Holidays & ParadesDates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in November 2026, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.
Holidays & Parades
Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus
Date
Expected November 2026
Location
CTA rail lines and bus routes across Chicago
567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
Organized by
Chicago Transit Authority
About this happenin
The Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus run in regular service across Chicago from late November to late December, and riders pay the normal CTA fare. On the train, Santa waves from an open-air flatcar with his reindeer and decorated holiday trees, and every car is wrapped in holiday images and outlined in lights. The bus is 60 feet long and was decorated by CTA employees, with the Christkindlmarket, the Bean, the Navy Pier Ferris wheel and Buckingham Fountain on its sides. Santa greets riders from the roof hatch. The train began on the Blue Line in 1992, when a Season's Greetings sign went on an out-of-service train that delivered food to charities. CTA employees still buy groceries and assemble food baskets for community groups. Schedules vary by rail line, and photo sessions with Santa happen on set dates. CTA's advice is to board at a station or stop near the start of the route.
More in November: 8 other Chicago events.
