Holiday Train, Bus Return This Year In Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — Santa Claus and his elves are back for a beloved Chicago holiday tradition: The Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Allstate CTA Holiday Bus.

The Holiday Train will travel all eight rail lines from Nov. 26 to Dec. 22, including rides around the Loop on Dec. 5 and 12. The Holiday Bus will travel 14 different routes across the city from Nov. 30 to Dec. 23.

Last year, no passengers outside of Santa and his elves were allowed on the Holiday Train or Bus because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Santa and his chief spokes-elf, Ella, have extra guidelines and reminders in place this year because of COVID-19, the Chicago Transit Authority said:

• Face masks are required for all people on the train, bus and station platforms.
• Socially distance when you are waiting to board and while riding, when possible.
• If the train or bus gets too crowded, capacity may be limited.
• There are no photo sessions with Santa this year.
• Do not bring strollers onto the train or bus.

For more information and to see when the train or bus will be at your stop, click here.