad CTA stuff goes away when the magnificent holiday train comes a'rolling into the the station. When I see this thing, I turn into a giddy kid. I can't help it. I've had the pleasure of catching the elusive train the past few years (not yet this year...). Once aboard, I do not want to get off. The red & green interior lights, candy cane striped poles, tinsel, fully decorated exterior including a cold-defying Santa, CTA "elves" handing out mini candy canes - all of that makes these rides so dang festive! read more

CTA Holiday Train - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I happened to catch the redline holiday train after work on day right before 5pm at the Roosevelt stop. I really wanted to get to Fullerton because I was meeting someone so I decided to get on the train. It was already packed at Roosevelt and I had to squeeze on among parents with their kids. I really don't like that two train cars are removed for Santa's sleigh. This creates much more congestion on the rest of the cars. I was able to get a seat after some of the families excited downtown but there was a steady stream of new families ready to replace them. The CTA pipes in Christmas music and Santa will talk over the PA system. This does not help matters when there are screaming, crying children. I have never witnessed parents with small children acting so ruthlessly to try to get on the train. One small child lost their shoe in the commotion and the parent didn't seem to care because they really wanted on the train. Parents were also using their children as buffers to try to shove their way onto the car. As a commuter trying to get home after work obviously taking the holiday train is not worth the hassle. I didn't realize the CTA ran the train so much during rush hour. I would have no problem if it ran in the afternoon or after 6-7pm. Never again. read more

CTA Holiday Train - Seats - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Look, I'm a Chanukah-celebrating Jew. But I freaking love Christmas, and I freaking love the Christmas train. Despite the pushy parents and the cranky kids, it's one of those great examples of how Chicago likes to celebrate everything it possibly can. All my fellow Yelpin' Yids who are complaining about the lack of a Chanukah train really need to stop kvetching. I mean really, what the hell would we put on it -- a giant menorah and decorations of Maccabees fighting Hellenic Assyrians, with klezmer being piped over the PA? Really, just not as fun. If y'all want Chanukah on public transportation because thousands of years of anti-Semites means we have to take our aggression out on the CTA of all things, then lobby for a bus in Evanston or Skokie, where people might actually give two damns. The Christmas train has about as much to do with Jesus as a dreidel does with Kwanzaa. My fellow chosen people: learn to stop worrying and love the Christmas Train. Because it's delightful. read more

WHEEE!! call me a big kid....immature....I dun't cahr! I hung around in town tonight JUST so I could ride the Christmas Train home. I sat in at the Jackson station and read for at least a half an hour listening to not so good trumpet playing. Bless his heart ! Then it came OHHHH! The voice that came over the speakers was lively and Santa Claus-ish, you could hear his smile, I SWEAR! visions of Candy Canes were everywhere - seats covered with Holiday fabric - everything was literally festooned with Holiday goodness! Christmas music played in the background - the conductor would announce the stops, at one point, lively making fun of a mistake he made at one of our destinations...We had two elves on our car and a 'deputy elf' who handed out miniature candy canes. Once I got to the Morse stop, there was a rocking carol playing and as I exited the train - there was an elf, Dancing fiercely in the doorway of the next car. She was smiling and singing along to the music. as the train pulled away, I watched as Santa sat in his sleigh, waving to me in response to my own -- mirroring the exact furious manner in which I was waving! too funny! I enjoyed my ride so much, I can't see how anyone could be a Grinch after riding this remarkable treat of a train! Happy Santamas!! read more

The smell of snow is in the air...my cheeks are pink, the lights are up on Michigan Avenue and at the Zoo, the giant "tree" is in front of Daley Plaza along with the Christkindlmarket...what else could a gal want to get in the holiday spirit? How about a ride with Santa and some elves on the Christmas Train! I tell you what, never have I seen a train delight so many folks as this train. I have lived in Chicago for nearly a decade, and never gotten the opportunity to ride this great mood-booster until last year. Putting our jackets on at the Renaissance Hotel ready to leave the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual holiday party, a buzz went around, "The Christmas Train is running on the brown line track." Colleen C. and I rounded up our respective nine-year-olds and raced out there, just in time to see that lit-up, fabulous ride that would take us JUST to our destination. It is mega-decked out for the season, complete with Santa and his elves and even candy passed out. How can one be a Grinch with such a delightful way to get around town? I highly recommend it for holiday-lovers of all ages. Check out the CTA website, and it will tell ya which line it operates on which day (because it does rotate lines). A great tradition in Chicago, for sure! read more

Yes, Virginia, there is a CTA Holiday Train. It brings joy to little boys and girls . . . and to our department of 40 - 60 year olds! We track it like bounty hunters tracking a felon. Looking at the schedule to see when it will be passing our 2nd floor office which is ten feet from the tracks. The yell goes out "Santa Train" and everyone runs to the window waving at Santa who waves back. I think he knows that we'll be there because he's waving right at us. I can only imagine how excited the little kids get! read more

No one pees on the holiday train. Fun to see the kids happy. Good times. read more

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!!! i love the holiday train! it's my favorite thing in the entire world! it always smells like peppermint or cinnamon and there are elves handing out candy canes and christmas music galore! read more

BEAUTIFUL***MAGICAL***and I felt like I was in a holiday wonderland. Caught this magic ride today on the brown line by pure accident...looked up as I was rushing through the turnstile and "WOW oh how pretty!!!" exclaimed from my mouth. My jaw dropped and eyes popped out and I was all giddy the entire ride from Francisco to Clark/Lake. 5 stars for the announcer who fed us 'factoids' and history 'tidbits' all along the way. Beautiful uplifting Christmas wonder music and joy throughout. The announcer even stated "it's OK to smile and even laugh in here folks - you're on the CTA Holiday Train!!" That got a loud chuckle out of me....didn't know there was a sleigh with a Santa on board till I got off! Pics to follow! Feliz Navidad read more

I've seen it once and heard about it countless times. This year I was finally going to experience it! Carefully planned with the guidance of the CTA's website we waited on the State/Lake platform with much anticipation. As the brightly decorated train approached most smiled and looked, bright eyed, with amazement. then one lady ruined the moment of Christmas Cheer with a "oh man! I dont have time for the Santa Train right now." well, it was rush hour and people were anxious to get on their way. We pushed our way onto the train after catching a quick glimpse of Santa himself riding in his special car. Standing room only for the next 45 minutes as we made our way up to Evanston. No special destination, just along for the ride. The train brought out the best in people. Strangers talking, wish each other a Merry Christmas as they stepped off the train, picture taking of fellow riders. It was warm fuzzy moments and delights for the eye in a place where strange and sometimes scary things can happen. we got off on the end where Santa paused for about 10 minutes to take pictures with little kids and my boyfriend.....yes even adults get a thrill out of that! If youre reading this on 12/22, my photo is up on Chicago Public Radio's home page today of the Santa train. read more

I stopped believing in Santa loooong ago, but I couldn't help clapping like a kid and yelling "It's Santa!!!" when I saw the fully blinged out holiday express pull into the Western station on Saturday night. Just by luck we were waiting to catch the train to Kedzie, and our timing was perfect. I was totally impressed with the CTA's effort to bring holiday cheer to all our neighborhoods (from the window decals, to the holiday upholstery, to the replaced banner ads for north pole businesses). Not to mention that poor Santa was sitting on a flatbed car completely exposed to nasty weather as he zoomed up and down the line. Check out the videos on YouTube if you want to see it in all it's glory! read more

I have lived in Chicago for almost five years and I have never heard or rode on the fabulous train that is the CTA Christmas Train! I'm so sad I have missed it all these years but happy that I finally got to experience it. When it pulled into the underground station my friend and I did a double take. "What the?!" The train was literally decked out with the holiday spirit; real Christmas lights, words of good cheer, green and red everywhere! Then even more of a surprise was when Santa in his sleigh went riding by! It happened so fast, I thought I was crazy for a second. But thankfully for many reasons, I am not! :0) Santa really was part of the train! It filled me with laughter and made me smile and I felt like a little kid again. Seriously, Santa was just sitting in his sleigh between two El cars!! I LOVED it. It's the little things like this that really can make a difference in your day. If you are grumpy when you get on the train, just take a look around at all the decorations inside- snowflakes on the windows, the poles wrapped like candy canes, lights, the chairs specially made with holiday print and a friendly Elf waiting as the door opens to give you some candy canes and holiday music playing for all to hear. If you can't smile at this and enjoy this little treasure, then you are the biggest Scrooge there ever was! It only happens every so often so check the CTA schedule, especially if you have kids. What a treat for them! A perfect way to kick off the holiday season. And it seems like the CTA have things under control and it all flows nicely. The CTA staff on the train were very friendly and sweet and explained things to the two of us who were confused and thrilled at the same time by this creation. Thank you Chicago and the CTA for giving me a sweet little surprise that made my day! read more

Don't tell anyone, but I've already looked up to see when I can catch the Holiday Train and its not even Thanksgiving (don't tell my mom)!!!! I love this train!!! If you're ever feeling Scroogesque, just hop on board. I've been on this train a handful of times and look up the schedule each year to try and catch it at some point. The most awesome part of this train is the surprise of it. Most travelers are not children, but surprised commuters wary from a long day of work or shopping or running errands and just wanna go home. Its fascinating to seen grown adults with furrowed brows upon entry turn into jolly smiles by the time they depart. Even watching people on the opposite platform as the train flies by brings renewed life into train riders. Its quite a spectacle of flashing lights when it pulls up with Santa towards the middle. There is Christmas music and elves in every car handing out candy canes to travelers. There are lights and decorations on every surface and silly little jokes where advertisements usually go. I've lived in Chicago 8 years now and this is one of my very favorite parts of the holiday in Chicago for me. I really find it very special and no matter who gets on board, they turn into an excited 8 year old within 30 seconds. Magically fantastic! Thanks Chicago! read more

Oh yeah...I took this train this past Christmas and I LOVED it!! There are conductors on the train that dress up as elves and they hand out candy canes. The train is totally decked out on the inside as well as the outside in Christmas lights. Even the seats are covered with red and green decorated covers! All the ads have been replaced with North Pole, Santa, and Elves ads. Christmas music plays the entire way. And, yes, when you get off, you are treated to a view of Santa himself, waving and yelling "Merry Christmas!" It's truly a magical train. I am a big kid at heart, too. I just loved it! I wish all the trains could be decked out like that at Christmas! read more

Yesterday, I caught the Santa Express on my way home from work! I was sooooo excited! I had that little girl excitement when this big hunk of Christmas bling came to a halt on the tracks in front of me. I couldn't help but whoop and holler and everyone on the platform was looking at me like "Why did they let her out of the mental institution?" But you know what I didn't care because catching the Chirstmas Express in all it's glitter, lights, and bling made my night a little brighter! read more

Okay, just found another reason why Chicago isn't such a bad place to live after all. Keep on surprising me with lovely things like a goofy happy ride on the Christmas Train and maybe one of these days I'll like Chicago (gasp) better than my beloved Cali...! read more

Finally rode the Chicago Transit Holiday Train and it is incredible! The entire train is lit up in holiday lights and other decor on every inch of it inside and out. Workers dressed like elves handing out candy canes. In the middle of the train Santa Claus rides outside doing a great job greeting everyone. A very fun way too get around the great city of Chicago! read more

ok, after reading these reviews i MUST put my two cents in. not only is the holiday train wonderful, but it is M-A-G-I-C-A-L as well ... let me to tell you why: i had the privilege of riding the holiday train a few times when i lived downtown. that was awhile back, though, and as many other downtown-living-folk, i didn't own a car, so i took the train everywhere. fast forward eight or nine years to me living in lincoln park WITH a car (and using it all the time). i had completely forgotten about the holiday train. about the joy. then, one normal boring evening whilst sitting on my couch, i thought i saw santa -or something- fly by. in a sleigh, with lights and everything. it took a good five seconds to jog my memory, but i got there: THE HOLIDAY TRAIN! yep, i've got my cutie house in lincoln park, with a garage and even a yard, too - but i also have the el for a neighbor, which i usually hate. until christmastime, that is, when santa *flies* past my house numerous times a day (practice runs for christmas eve, i like to think), making up for all of the un-neighborly things i deal w/the rest of the year. read more

Train is decorated wonderfully. My 2 sons and I waited 45 minutes to take a picture with Santa. There were 2 other families behind me waiting as well. The elves stopped us from seeing Santa to allow adults time to pose with Santa. pose with Santa. Apparently they did not have to wait in line like everyOne else because they were staff. That's fine, rude and inconsiderate but fine. Until they were done and Santa and the train left me, my 5 year old and 2 year old standing there. The head elf did chastise the junior elf, and ordered no more staff was allowed to take pictures. read more

Oh my God. . I was begrudgingly making my way to yoga class-It was freezing, and snowing, and all kinds of crappy. I hadn't slept in days. I forgot all of that when the Holiday Train came wooshing into the station. The lights, and SANTA, and the elves, and...just wow. I am an atheist who was raised Jewish- there was no Hanukkah train, but who gives a flying fuck (I mean really, its just good ole' fashioned sparkly fun). I'm going to try to take it one more time before it disappears. read more

I have to admit, I get excited like a little kid when I see the Xmas train roll up. I'm not embarrassed, because I see other adults acting in a similar fashion. At least we see our tax dollars/CTA dollars used for something. read more

I can't say enough how cool this was. I had never heard of the Christmas train before so there I was in the subway at State & Lake when this pulls up - WTF. And the inside was just as cool. They were playing Christmas songs by current groups - there was blues, jazz, gospel. And the look on people's faces as it pulled up was priceless! It really brought out the best in everyone. It was truly magical. Way to go CTA!! read more