Whether you’re looking to shop at holiday markets, attend festive performances, or take in all the sights the region has to offer, riding transit is the best way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Take a look at some holiday attractions and how to get there on CTA, Metra, and Pace.

CTA Holiday Train and Bus

The CTA Holiday Train and Holiday Bus are both fantastic and joyous ways the CTA gives back to Chicago communities and shows appreciation for its riders. Holiday Fleet riders and fans will also be able to partake in photo sessions with Santa on designated dates for both the bus and train (see schedules for more details). Visit the CTA’s train tracker to find out when and where you might be able to catch a glimpse of Santa as the train rolls by. Visit the bus tracker to see which routes will be visited by “Ralphie the Reindeer.”

When: View the 2024 schedule

Where: Find locations on the CTA’s Holiday Train and Bus schedule.

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Metra Holiday Train

Enjoy a ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they make their way to the North Pole Winter Wonderland at Millennium Station and five other rail lines this winter. Tickets for this experience are unfortunately already sold out, but train enthusiasts can still enjoy a decked-out Millennium Station with holiday music, face painting, and other fun activities. Kids can even visit Santa himself.

When: Saturdays November 30-December 21

Where: Select Metra Lines and Millennium Station

How to get there:

• Metra Electric, BNSF, Milwaukee District West, Rock Island and Union Pacific Northwest lines
• CTA Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple Line trains (Washington/Wabash stop), then walk 3 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Red Line train (Lake stop), then walk 3 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Blue Line train (Washington stop), then walk 3 minutes (0.2 miles).

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Holiday Markets

Christkindlmarket

This holiday season, visit the German Christmas market, Christkindlmarket. Admission to this one-of-a-kind holiday experience is free. Stop by and enjoy freshly made snacks and delicious beverages while you browse the artisan booths for the perfect holiday gift. Visit one or all three of the markets in the Chicagoland area.

Aurora

When: November 22 through December 24 | Thursdays 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: River Edge Park, 360 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

How to get there:

• Metra BNSF Line (Aurora station), then walk 3 minutes (0.2 miles).
• Pace Bus Route #524 or #530 (Aurora Transportation Center stop), then walk 3 minutes (0.2 miles).

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Chicago Loop

When: November 22 through December 24 |Sundays-Thursdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

How to get there:

• CTA Red Line (Lake stop), then walk for 3 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Blue Line (Washington stop), then walk for 1 minute.
• CTA Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple Lines (Clark/Lake stop), then walk for 5 minutes (0.2 miles).
• Metra UP-N, UP-NW, and UP-W lines (Ogilvie Transportation Center), then transfer to CTA Bus Routes #20, #56, #J14, #60, #124, or #157, or walk for 13 minutes (0.6 miles).
• Metra MD-N, NCS, HC, BNSF, SWS, and MD-W lines (Union Station), then transfer to CTA Bus Route #60 or #157 (Washington & Clark/Dearborn stop) and walk for 3 minutes (0.1 miles).
• Metra Rock Island Line (LaSalle Street Station), then transfer to CTA Blue Line or CTA Bus Routes #22, #24, #36, or #62, or walk for 17 minutes (0.8 miles).
• Metra Electric or South Shore Line (Millennium Station), then walk 6 minutes (0.3 miles).

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Kris Kringle Market in Palos Heights

If you’re near Palos Heights, head to the Municipal Lot on 12217 S Harlem and visit the Kris Kringle Market. With 75 vendors and a food court, you’ll enjoy tasty treats while holiday shopping. You can also enjoy a visit with Santa and watch the Holiday Parade on December 7!

When: December 6 from 5-9 p.m. and December 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Holiday Parade at 10:45a.m.)

Where: Municipal Lot, 12217 S Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463

How to get there:

• CTA Orange Line (Midway stop), then walk for 2 minutes to transfer to Pace Bus Route #386 (Harlem Ave & 122nd St stop), then walk for 1 minute.
• Metra Rock Island Line (Tinley Park station), then walk for 2 minutes to transfer to Pace Bus Route #386 (Harlem Ave & 122nd St stop), then walk for 1 minute.

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Holiday Happenings in Tinley Park

Enjoy this three-day holiday event, starting with a tree lighting on December 6, photos with Santa every day, and ending with the Parade of Lights on December 8. During this fun-filled weekend, be sure to browse the holiday market under a heated tent.

When: December 6 from 6:15-9:30 p.m., December 7 from 2-10 p.m., and December 8 from 2-4:30 p.m.

Where: Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL

How to get there:

• Metra Rock Island Line (Tinley Park station), then walk for 1 minute.
• Pace Bus Route #386 (Oak Park Ave & 173rd Pl/North St stop), then walk for 1 minute.

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22nd Annual Winter Art & Craft Expo at Evanston Art Center

Featuring over 140 artisans, the Annual Winter Art & Craft Expo displays handmade pieces in various mediums. Browse through jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and more handcrafted art for the perfect holiday gift.

When: November 23 through December 20 | Mondays-Thursdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 1717 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201

How to get there:

• Metra UP-N Line (Central St station), then walk for 2 minutes.
• CTA Purple Line (Central stop), then walk for 11 minutes (0.6 miles).
• Pace Bus Route #201 (Central Street & Eastwood stop), then walk 1 minute.

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Events

‘Christmas Around the World’ at The Museum of Science and Industry

Join the Museum of Science and Industry for their annual display of Christmas Around the World. The exhibit features more than 50 trees decorated to represent various countries and cultures and is a beautiful one-of-a-kind experience. This holiday exhibit is included in Museum entry.

When: Through January 6 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637

How to get there:

• CTA Bus Route #6 (S Hyde Park & 55th Street stop), then walk for 5 minutes (0.3 miles).
• CTA Green Line (Garfield stop), then walk for 2 minutes to transfer to CTA Bus Route #55 (S Hyde Park & 55th Street stop), then walk for 5 minutes (0.3 miles).
• Metra Electric Line (55th-56th-57th St station), then walk for 8 minutes (0.4 miles).

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Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Within the beautiful landscape of the Chicago Botanic Garden, you will find a bright and colorful display of lights all throughout. It’s a breathtaking way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Nonmember admission to the Garden is $34 for adults and $19 for children. You must select the arrival time and date before adding the ticket to the cart.

When: Through January 5 from 4:30-11 p.m.

Where: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022

How to get there:

• Metra UP-N (Braeside station), then walk for 14 minutes (0.7 miles).
• CTA Red Line (Howard stop), then walk for 3 minutes to transfer to Pace Bus Route #213 (Lake-Cook Rd & Turnbull Woods Ct stop), then walk for 1 minute.
• Pace Bus Route #213 (Lake-Cook Rd & Turnbull Woods Ct stop), then walk for 1 minute.

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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Stop by Lincoln Park Zoo and wander through their incredible light festival. It’s a holiday happening the whole family can enjoy. Visit their website for tickets which are available for $7-10 per person and free on Mondays.

When: Through January 5 from 4:30-10 p.m.

Where: 2400 N Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

How to get there:

• CTA Bus Route #151 and #156 (Stockton and Webster stop).
• CTA Bus Route #22 and #36 (Clark and Webster stop) and walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Bus Route #73 (Armitage and Clark stop) and walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Red, Brown, or Purple Line (Fullerton stop), transfer to CTA Bus Route #37 (Lincoln & Armitage/Sedgwick stop) and walk for 7 minutes (0.4 miles).
• Metra UP-N or UP-NW (Clybourn stop), transfer to CTA Bus Route #73 (Armitage and Clark stop) and walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).

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Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier

Visit Navy Pier this holiday season and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as interactive light displays, an ice-skating rink, axe-throwing, fireworks on Saturdays, artisanal markets, and more. Families can also enjoy a visit with Santa. You can purchase your tickets from Navy Pier’s website for desired experiences.

When: November 29 through January 5 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Where: 600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

How to get there:

• CTA Bus Route #29, #65, #66, or #124 (Navy Pier Terminal), then walk for 7 minutes.
• Metra trains into Union/Ogilvie Stations and Millennium Station, then transfer to CTA Bus Route #124 (Navy Pier Terminal).
• Metra trains into LaSalle Street Station and Millennium Station, then transfer to CTA Bus Route #29 (Navy Pier Terminal).

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Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Join the City of Naperville in a hunt to find magical holiday bears hidden in Downtown Naperville businesses. The city invites children of all ages to participate and offers a map on their website that you can download or print.

When: November 28 through January 1

Where: Downtown Naperville, IL

How to get there:

• Metra BNSF (Naperville station), then walk for 10 minutes (0.5 miles).

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Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Visit Brookfield Zoo and marvel at the display of lights throughout the zoo. This light festival is fun for the whole family. Advanced registration is required for those who choose to enter from the south gate. Tickets for the event are priced starting at $29 for adults and $20 for children and can be purchase on the zoo’s website.

When: November 22-24, 29-30 and December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31 from 3-9 p.m.

Where: 8400 W 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513

How to get there:

• Metra BNSF (Hollywood/Zoo stop) and walk for 10 minutes (0.5 miles).
• Pace Bus Route #331 (31st/Golf View/Brookfield Zoo stop).

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Holiday Bricktacular

Families with children can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago during their Holiday Bricktacular. The seasonal themed center will offer several holiday photo ops, a scavenger hunt, and a Winter Wonderland Miniland. Admission tickets can be purchased on the Center’s website starting at $24.99.

When: November 29 through January 5

Where: 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 130, Schaumburg, IL 60173

How to get there:

• CTA Blue Line (Rosemont station), and transfer to Pace Bus Route #606 (Northwest Transportation Center stop) and walk about 8 minutes (0.4 miles).
• Metra UP-NW (Cumberland stop), and transfer to Pace Bus Route #208 (Kimberly Dr & Mall Dr stop) and walk about 9 minutes (0.4 miles).
• Metra MD-W (Hanover Park stop), and transfer to Pace Bus Route #554 (Northwest Transportation Center) and walk about 9 minutes (0.4 miles).

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Hanukkah Family Celebration & Lunch

This Hanukkah Family Celebration features a Menorah Show and Tell, a Hanukkah service led by Rabbi Adam Chalom and songs with the guitarist. Students will make their own menorah and candles. Registration required.

When: Sunday, December 15 10:30am-12:00pm

Where: 1959 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015

How to get there:

• Metra MD North (Deerfield) and walk about 29 minutes (1.3 miles).
• Metra UP-NW (Highland Park), and transfer to Pace Bus Route #471 (Deerfield Metra) and walk about 30 minutes (1.5 miles).

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Chicago Kids Chanukah Party at Bubbles Academy

Ages 0-6 can take part in a Chanukah Party with Bubbles Academy Chicago. It features music, games, art and snacks. Advanced registration required.

When: Saturday, December 14 4:00pm-6:00pm

Where: 2184 N Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60614

How to get there:

• CTA Bus Route #74 (Fullerton & Riverfront Mall), then walk for 12 minutes (0.5 miles).
• CTA Bus Route #9 (Ashland & Webster), then walk 7 minutes (0.3 miles). 
• CTA Bus Route #73 (Cortland & Elston), then walk 12 minutes (0.5 miles). 

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2024 Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace

Africa International House, USA, Inc. (AIH) is thrilled to announce its free Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, taking place December 6-8. This vibrant weekend will honor the Kwanzaa principle of “Imani” (Faith) while supporting local vendors and raising funds for AIH’s Senior Community Arts Program. This year’s festivities will include captivating performances from the Drum Village Drummers, along with a variety of small business vendors offering unique, culturally significant gifts. Visitors can explore an array of books, jewelry, music, handcrafted items, and more.Additionally, on December 7th and 8th, AIH will focus on raising funds for its Community Arts Program for Seniors, celebrating its first anniversary. This program brings art directly to seniors through monthly artist visits to 16 residences, enriching lives through creativity. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support this essential initiative.

When: December 6-8

Where: 6351 South Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL 60637

How to get there:

• CTA Green Line (Cottage Grove), then walk for 3 minutes (600 feet).
• CTA Bus Route #63 (63rd & Cottage Grove), then walk 3 minutes (600 feet).

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Performing Arts

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Goodman Theatre

Visit Goodman Theatre for their annual showing of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Watch as the actors and crew bring a holiday classic to life. It is the wonderful experience for families to enjoy this year and for years to come. Tickets are available for purchase on their website.

When: November 16 through December 30

Where: 170 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601

How to get there:

• CTA Red Line (Lake stop), then walk for 1 minute.
• CTA Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple Line (State/Lake stop), then walk for 1 minute.
• CTA Bus Route #22 (Dearborn & Randolph stop), then walk for 1 minute.
• Metra trains into Union/Ogilvie Stations and Millennium Station, then transfer to CTA Bus Routes #60 or #157 (Washington & Clark/Dearborn stop), then walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).
• Metra trains into LaSalle Street Station, then transfer to the CTA Blue Line (Washington stop), then walk for 2 minutes.
• Metra trains into Millennium Station, then walk for 6 minutes (0.3 miles).

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Joffrey Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at Lyric Opera House

Witness the Joffrey Ballet perform The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House—a timeless performance that has become a beloved holiday tradition to watch. Showtimes and ticket prices vary.

When: December 6-28

Where: 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606

How to get there:

• CTA Brown, Orange, Pink, or Purple Lines (Washington/Wells station), then walk 4 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Red Line (Lake station), then walk for 14 minutes (0.6 miles).
• CTA Blue Line (Washington station), then walk for 10 minutes (0.4 miles).
• Metra trains into Union/Ogilvie Stations, then walk for 5 minutes (0.3 miles).
• Metra trains into Millennium or LaSalle Street Stations, then walk for 16 minutes (0.7 miles).

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