CTA Holiday Train

Santa Claus rides on an open-air flatcar and waves to the passengers coming aboard from his sleigh.

That first year, employees posted a sign on the front of the train that read, "Seasons Greeting from the CTA."

Now, there is a flatcar for Santa and his reindeer, and the interior is covered with lights, paper, streamers and decorative signs.

The train operates from about 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select weekdays and makes all scheduled stops at stations along the line.

[3] Over the period of five days a week, the CTA Holiday Train delivers food baskets to local community organizations at various stops.