LINCOLN SQUARE — The CTA's Holiday Train is pulling into Brown Line stations Wednesday through Saturday and this is the one time you won't want to wait for a less crowded immediate follower.
Strung with lights, garland and seasonal decorations down to the seat covers, the Holiday Train has become one of Chicago's most popular Christmas traditions.
It makes its Brown Line debut Wednesday, traveling north to Kimball and then heading back to the Loop. The train is expected to reach North Center's Addison station by approximately 4 p.m., Lincoln Square's Damen station by 4:06 p.m., and Albany Park's Francisco stop by 4:12 p.m. before pulling into Kimball at 4:15 p.m.
The reverse route from Kimball to the Loop is scheduled to depart at 4:40 p.m. For Wednesday's complete schedule, click here.
On Thursday, the Holiday Train will run during the early evening rush hour. Expected arrival times are: 4:47 p.m., Addison; 4:51, Damen; 4:57, Francisco; and 5 p.m., Kimball. The reverse train is slated to start out from Kimball at 5:18 p.m. For Thursday's complete schedule, click here.
Friday's Brown Line Holiday Train schedule is a repeat of Wednesday's. Saturday's schedule, which will include a photo op with Santa at Kimball, has yet to be posted.
The CTA has a few tips for riding the holiday rails: Small collapsible strollers are encouraged in order to make room for as many riders as possible; board near the beginning of the route if possible; take photos as you exit the train rather than snapping away before you board and risk missing the train.
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