Chicago warmly welcomes the return of the cherished tradition, the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Holiday Bus. It is a symbol of unity and togetherness during the festive season.
As per tradition, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) collaborates with Santa Claus to bring the festive spirit to its customers. Since 1992, this event has been possible through the hard work and dedication of the front-line employees of the CTA, who spend months preparing the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus for service, especially during the pandemic.
Santa Claus conveyed messages of encouragement from his North Pole residence, urging CTA riders to express their gratitude towards the operators of buses, rail trains, and stations in order to ensure passengers have a smooth ride. "Without them, I can't run my sleigh,” Santa said. "This holiday event aims to connect people and cultivate community."
The Allstate CTA Holiday Train, decorated with captivating holiday scenes and twinkling lights, will start serving all eight rail lines in the city on the 24th. Santa and his reindeer will also be present, welcoming children and families as they traverse snowy neighborhoods. The crowd's excitement upon the arrival of the glowing train is only equalled by the exhilaration experienced when they board this transportation marvel.
Those who wish to see or ride with Santa can keep track of the Allstate CTA Holiday Train via the CTA Train Tracker, which displays a candy cane icon to represent the train's location. This interactive tool helps riders plan their experience without missing out on this annual delight.
To join the festive spirit, the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus, decorated with bright lights outlining "Ralphie the Reindeer," will start operating on 16 different routes throughout Chicago neighborhoods beginning Tuesday, November 28. The bus, housing a miniature village, holiday-themed seating, and a rooftop sleigh carrying Santa, promises to be a delightful experience for both kids and adults alike.
The Allstate CTA Holiday Bus' location can be tracked with the help of the CTA Holiday Bus Tracker, and surely it will be seen at the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights Parade on the 18th. Its appearance at the parade signifies a tradition, inviting holiday enthusiasts to participate in the citywide celebration.
