As train ridership rebounds from a pandemic drop-off, Metra announced Wednesday that it will soon gain two new riders: Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The commuter rail system will add a “Holiday Train” for the first time since 2008 this year, a Metra spokesman said.
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The festive addition — separate from the hyper-decorated Holiday Train that graces Chicago Transit Authority “L” lines as Christmas approaches — promises to bring “holiday magic” to the Metra Electric Line on three Saturdays this December.
“Our trains are already safe, reliable, and comfortable, but they can be fun too,” said Jim Derwinski, Metra CEO and executive director in a news release. “This is our way to bring a little bit of holiday joy.”
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Riders who score a ticket for the train will be greeted by elves as they embark and find goody bags aboard, Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said. The train will be decorated with lights, wreaths and candy canes.
Its last stop will be the Millennium station, which will be transformed into a North Pole-like wonderland, Gillis added. Face-painting, games, holiday music and, of course, Santa will await passengers at the downtown stop.
“To spread even more holiday cheer, Metra is also donating tickets for the Dec. 3 train to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago,” Metra’s news release said.
The holiday rides will take place on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Trains will depart from University Park at 11 a.m. Saturday and return at 3:15 p.m., making stops along the way and waiting two hours at Millennium before embarking on its return journey, though riders wishing to enjoy Chicago’s holiday festivities longer will be able to take any outbound Metra Electric train that day.
Tickets are $5 and go on sale Monday. They must be purchased in advance and tickets will not be available on trains, on the Ventra app or from vending machines.
Passengers can instead buy tickets from Metra Electric ticket agents at the Millennium and Van Buren stations, as well as Rock Island Line ticket agents at the LaSalle Street, Blue Island Vermont Street, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Tinley Park 80th Avenue, New Lenox and Joliet stations, according to Metra.
The CTA has not shared plans for its Holiday Train, though details are expected soon.
jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
