The Allstate CTA Holiday Train brightened the Purple Line in 2022 for two special December weekdays offering riders an affordable way to make holiday memories.
The Allstate CTA Holiday Train traveled the Purple Line on Dec. 7 and Dec. 9. On the Friday run, Santa Claus and his train were seen entering the Purple Line at 3:45 p.m. from the Howard stop yard. People could board at Howard to go to the Wilmette Linden stop through Evanston.
Serving CTA’s eight rail lines, the Allstate CTA Holiday Train offers riders a six-car train, decorated with holiday scenes, colorful lights and twinkling LED signs.
Inside the train, Purple Line riders were treated to seasonal music and candy canes.
Photographs with CTA holiday elves served as memory making opportunities and Santa Claus spent extra time at the Linden stop posing for snapshots.
The bus is also a popular option of the CTA Holiday Fleet. For the train, Santa and his reindeer ride along outside.
“The Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus is our ‘thank you’ to our riders for choosing public transportation,” said Maddie Kilgannon, CTA spokesperson. “The CTA is part of the fabric of Chicago and we’re happy to help spread holiday cheer and light up the city for 31 years and counting.”
Kilgannon said the CTA holiday tradition began when CTA employees used out-of-service trains to deliver food baskets to charities in the city.
And now 31 years later that tradition continues Kilgannon said by distributing more than 10,000 food baskets, “thanks to the generosity of CTA employees.”
Riders included Kristen Lasch of Ravenswood, formerly of Evanston and of the Evanston Township High School Class of 2006, and son Crosby Martini, 2.
For the family during the holidays, Lasch said, “I hope they are healthy and happy and have fun.”
Lasch took a moment to explain how Evanston shaped the journey to today.
“It definitely built a lot of relationships and it was such a great place to live,” Lasch said about residing in Evanston during youth, adding Lasch’s boys attend preschool in Evanston. “We love it in Evanston.”
Josh and Hannah Eloge of Evanston rode with their twins Ezra and Olive, 6, first-graders.
For the holidays, Josh Eloge hopes for, “time with family and time to get closer together.”
On board were CTA elves Sugar and fellow helper Shimmer.
They were among numerous CTA elves offering riders complimentary wrapped candy canes and also the free, collectible and highly sought after CTA Holiday Train button.
This year’s design is red featuring a snowman with a carrot nose. Sugar the elf wore numerous CTA holiday buttons she collected from her years on the job greeting children and families during the holidays.
Sugar the elf said, “Listen, I just love being here and having the opportunity to come bring joy to all the little ones.”
To the kiddies, “I love seeing you guys smile and I love seeing your faces light up,” Sugar said. “I appreciate you all, Happy Holidays.”
“I would like to say Happy Holidays to everyone, I hope you all enjoy,” Shimmer the elf said, “It’s a blessing to see you all.”
To the CTA, Kristen Lasch said, “Thank you so much for putting on the holiday train. It’s the best time to come here with kids and they’re having a blast.”
At the Linden stop, Santa Claus revealed what he would like for the holidays.
“I hope for world peace,” Santa said, which, “would be nice.”
Until Christmas, customers can follow the Allstate CTA Holiday Train via CTA Train Tracker at https://www.transitchicago.com/traintracker/.
Look for the candy cane icon to find the Holiday Train and when it might be getting close to your station.
Fans also can see where to hop aboard the Allstate CTA Holiday Bus by tracking its location at: https://www.transitchicago.com/holidaybustracker/.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
