CTA Holiday Train



CTA Holiday Train
The CTA Holiday Train begins its rounds through Chicago today, starting off with a stint on the Purple and Red Lines. The 2007 incarnation of the CTA Holiday Train will run on different train lines throughout the holiday season and will also run a special route around The Loop on the day after Thanksgiving, to celebrate the lighting of Chicago’s Holiday Tree in Daley Center Plaza. The CTA Holiday Train will operate around The Loop on November 23rd from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Update: You can check out the CTA Holiday Train page to find out what specific time the CTA Holiday Train will be coming to your station.

I have never personally seen the CTA’s Holiday Train but I have heard that it is quite a site and a fun experience if you actually get to ride it. The CTA Holiday Train features 6 cars plus a flatbed that carries Santa, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer. You can see some video of the CTA’s Holiday Train by clicking here.

As the CTA Holiday Train follows its route, Santa and his elves travel from car to car passing out candy canes to passengers and spreading some holiday cheer. The interior and exterior of the train is decorated with oversized garland, seasonal ornaments, and thousands of lights.

The Holiday Train will travel all CTA rail lines in November and December as part of regular rail service. Normal CTA fares apply. The train operates from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select weekdays. The CTA Holiday Train will make stops at all stations along the given route.

CTA Holiday Train 2007 Schedule
Saturday, November 17 – Red and Purple Lines
Sunday, November 18 – Red and Purple Lines
Friday, November 23 – Blue Line and Loop Elevated
Saturday, November 24 – Blue Line
Wednesday, November 28 – Blue Line
Thursday, November 29 – Pink Line
Friday, November 30 – Blue Line
Wednesday, December 5 – Green Line
Thursday, December 6 – Green Line
Friday, December 7 – Green Line
Saturday, December 8 – Green Line
Wednesday, December 12 – Brown and Orange Lines
Thursday, December 13 – Brown and Orange Lines
Friday, December 14 – Brown and Orange Lines
Saturday, December 15 – Brown and Orange Lines
Tuesday, December 18 – Red Line
Wednesday, December 19 – Purple Line
Thursday, December 20 – Red Line
Friday, December 21 – Yellow Line
Saturday, December 22 – Orange Line

2 Responses »

  1. wild bill on November 17th, 2007 at 9:48 pm:

    cta is very insensitive. 2400 pending layoffs, more then half the system dismantled, yet they can somehow an amusement park ride.

  2. Chris on November 18th, 2007 at 3:19 pm:

    Wild Bill –

    I know what you’re saying. We have to deal with repeated ‘doomsdays’ yet they spend the money to deck this train for the holiday season.

    -Chris

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