CTA Holiday Train

High school (ages 12+)
Holidays & Celebrations

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/cta-holiday-train

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the seasonal deployment?Operates annually during the winter holiday period, specifically from November through December
2. When does the CTA Holiday Train run?The train travels every year from November through December. It’s a holiday tradition that people look forward to each winter.
3. Why is Santa on the train?Santa rides on an open‑air flatcar so he can wave and talk to passengers and people on the street. It spreads holiday joy and lets families meet him in a fun setting.

Chicago 'L' System: The elevated rapid transit network operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, a key component of the city's public transportation infrastructure.
Open-air flatcar: A type of railway car characterized by a flat, unobstructed deck, typically used for carrying large or specialized cargo, or in this case, for a visible passenger like Santa.
Public Transit as Cultural Platform: The concept of utilizing public transportation systems not only for mobility but also as venues for cultural events, community engagement, and festive celebrations.