The CTA’s Holiday Train brightened the Purple Line for three December days, offering riders an affordable way  to make holiday memories. On Friday, Dec. 19, Santa Claus and his train were seen starting the Purple Line at 3:45 p.m. from the Howard stop yard. People could board at Howard to go thro ugh Evanston, then to Wilmette’s Linden stop and back to the Loop. The Allstate CTA Holiday Train leaves the Linden stop to get to the Loop during the Dec. 19, 2025 Purple Line appearance of the Allstate CTA Holiday Train. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press) “The Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet is one of CTA’s and Chicago’s most beloved and unique traditions, and I’m proud that our employees bring it to life each year,” CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen told Pioneer Press. “The Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet reflects the creativity, commitment, and heart of CTA’s workforce, who work hard every day to make our riders’ holidays a magical and memorable experience.” Right, Snowflake the elf poses for pictures on the Purple Line of the Allstate CTA Holiday Train on Dec. 19, 2025. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press) According to the holiday train schedule, the train delivers 400 food baskets to city charitable agencies. Each year, CTA employees donate their time and money to purchase groceries and assemble the food baskets with ingredients for a complete meal including a canned ham, potatoes, mixed vegetables, muffin mix, macaroni and cheese, fruit cocktail, green beans, corn and dessert. Santa Claus waves to fans at the Linden Avenue stop during the Purple Line appearance of the Allstate CTA Holiday Train on Dec. 19. 2025. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press) The holiday train began with the Blue Line in 1992. Today, thousands of twinkling lights outline the shape of the train and windows with lights across the tops of the cars. Some of the favorite things riders look forward to are seeing Santa’s elves, many who return every year for the special North Pole assignment. Santa’s helpers offer the coveted collectible button and small wrapped candy canes. Sugar, the senior elf, says hello at the Linden stop during the Dec. 19, 2025 Purple Line appearance of the Allstate CTA Holiday Train. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press) Many of the elves, like Sugar the senior elf, proudly display the buttons on their festive garments to show everyone the buttons they have collected over their years of service. Button designs change each year. At Wilmette’s Linden stop, Evanston families took photos after boarding the train. Geoff and Jessica Wayton of Evanston rode with their children Stella, 6, a kindergartner, and Kurt, 12, a seventh-grader. Regarding the tradition of the holiday train, “This is just one of the many reasons why we love Evanston,” Geoff Wayton said. Jessica Wayton hoped for the family at Christmas, “just peace and health and to be able to travel safely.” David and Laura Gardner of Evanston also brought their children Lucy, 3, and Elle, 5, a kindergartner. Laura Gardner would like for Christmas, “just a healthy family, all together, and some walkie talkies for the girls.” David Gardner said to the world, “Merry Christmas, Happy Chicago, Happy Evanston.” Santa Claus himself was asked what he wanted for Christmas. “For everybody to get along,” Santa said. “That’s what I want.” ...read more read less