The 30th anniversary of a holiday tradition rolled into Wilmette and Evanston this year when Santa Claus arrived on the Allstate CTA Holiday Train.
Santa and his team of elves were scheduled to brighten the Purple Line on Dec. 8, Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.
After arriving to the Linden station in Wilmette, Santa revealed on Dec. 8 what he would like for Christmas.
“World peace,” Santa said.
The CTA has COVID-19 safety protocols in place for all riders, regardless of vaccination status.
CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. said the, “CTA is thrilled to once again welcome Chicagoans aboard the beloved Holiday Train and Bus, which brings joy and good tidings to all.
All riders are asked to wear a face mask and social distance whenever possible, Carter said.
Fans of the Holiday Train can receive a free collectible button, depending on supplies distributed by elves.
On Wednesday’s train, riders joined in as “Let It Snow” featuring Dean Martin played over the speakers.
Sugaaa the elf offered to take snapshots of folks at Linden with ticket holders’ cellphones.
Camille Walker of Evanston accompanied her son Killian Walker, 5, a kindergartner, to see Santa.
“It’s a family tradition and we love this,” Killian’s mother said. “It’s pretty great.”
Ben Meyer-Abbott of Evanston brought his daughter Sena Meyer-Abbott, 7.
“We’ve been doing this every year that we could since she was tiny,” Meyer-Abbott said. “It’s just something that we look forward to.”
Sena hoped Santa Claus would bring her “a toy unicorn that talks,” the youngster said.
Robert and Kandace Tabern drove six hours from their home in Barron, in northwest Wisconsin, to Linden.
“We came just for this,” said Robert Barron, who grew up in Northbrook and graduated from Glenbrook North High School.
“This is an annual tradition,” he added. “We’re super excited.”
To the CTA, “I just want to tell them thank you for having this, especially in these times,” Kandace Tabern said, adding, “It makes it a light for everyone to be able to do something fun.”
The Allstate CTA Holiday fleet schedule, including holiday bus dates, is available at www.transitchicago.com/holiday.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter.
