All Aboard! CTA Holiday Train and Bus Return for 2024

This season, take a ride on the most festive train and bus in Chicago.

It’s finally time for everyone favorite’s holiday train!

The Chicago Transit Authority recently shared the 2024 schedule for its annual holiday tradition. Families can ride the CTA Holiday Train and Holiday Bus on select dates from Friday, Nov. 29 to Monday, Dec. 23. Photo sessions with Santa will be available on Saturdays. 

This holiday event provides affordable fun for Chicago families with a festive train decked out with thousands of lights, bows and garland. At each station, Santa greets boarding riders from his sleigh. Want more holiday fun? Look for the CTA Holiday Bus riding through various city neighborhoods.

Check the CTA website for the full schedule for the holiday train and bus. Normal fare fees apply. Note: children under 7 ride free! 

Take a peek of the holiday train schedule below! To help avoid crowds, the CTA suggests seeing the train and bus during the afternoons and to not bring strollers when riding. 

CTA Holiday Train Schedule 2024

  • Green Line & Orange Line: Nov. 29, 30 (Green Line only), Dec. 3
  • Orange Line & Brown Line: Dec. 4-7
  • Red Line: Dec. 17, 19, 21
  • Purple Line: Dec. 18, 20-21
  • Pink Line: Dec. 10-11, 14
  • Blue Line: Dec. 12-14
  • Yellow Line: Dec. 23

CTA Holiday Bus Schedule 2024

  • #56 Milwaukee: Nov. 26-27
  • #22 Clark: Nov. 29-30
  • #97 Skokie: Nov. 30
  • #91 Austin/#92 Foster: Dec. 1
  • #74 Fullerton: Dec. 3
  • #66 Chicago: Dec. 4-5
  • #126 Jackson: Dec. 6
  • #12 Roosevelt: Dec. 7
  • #62 Archer: Dec. 10
  • #49 Western/#X49 Western Express: Dec. 11
  • #3 King Drive: Dec. 12-13
  • #79 79th: Dec. 14
  • #28 Stony Island: Dec. 17
  • #29 State: Dec. 18
  • #J14 Jeffery Jump: Dec. 18
  • #6 Jackson Park: Dec. 19
  • #29 State: Dec. 20-21

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Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Since 1984, the Chicago Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for Chicagoland families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.
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