It’s that special time of year when the Chicago Transit Authority brings back its Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet. The holiday train has become a cherished tradition, spreading cheer and brightening Chicago’s streets and its surrounding suburbs with its festive lights and holiday spirit. What began in 1992 as a simple “Season’s Greetings” sign on an out-of-service train has grown into a tradition now in its 33rd year. Today, Santa waves from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar adorned with decorative reindeer and holiday trees as the brightly lit and festively wrapped train cruises and makes its way through the city.
To learn more about the magic behind the CTA Holiday Train, I spoke with Charles Plouffe, Media Representative of the CTA Media Relations, who shared insights into its history, design, and community impact. Here are 10 fascinating facts about the CTA holiday train.
1. A record-breaking light display
The Holiday Train dazzles with more than 107,400 lights, including 6,000 feet of rope lights that illuminate both the train’s interior and exterior. “The lights and decorations are meticulously arranged to ensure visibility from inside and outside the train, with LED panels mounted on car exteriors,” Plouffe said.
2. One-of-a-kind holiday wrap
Each train car is adorned with festive holiday and seasonal artwork as sparkling lights trace the outline of the train and its windows, with additional lights spanning across the rooftops of the cars. “A notable design feature is the custom exterior wrap, designed in-house by the CTA since 1998. The 2024 wrap depicts a festive North Pole scene with Santa and his companions, enhancing the train’s charm,” Plouffe said.
3. Santa travels in style
Santa rides in the middle of the train on an open flatcar, surrounded by decorative reindeer and waving to passengers from his sleigh as the train pulls into each station. “Riders can enjoy photo sessions with Santa on select dates for the train,” Plouffe said.
4. Decorations with a past
Decorations are recycled and reused annually, with only minimal costs incurred to replace worn-out items “Each year, new design elements or themes may be introduced, though the train maintains its iconic charm through recurring features like Santa’s flatcar and the festive wrap,” Plouffe said.
5. A moving stage for holiday tunes
Passengers and bystanders are treated to synchronized festive music and light shows, creating an immersive experience. “The train’s light show and festive music are synchronized to create a seamless holiday ambiance. The chosen themes often reflect a cheerful and family-friendly holiday spirit,” Plouffe said.
6. An all-access holiday pass
Passengers and viewers along the train’s route enjoy interactive experiences, such as candy canes handed out by Santa and his elves. “The train also travels across all eight CTA rail lines, covering over 200 miles of track, extending this joyous holiday experience to dozens of neighborhoods across the city and surrounding suburbs,” Plouffe said.
7. Santa’s helpers Are CTA trained
Riders are greeted by CTA employees who are dressed in festive attire when they enter the train. “All CTA personnel, elves and even Santa have various levels of CTA rail training, and as such they are equipped to assist customers with any questions or issues, or even troubleshoot mechanical issues on the train if needed,” Plouffe said.
8. From prep to perfection
To ensure smooth operations, the holiday train undergoes regular maintenance throughout the season. “The CTA has contingency measures for mechanical issues and severe weather, given the train’s importance and popularity. “Routine inspections and adjustments are made to guarantee the train operates safely and reliably during its holiday runs,” Plouffe said.
9. A train with heart
Since its inception in 1992, the Holiday Train has been a symbol of community service, distributing more than 11,400 food baskets. For 2024, CTA employees will deliver about 400 baskets containing a full holiday meal, including canned ham, potatoes, mixed vegetables and dessert. “Community organizations are chosen based on need and their ability to distribute these resources effectively, though specific selection criteria are not detailed,” Plouffe said.
10. A safety-first festive journey
Despite the elaborate decor, safety remains a top priority. “Safety and aesthetics are prioritized, ensuring that decorations do not obstruct passenger movement while maintaining visual appeal,” Plouffe said.