Just in case you're still reeling from your Santa Claus fantasy being crushed by a certain local news anchor, the Chicago Transit Authority is offering up seasonal cheer with its 20th annual offering of its holiday train.
Since Black Friday, the CTA's holiday train -- adorned inside and out with seasonal image, twinkling lights, plenty of garland, bows and candy canes plus, yes, Santa, his sleigh and reindeer -- has been rumbling throughout the city. The train generally operates between 1 and 8 p.m. on weekends and 3 to 7 p.m. on select weekdays, taking turns among the various lines of the train system.
As Medill reports, the tradition began in 1992 when a "Season's Greetings from the CTA" sign was affixed to the front of a train delivering food to charities. The train first carried passengers in 1996 and, since then, has become just one of the city's many trademarks of the holiday season.
Having already covered the Green, Orange and Brown Lines, the CTA's holiday train is slated to hit the Pink Line Wednesday, followed by the Blue Line through Saturday. The train will also be spotted along the Red, Purple and Yellow Lines through Dec. 22. A full schedule is available online and updated with additional detail as each train line's turn draws near.
Meanwhile, for those of you who have yet to experience a ride through the city aboard the Santa express, scroll down to get an idea of what the CTA has in store for you.
