Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Allstate CTA Holiday Train & Bus
A decorated CTA train and bus featuring Santa Claus
About
Experience Chicago's cherished holiday tradition with the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus. This festive fleet brings joy to neighborhoods with dazzling lights, holiday music, and appearances by Santa Claus. Ride the elaborately decorated train or bus, enjoy photo opportunities with Santa, and witness the ongoing tradition of delivering food baskets to local charities.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, holiday enthusiasts, train and bus lovers
Vibe
Festive, cheerful, traditional, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low to medium (depending on travel and waiting)
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (primarily an indoor/vehicle experience, but requires travel to/from stops)
Special Events & Promotions
- Photos with Santa on designated dates
- Food basket delivery to community organizations
- Holiday-themed decorations and music on train and bus
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
$
Duration
Varies by route and schedule
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Various Chicago neighborhoods
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Santa Claus
- Reindeer
- E'L'ves
Organizer
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
Practical Information
Parking
As the Holiday Train and Bus operate as part of regular service, parking is not directly associated with the event itself. Standard CTA station parking or street parking in the city would apply depending on the route and stop.
Accessibility
The CTA provides accessibility information on their website, and while the Holiday Train and Bus operate as part of regular service, riders are encouraged to check specific station accessibility. Small collapsible strollers are encouraged for easier boarding.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Food & Drink
Food baskets are assembled and delivered by CTA employees to community organizations as part of the tradition. No food or drink is sold on the train or bus.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Utilize the CTA Train Tracker (which marks the Holiday Train with a candy cane) or the dedicated holiday bus tracker to plan your sighting and minimize wait times.
- Board the train or bus at a station or stop near the beginning of its route to increase your chances of getting on, as space is limited and boarding is not guaranteed.
- Consider traveling light with collapsible strollers, as the train and bus can become crowded, and space is at a premium.
- For train rides, railcars further from Santa's sleigh (front or back) tend to be less crowded than those immediately adjacent to it.
- Have your camera or mobile device ready to go for photos with Santa, as sessions are first-come, first-served and CTA employees will use your device to take the pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I track the Holiday Train or Bus?
You can track the Holiday Train using the CTA Train Tracker, which will identify it with a candy cane icon. The Holiday Bus has a dedicated tracker available on the CTA website while it is in service.
Is there a special fare for the Holiday Train or Bus?
No, normal CTA fares apply. The Holiday Train and Bus operate as part of regular service, so you can use your Ventra card or other standard fare payment methods.
Can I ride the Holiday Train or Bus all day?
The train and bus are in-service vehicles and cannot dwell at stations or stops for extended periods. Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed due to limited space.
Where can I take photos with Santa?
Designated dates and times are available for photos with Santa on both the Holiday Train and Bus. These are typically at specific stations or stops along their routes; check the schedules for details.
What is the history of the CTA Holiday Train?
The CTA Holiday Train tradition began in 1992 as a way to deliver food baskets to charities. It has since evolved into a spectacular, joyous sight with thousands of lights and Santa on board, spreading holiday cheer throughout Chicago.
