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 & where: November 25–December 22 on various train lines and bus routes. Check here for the 2025 schedule.

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Metra Holiday Train

Metra's holiday trains are back this December, with special runs scheduled on the Metra Electric, BNSF, Milwaukee District West, Rock Island, and Union Pacific Northwest lines. The decorated trains also will be used in regular service throughout the month. On the Metra Electric Line, your ticket will include a visit to a North Pole winter wonderland at Millennium Station, featuring treats, holiday music, face painting, and other fun activities. On the other lines, your ticket includes a round-trip ride on a decorated train featuring holiday characters and treats. Tickets for Metra’s Holiday trains went on sale on November 17 and are unfortunately already sold out.

When: December 6, 13, and 20

Where: Select Metra Lines and Millennium Station

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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.

Chicago Loop

When: November 21 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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Wrigleyville

When: November 23 through December 31 | Mondays-Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

How to get there:

• CTA Red Line to Addison
• CTA Brown Line to Addison and walk 20 minutes (0.9 miles) or transfer to CTA #152 bus (Addison & Clark)
• CTA #22 bus (Clark & Addison)
• CTA #152 bus (Addison & Clark)
• CTA #8 bus (Halsted & Waveland) and walk for 6 minutes (0.3 miles)
• CTA #151 bus (Sheridan & Byron) and walk for 6 minutes (0.3 miles)
• CTA #36 bus (Broadway & Waveland) and walk for 6 minutes (0.3 miles)

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Aurora

When: November 21 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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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 5 from 5-9 p.m. and December 6 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Holiday Parade at 10:45 a.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 weekend-long holiday event featuring a market, photos with Santa, ice skating, and a Parade of Lights.

When: December 6 from noon to 9 p.m. and December 7 from noon to 7 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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23rd Annual Winter Art & Craft Expo at Evanston Art Center

Featuring over 150 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 22 through December 20 | Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.-6 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 5 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 $29 for adults and $16 for children. You must select the arrival time and date before adding the ticket to the cart.

When: Through January 4 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 $7-12 per person and free on Mondays.

When: November 21-January 4 from 4:30-9 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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Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier

Winter Wonderfest is an enchanting indoor holiday experience, complete with dazzling décor, thrilling rides, ice skating, and seasonal fun for all ages. You can purchase your $25-35 tickets from Navy Pier’s website for desired experiences.

When: December 5 through January 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.

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 events in downtown Naperville

Join the City of Naperville in a wide variety of holiday events in idyllic downtown, including light displays, scavenger hunts, live performances, a parade, and more.

When: Various dates

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. Tickets for the event can be purchase on the zoo’s website.

When: November 21-23 and 28-30, 2025; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31, 2025; and January 1-4, 2026, 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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Menorah Lighting in Downtown Chicago

Every year, the Center for Jewish Life hosts a menorah lighting ceremony in Downtown Chicago's Daley Plaza. The lighting of this 31-foot tall menorah started in 1987 and features dancing, snacks, and almost always an appearance by Chicago's mayor. 

When: This year, Hanukkah is December 14-22. Check back here for the lighting ceremony date.

Where: 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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Menorah Lighting and Drag Story Time in Andersonville

Join the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce on the first night of Hanukkah for a menorah lighting celebration for the whole family, featuring drag queen story time with Merriam Levkowitz.

When: December 14 at 4 p.m.

Where: Clark & Farragut

How to get there:

• CTA Red Line (Berwyn stop) and transfer to CTA Bus Route #92 (Foster & Clark stop) or walk for 13 minutes (0.6 miles).
• CTA Bus Route #22 (Clark & Foster stop) and walk for 2 minutes.
• CTA Bus Route #92 (Foster & Clark stop) and walk for 2 minutes.
• Metra UP-N (Ravenswood stop) and walk for 18 minutes (0.8 miles).

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Hanukkah Storytime and Craft in Aurora

Stop by Aurora's Santori Library for their Hanukkah Storytime and Craft event designed for children ages 6-11 with a caregiver. Explore the celebration of Hanukkah, make a menorah craft, play dreidel, and snack on sufganiyah.

When: December 18 from 10-11 a.m.

Where: 101 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506

How to get there:

• Metra BNSF (Aurora stop) and transfer to Pace Bus Route #524 (River St & Benton St stop) or walk for 20 minutes (0.9 miles).
• Pace Bus Route #524 (River St & Benton St stop).

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Kwanzaa Celebration at Malcolm X College

Celebrate Kwanzaa with the whole family at Malcolm X College from December 26-January 1. Each day, enjoy a Children’s Reading Circle at 11 a.m., followed by a Drum Call at noon and entertainment to follow. The celebration also features a daily Vendor’s Market where you can explore a variety of goods. 

When: December 26-January 1

Where: 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612

How to get there:

• CTA Blue Line (Illinois Medical District stop) and walk for 3 minutes (0.1 miles).
• CTA Green Line (Damen stop) and transfer to CTA Bus Route #50 (Damen & Jackson stop) or walk for 11 minutes (0.5 miles).
• CTA Bus Route #126 (Jackson & Damen stop).
• CTA Bus Route #50 (Damen & Jackson stop).

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Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration at Chicago Public Library King Branch

The Chicago Association of Black Storytellers will host an event at the King Branch of the Chicago Public Library featuring stories and songs that guide listeners through the seven principals of Kwanzaa. Adult and youth storytellers will share stories along with African drumming. The event is open to families of all ages.

When: December 6 from 2-3 p.m.

Where: 3436 S. King Drive Chicago, IL 60616

How to get there:

• CTA Green Line (35th-Bronzeville-IIT stop) and transfer to CTA Bus Route #35 (35th Street & King Drive stop) or walk for 11 minutes (0.5 miles).
• CTA Red Line (35th St stop) and transfer to CTA Bus Route #35 (35th Street & King Drive stop) or walk for 16 minutes (0.7 miles).
• Metra Rock Island Line (35th St. - Lou Jones stop) and transfer to CTA Bus Route #35 (35th Street & King Drive stop) or walk for 16 minutes (0.7 miles).
• CTA Bus Route #3 (King Drive & 35th Street stop).
• CTA Bus Routes #4, #35, and #X4 (35th Street & King Drive stop).

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Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration & Marketplace at the Washington Park Refectory

Join the Africa International House for a cultural experience celebrating Umoja—the first principle of Kwanzaa—through community, creativity, and culture. Enjoy a lively marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted products, food, live music, storytelling, and more.

When: December 20 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: 5531 South Russell Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637

How to get there:

• CTA Green Line (Garfield stop) and walk for 7 minutes (0.3 miles).
• CTA Bus Route #3 (King Drive & 56th Street stop) and walk for 3 minutes (0.1 miles).
• CTA Bus Route #55 (Garfield & King Drive stop) and walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).
• Metra Electric and South Shore Line (55th - 56th - 57th St. stop) and transfer to CTA Bus Route #55 (Morgan Drive & Russell Drive stop).

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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 15 through December 31

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 5-28

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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